Matias Simon and Tuuli Angala won the elite categories at Sunday’s Nedbank Citi Dash in Windhoek, leading a strong field of dedicated capital runners.
Simon won the elite men’s category in 29 minutes and 40 seconds, attributing the result to his preparation and saying his body had “responded well” during the race.
Afterwards, he encouraged younger athletes to take up the sport.
“Running is more enjoyable when we do it together because we can celebrate together at the end,” he said.
Angala completed the course in 35 minutes and 50 seconds to win the elite women’s category.
Speaking afterwards, she described the race as tough, particularly because of the hills, but said she was proud to finish first.
For Angala, the appeal of the Nedbank Citi Dash also lies in its ability to bring people together.
“What makes this race special is that people come together to run.”
Petrus Nuule claimed the under-18 men’s title in 32 minutes and 49 seconds. He has welcomed the opportunity to compete and says he intended to return.
“Athletics today was very good. We need to continue developing athletics next year, and I will take part in the race again.”
Martha Samuel won the under-18 women’s category in 46 minutes and 28 seconds.
The result followed six months of preparation for her second appearance at the event.
Samuel says the course was demanding and that she had not expected to win.
“I prepared for about six months, and that work helped me through the race.”
Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Selma Kaulinge says the Nedbank Citi Dash continues to give runners a structured event through which to pursue personal goals and take part in road running in the capital.
“Each runner arrives with a different goal. Some compete for a place on the podium, while others focus on completing the distance or improving their previous time.
“The Nedbank Citi Dash provides the setting for each of those achievements.”
She says youth participation remains an important part of the event, with reduced entry fees offered to runners under the age of 18 in the fun-run categories.
The 10km Elite Run attracted 168 athletes, comprising 116 men and 52 women. The field included 22 runners in the under-18 categories.
Kaulinge acknowledges the contribution of the event organisers and volunteers, as well as the support provided by the City of Windhoek and sponsors involved in delivering the event.
Staging a road race through Windhoek requires careful coordination and support.
“We thank Namibia Health Plan, Pupkewitz Motors, DStv, Pepsi, Namibia Active Adventures, Checkers, Rent-A-Drum, Pupkewitz Mega Tech, Cycletec and the Namibia National Olympic Committee, as well as every volunteer who contributed to the event,” Kaulinge says.
