• Archery

Nedbank Citi Dash back with a bang

• 9 Months Ago 18 August 2023

The Nedbank Citi Dash is scheduled to take place in Windhoek on September 10th.

Tokkie Bombosch, the organiser of the Citi Dash, and a former Namibian champion cyclist, provided an overview of how the City Dash initiative was conceived.

"I came up with the idea in 2018 to set up an annual sports event in the heart of Windhoek's central business district. I wanted to make people more health and fitness aware," he said.

"There are many cities worldwide that do this, and it has developed into international competitions. The idea is also to revive the city. We have the perfect venue with Independence Avenue, which is flat and 100 percent suitable for the race,” he added.

Exciting return

The first competition took place on 23 June 2018 and was a huge success, he said.

In 2019, 2 500 athletes participated on the same date.

However, for the next three years the City Dash could not take place.

"But now the Citi Dash is back, and this time it's just going to be bigger and better than the first two events," Bombosch said.

"With the help of Cycletec, OTB Sport, Checkers, Ineos International, iStore, Namibia Health Plan and Paratus, we will offer the people an experience like never before."

Honing runners

The City Dash founder explained: "For the 10 kilometres, there are elite classes for senior and under-18 athletes. The goal is to breed more middle-distance athletes. Namibia has quite a few marathon runners who are doing well, but we currently do not have the athletes who can maintain a pace of three minutes or less per km over 10 km.

"In order to be internationally competitive, an athlete must be able to cover 10 km within 30 minutes, and this is the goal for every elite participant."

He urged participants to "come show us your speed and talent."

Developing fitness

Bombosch underlined that each participant or group will receive their time, and this can be used to make comparisons and to see how fit the person in question is.

"The goal is to develop people. This year they may only walk the 5 km, but next year they will be ready to run the 5 km, and the year after that they will tackle the 10 km."

Moreover, in preparation for the Citi Dash, a seminar will be hosted at the end of August in support of participants who are not quite experienced.

Big prizes and fun

A total of N$101 000 can be won in the various divisions, in addition to prizes that can be won through lucky draws.

Schools and clubs can pick up prizes for the most participants in the top three positions. The elite visually impaired and wheelchair athletes will not be left behind, and there are cash prizes for the first three places.

"There will be a festive atmosphere with stalls. Nedbank will provide a kapana stall as well as Roberto's Pizza, while Checkers will serve their champion boerewors. We are going to create a wonderful festive atmosphere, and to experience it, the people must be there. Everyone is welcome," the former Namibian champion cyclist said.

Prizes (10 km)

Elite senior women and men, as well as elite under-18 athletes:

1 N$7 000, 2 N$5 000, 3 N$4 000, 4 N$2 500, 5 N$1 500

Elite visually impaired and wheelchair athletes:

1 N$2 000, 2 N$1 500, 3 N$1 000

Schools with the most participants:

1 N$5 000, 2 N$3 000, 3 N$1 500

Clubs with the most participants:

1 N$3 000, 2 N$2 000, 3 N$1 000

Entry prices:

Elite 10 km: N$300 (includes a t-shirt and medal)

Five and 10 km fun run/walk: N$100 (finisher medal)

Five- and 10-kilometre fun runs and walks for schools: N$50 (finisher medal)

Entries close on 27 August.

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