Runners go for top SA race

WINDHOEK – Two of Namibia’s top female long distance runners will compete in the Nedbank South African Marathon and 10km Championships billed for Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Beata Naigambo and Racher Akukothela will both run in the marathon. Akukothela is already in South Africa, while Naigambo will depart on Thursday.The event, which includes a wheelchair competition, carries a total prize package of N$1 million.The first man and woman in the marathon will each receive N$100 000, while there are prizes up to 20th position as well as age category prizes.The first runners (male and female) over 10km will each receive N$5 000, with prizes up to 10th position.The wheelchair race offers a N$60 000 first prize.Meanwhile, Namibia’s 2006 Sportswoman of the year, Helaria Johannes will run in the Dubai Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.She is up against some of the top athletes in the world, including the world record holder over 21km, Rhona Kiplagat of Kenya.Johannes recently set a new Namibian record over 21km with a time of 1 hour 12 minutes 32 seconds at the Lahore Marathon in Pakistan on January 14.She was invited to participate as a pace setter for the official marathon over 42km and just completed the first 21km of the official marathon.NampaAkukothela is already in South Africa, while Naigambo will depart on Thursday.The event, which includes a wheelchair competition, carries a total prize package of N$1 million.The first man and woman in the marathon will each receive N$100 000, while there are prizes up to 20th position as well as age category prizes.The first runners (male and female) over 10km will each receive N$5 000, with prizes up to 10th position.The wheelchair race offers a N$60 000 first prize.Meanwhile, Namibia’s 2006 Sportswoman of the year, Helaria Johannes will run in the Dubai Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.She is up against some of the top athletes in the world, including the world record holder over 21km, Rhona Kiplagat of Kenya.Johannes recently set a new Namibian record over 21km with a time of 1 hour 12 minutes 32 seconds at the Lahore Marathon in Pakistan on January 14.She was invited to participate as a pace setter for the official marathon over 42km and just completed the first 21km of the official marathon.Nampa