Gobabis Skou combines volleyball and endurance racing

Multi-sport
Brian Munango
  • 1 Hour Ago

The 2026 Gobabis Skou delivered a diverse sporting programme, with the inaugural volleyball tournament and Thorn Fifty endurance event providing highlights for competitors and spectators.

The volleyball tournament saw Gobabis NAMPOL crowned champions after defeating Gobabis VTC in the final.

NAMPOL walked away with the N$9,000 first prize, while VTC players received N$500 Gobabis Spar vouchers each as runners-up.

The tournament was introduced by the Gobabis Show Committee as an inclusive sporting activity, with teams competing in pool matches before progressing to the playoffs and final.

Organiser Stefan Beukes said the first edition was a success, with plans already in place to make the tournament bigger next year. Teams from outside Gobabis will also be encouraged to enter.

The inaugural Thorn Fifty added an endurance element to the show, featuring 50km competitions for cyclists, solo runners and teams.

WP Michau won the cycling event in 1 hour 59 minutes, followed by Ben Dauth and Nadine Gerber.

In the children’s cycling category, Hugo Pienaar claimed first place in 2 hours 43 minutes, with Liam Pienaar and Elia Emula finishing second.

The Thorn Fifty team competition was won by the Pacemakers, who completed the distance in 3 hours 52 minutes. Thornados finished second in 5 hours 14 minutes, while Dust Crew took third in 5 hours 19 minutes.

In the solo category, Buks Gous won the men’s race in 5 hours 25 minutes, while Mareli Delport claimed the women’s title in 7 hours 58 minutes.

Delport, a teacher at Gobabis Gymnasium Private School, used the event to raise funds for the school. Learners and members of the community could sponsor her per kilometre completed, with the proceeds going towards the purchase of a new school mascot.

Gous praised the Thorn Fifty organisers for putting together a well-planned route with sufficient water points. He is also preparing for the Backyard Ultra World Championships on 17 October.

Thorn Fifty organiser Madré Swart said the event would return next year, with plans to attract more solo runners, teams and cyclists.

The successful debut of both events added a new sporting dimension to the Gobabis Skou, with organisers already looking ahead to an expanded programme in 2027.