Rössing Marathon numbers swell

Entries have doubled for the highly anticipated Rössing Marathon Championship and Fun Walk scheduled for 9 March at Swakopmund.

Rössing Uranium’s corporate communications manager, Daylight Ekandjo, says this year’s edition is testament to the inevitable growth of the Rössing Marathon, which features elite and amateur runners from across the country.

“Entries this year have doubled to just over 2 000, and this cements the dire need of sporting events in the country. The nation every year looks forward to this event, and this year’s numbers only mean we should double our efforts to appetise running for health reasons, and at the same time create a platform for our elite runners to compete nationally to better represent the country internationally,” Ekandjo says.

To date, this remains Rössing Uranium’s flagship sport event and the biggest on the Erongo region’s sporting calendar, partnered with Swakop Striders running club.

The event at the scenic coastal town starts at 07h00 from the tennis courts at the town, with amateur and elite runners expected to compete in the 42km marathon, the 21km Frank Slabbert half-marathon, the 10km run, and 5km fun walk.

Alina Armas, who won the top female prize in the marathon, on Friday said she was excited to face new competition.

“I have already started with preparations for the Rössing Marathon and would like to call on all athletes to register and make their name on the weekend. Train hard so that you get the results you want. Consistency is key in everything you do,” said the eight-time elite female winner of the Rössing Marathon.

Late registration for the marathon is set for 3 March 2024.

The entry fee for the full or half-marathon is N$50, N$30 for the 10km run, and N$20 for the fun walk.

Registration for the fun walk will take place on 8 March between 16h00 and 20h00, and on 9 March from 06h00 to 08h45 at Strand Street car parking area near the tennis courts.

Entry is N$20 per walk, and all proceeds will be channelled to the Cancer Association of Namibia.

The starting times for the marathon and half-marathon is 07h00, while the 10km run gets underway at 07h30. The fun walk starts at 09h00.