Husab Marathon attracts well over 1 000 runners
Road running
The Husab Marathon sponsored by Swakop Uranium was a major success on Saturday, drawing well over 1 000 participants to its annual event. The road race featured several categories including the 42.2 km full marathon, 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km marathon, and a 5 km walk.
Among the who’s who of long-distance running in the country, former Olympic qualifier Tomas Rainhold was way in front of the men’s marathon and retained his title, while Alina Armas beat fellow Olympic veteran Beata Naigambo and Anna Amutoko in the women’s race.
A standout feature of this year’s event was the 5 km Suicide Solidarity March, which aimed to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Irvinne Simataa, executive vice-president of Swakop Uranium, emphasized the importance of the march in addressing mental health issues and fostering community support.
“It is not just a race, it is an experience in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world,” Simataa said.
“Since its inception in 2018, the Husab Marathon has grown significantly, reflecting a broader community interest in healthy living and mental health awareness. This year, we’ve added a focus on suicide prevention to highlight the pressing issue of mental health in our society.”
Simataa noted that the number of participants has increased from about 850 in the first year to nearly 1 450 this year, demonstrating a rising interest not only among Swakop Uranium employees, but indeed within the broader community.
Helalia Johannes, who became a five-time Olympic marathon runner at Paris 2024, served as the ambassador for the 2024 Husab Marathon and competed in the 10 km distance.
She shared valuable advice for aspiring runners, stressing the importance of a well-structured training routine, nutrition and recovery.
“To be a champion, you need discipline, hard work and perseverance,” Johannes said. She expressed gratitude to Swakop Uranium for its support of the sport industry in Namibia, highlighting the event’s role in promoting athletic talent and community health.
Saturday’s race results:
42 KM MARATHON
- Male 20-39 Years:
1 Tomas Rainhold (2:28:26)
2 Tomas Andreas (2:56:16)
3 Jaco van den Berg (3:04:30)
- Female 20-39 Years:
1 Pamela Vurayi (3:42:21)
2 Winnie Mukupukie (4:12:12)
3 Arina Lensing 4:17:25)
- Veteran Male:
1 Frans Amakali (3:16:36)
2 Joas Wahengo (3:29:13)
3 Thomas Ankoshi (3:39:21)
- Veteran Female:
1 Alina Armas (2:54:26)
2 Beata Naigambo (3:03:15)
3 Anna Amutoko (3:13:56)
- Masters Male:
1 Kristof Ndunga (3:04:17)
2 Bolla Akwenye (3:16:36)
3 Alex Kanu (3:33:49)
- Masters Female:
1 Elmarie Adriaanse (4:50:04)
2 Cecilia Lotsch (4:51:52)
21 KM HALF MARATHON
- Male 20-39 Years:
1 Michael Paulus (1:14:19)
2 Onesmus Kashikuka (1:14:23)
3 Malakia Namukomba (1:15:29)
- Female 20-39 Years:
1 Tuuliki Angala (1:24:02)
2 Ivonne Shelikita (1:27:57)
3 Ally Uxamb (1:55:29)
- Veteran Male:
1 Jeremiah Shetekela (1:29:17)
2 Absalom Namweya (1:34:47)
3 Lasarus Amuthenu (1:35:34)
- Veteran Female:
1 Mariana Mbako (1:58:35)
2 Merike Heath (1:59:05)
3 Yvette Idiou (2:04:50)
- Master Male:
1 Salomo David (1:13:54)
2 Werner Bachmann (1:53:11)
3 Fabian Haufiku (1:57:25)
- Master Female:
1 Emilia Katekene Nambahu (1:48:50)
2 Gabriele Gossow (2:04:20)
3 Marion Himmel (2:08:09)
10 KILOMETRES
- Male 20-39 Years:
1 Megameno Mateus (0:32:15)
2 Petrus Shigwedha (0:33:59)
3 Tangimwene Iiyambo (0:38:47)
- Female 20-39 Years:
1 Beata Jeremias (0:46:00)
2 Wilka Kakoko (0:49:45)
3 Alma Namupala (0:52:16)
- Veteran Male:
1 Matheus Kadhingula (0:32:42)
2 David Shilongo (0:35:19)
3 Robert Kaxuxuena (0:37:13)
- Veteran Female:
1 Helalia Johannes (0:35:19)
2 Helena Iipinge (0:48:50)
3 Efe Agbamu (1:05:49)
- Masters Male:
1 Matias Mutota (0:38:59)
2 Abraham Rooi (0:47:48)
3 Alben Elias (0:51:32)
- Masters Female:
1 Ester Mbango (0:48:49)
2 Ortrud Paulse (0:56:08)
3 Suama Haleinge (0:57:14)
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