Navachab race delivers bigger and better 12th edition
Karibib was transformed into a hub of road running on Saturday as the Navachab Half Marathon attracted 1 416 entries, with athletes competing in the 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km events for the total prize purse of N$545 000.
The 12th edition marked another step in the growth of the race, with organisers highlighting mass participation, healthy living, talent identification and the economic impact of the event on Karibib.
The increased prize purse was one of the major attractions, with the senior men’s and women’s open 21.1 km winners each receiving N$30 000.
Junior men’s and women’s winners received N$10 000 each, while the veteran, masters and grand masters categories offered N$7 000, N$5 000 and N$3 000 respectively.
The first male and female Navachab employees also received N$2 000 each, while the winners of the 5 km fun run and walk received N$1 000.
Daniel Paulus claimed the men’s open 21.1 km title, finishing ahead of defending champion Matias Simon.
Paulus, who ran the 10 km at last year’s event shortly after returning from Japan, said he was pleased to step up to the longer distance.
“I’m very happy because this year I did not compete well, but I’m here for this event,” Paulus said. “I’m going to continue my training and search for my next competition.”
Simon welcomed the challenge of racing against Paulus, the national record holder in both the half and full marathon.
“I’m happy to compete with Daniel. That’s what it is about, challenging. If you don’t have a challenge, then you don’t feel free to compete,” Simon said.
Maria Kanyanga produced one of the standout performances of the day. The 19-year-old from Kavango West won both the women’s open and junior 21.1 km categories, earning a combined N$40 000.
Kanyanga won the overall women’s race in 1:16:39, winning the junior category ahead of Peneendjovo Gabriel and Emma Namatati Kadhila.
In the women’s open category, Shiivomwene Shilongo came overall second in 1:16:57, finishing ahead of Martha Shivolo in 1:17:19 and Salmi Nduviteko in 1:20:17.
The men’s junior race was won by Willem Shipoyeni in 1:09:35, with Tomas Nicodemus second and Petrus Fimaneka Nuule third.
The 10 km titles went to Petrus Nepwanga (men’s winner in 30:33) and Tuuliki Angala, who claimed the women’s race in 34:28.
Bigger and better
Race organiser Bethold “BK” Karumendu said the turnout demonstrated the progress made in recent years.
“We started 12 years ago, very small. Every year, we have been doing it and we become bigger and better,” Karumendu said.
He said the race was also contributing to Karibib’s economy as visitors filled accommodation facilities and supported local businesses.
“This type of event is always contributing to the socio-economic growth of the town, in terms of accommodation, meals and transportation,” he said.
Tuafi Shafombabi, public relations officer of Navachab Gold Mine, said organisers had achieved their objective of making the event bigger.
“Today’s theme is bigger and better, so we’ve reached that goal,” Shafombabi said.
She also highlighted the introduction of live coverage from the venue as one of the additions that contributed to the event’s growth, while crediting the sponsors, Karibib Town Council and community for their support.
The race also attracted senior sports officials, with Dr Freddy Mwiya, chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, taking part in the 5 km.
Mwiya said he normally runs the 10 km, but opted for the shorter distance after spending considerable time outside the country. “I said, let me start with a 5 km, but it went very well,” he said.
With 1 416 entries, increased prize money and growing community involvement, the Navachab Half Marathon continues to develop into more than a race, becoming an annual gathering that combines competitive running, mass participation and economic activity in Karibib.
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