Simon and Nduviteku win Rössing National Marathon titles

An impressive total of 4 500 runners had entered to take part.
Matias Simon and Salmi Nduviteko emerged as the winners of the 42.2 km race at the 2026 Rössing National Marathon in Swakopmund on Saturday.
Adam Hartman
  • 1 Day Ago 09 March 2026

Matias Simon and Salmi Nduviteko claimed victory in the 42.2 km race at the Rössing National Marathon held in Swakopmund on Saturday.

Simon won the men’s marathon in an official time of 2 hours 13 minutes 00 seconds, finishing well ahead of Jesaya Matheus, who crossed the line in 2:17:07, and Wilhelm Hangula in third place with 2:17:33.

Speaking after the race, Simon said he had a strong run despite challenging conditions.

“I had a great race. The wind made the first half difficult, but coming back it was much better,” he said.

Simon said he enjoyed the race and plans to continue training for upcoming competitions. He added that the Swakopmund marathon was approximately his fifth or sixth time competing in the event.

In the women’s race, Nduviteko was the first to finish in 2:37:03. The next fastest female finishers were veteran runner Ottillie Aimwata with 2:44:06 and Alina Armas in 2:47:39.

For Nduviteko, the victory marked a milestone as it was her first marathon race and her first win.

“I am very happy with my performance. It was my first victory,” she said after crossing the finish line.

Both marathon winners received gold medals as well as prize money totalling N$40 000 each, which included a N$20 000 award for winning their respective categories and a development bonus of N$20 000.


Half marathon

In the half marathon (21.1 km) open, Simon Paulus took the men’s title in 1:05:14, while Svenja Pingpank won the women’s race in 1:14:46.

The 10 km open race was won by Martin Kadira in the men’s division with a time of 33:57, while Sofia Kakonda claimed victory in the women’s race in 39:39.


Thousands of runners

Rössing Uranium managing director Johan Coetzee said the marathon continues to grow and remains an important event for Swakopmund and the country.

“This year’s marathon is even better. It is the biggest marathon we have ever had, with 4 500 entries,” Coetzee said.

He said the event has become an established part of Swakopmund’s culture and continues to attract runners and supporters from across Namibia and abroad.

“Early in the year, in March, people already know it is time for the Swakopmund marathon – the Rössing Marathon,” he said.

Coetzee added that the event also benefits the town's economy as athletes and their families travel to Swakopmund to take part.

“For Swakopmund it is very big,” he said.

The Rössing National Marathon – sponsored by Rössing Uranium for 35 consecutive years and co-organised by Swakop Striders – remains one of the longest-running road races in the coastal town and continues to draw athletes from across Namibia and beyond.