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Bachmus Coastal Marathon this Saturday

• 5 Days Ago 02 October 2025

Excitement is building ahead of the Bachmus Coastal Marathon taking place this Saturday, with organisers confirming that entries have nearly doubled compared to last year.

According to Jaco Marias, Commercial Manager of Bachmus Oil, the event is steadily growing into one of Namibia’s premier road races.

“We are quite proud of the fact that we almost doubled in numbers in comparison to the prior year. The aim is for this to become a flagship marathon for Namibia, with the potential to expand into a major international event,” Marias said.

The marathon kicks off at 06:00 sharp at the Venita Sports Fields in Swakopmund. The half marathon will follow at 06:45 from Langstrand, with the 10 km race starting at 06:30 and the 5 km fun run at 08:00 from Walvis Bay Private School where the Walvisfees is also taking place. The finish line for the full and half marathon is at Walvis Bay Private School.

Participation has soared from just under 800 runners last year to around 1 700 this year, with about 60 international athletes from across the SADC region already confirmed. “It might even increase further as fun run entries are still open on Saturday morning,” Marias explained.

The marathon route is along the B2 road between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund giving runners the contrasts of the desert dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Runners will start at the athletic field, head through town, and continue all the way to Walvis Bay Private High School. The half marathon begins at Langstrand before joining the main route, while the shorter distances will take participants through Walvis Bay.



Road closures for safety

For the first time in the event’s history, there will be partial road closures along the B2 between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Stop-and-go controls will be in place, with a temporary speed limit of 40 km/h.

“This measure is purely for the safety of runners. We advise motorists who do not want delays to use the new dual carriageway behind the dunes,” Marias said.

Bachmus Oil took over sponsorship of the marathon last year, and Marias confirmed that the company is committed for the long term.

“As a company, we encourage overall wellness. It’s not just about running – we promote fitness and health among our staff and the wider community. Supporting this event is a way for us to give back,” he noted.

Improvements for 2025 include upgraded medals, branded caps, and a finish-line “gazebo village” where supporters and running clubs can gather.

Marias encouraged the community to support the event, whether as participants or spectators. “If you missed out this year, please make sure you enter next year. Follow our social media pages to stay updated and be part of the growth of this marathon,” he said.