Coastal marathon attracts runners from near and far

Road running
Frieda Molotho
  • 1 Week Ago - 2024-10-07 00:00:00
The annual Bachmus Coastal Marathon drew over 900 participants on Saturday, highlighting the endurance and determination of athletes while celebrating the spirit of camaraderie among runners from diverse backgrounds.
In the men’s 42 km race, Tangeni Sakaria emerged as the champion, completing the race in 2:21:42 and earning a cash prize of N$20 000. He was closely followed by Sakaria Shifotoka, the first veteran to finish in 2:31:03, while Paulus Linus Twelifilwa took third place with a time of 02:37:54.
In the women’s 42 km race, veteran runner Alina Armas claimed victory (2:39:53) followed by fellow veteran Beata Naigambo (2:50:58), while Jocelle Wessels rounded out the podium finishing in 3:32:37.
The 21 km men’s race saw fierce competition, with Daniel Paulus taking the lead to finish in 1:05:31. He was followed by Ndahangwanasho Nghilyeendele (1:09:14) and Bonifastus Kavana (1:14:38).
In the women’s 21 km race, Andrek Lucia Lyaalukeni crossed the finish line first at 1:19:41, with Kylie Louwrens (1:33:16) and Ilse van Zyl (1:42:37) securing second and third places, respectively.
Simon Paulus delivered an outstanding race in the men’s 10 km category, finishing in a swift 29 minutes 56 seconds to beat Jeremia Shaliaxwe (30:45) and Teofilus Lisias at 32:36.
In the women’s 10 km race, Tuuliki Angala (37:05)claimed first place, while Dinah Smith (48:00) and Zanti Hansen (50:04) completed the podium.
Michelle Wilson, one of the event organizers, emphasized the marathon’s significance in fostering inclusivity and competition among runners of varying skill levels. “This event is not just about racing; it’s about qualifying the runners for other prestigious races, like next year’s Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon. Everyone is a winner as long as they cross the finish line,” she noted.
The Bachmus Coastal Marathon continues to be a premier event in Namibia’s athletic calendar, attracting runners from both local and international communities, all striving to push their limits.