‘Bigger and better': 600 runners expected at Navachab Half-Marathon

The sports ministry's Omaruru office announced at a press conference in Windhoek yesterday that 600 participants have registered for the 10th edition of the Navachab Half-Marathon Challenge Race.

The event with QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine as main sponsor is set to take place in Karibib this Saturday, featuring participants in the 21 km, 10 km and 5 km race categories.

Race director and Omaruru regional sports officer, Bethold Karumendu, expressed excitement about the event, highlighting the growth and significance of the road race over the past decade.

“We started this race ten years ago and Saturday’s edition will be bigger and better. We’ve planned and prepared, but to truly experience the event, you should be in Karibib,” Karumendu said.



Registration closes at midnight

He detailed the extensive preparations made, adding that online registration would close at midnight (tonight). Participants should collect their bib numbers on Friday from 15:00 until 22:00.

Karumendu announced that this year's prize money reflects the race's professional aspirations, with N$20 000 awarded to the winners of both the senior men’s and women’s 21 km open categories.

“In the 21 km Open category, which is open to anyone 16 years and older – also including seniors, juniors, veterans, masters and grandmasters – prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers.

“Second place will receive N$15 000, third place N$10 000, and amounts will continue down to N$500 for 10th place. Both the men’s and women’s open categories follow this prize structure,” he noted.

The 10 km race will offer N$10 000 for the senior open category winner, N$7 000 for second place, and N$5 000 for third. The 10 km race is also open to anyone 16 years and older, with additional categories for juniors, veterans, masters and primary school learners.



No mattresses

While he acknowledged the support from stakeholders, Karumendu also raised concerns about logistical challenges at the Usakos Youth Hostel, where participants are scheduled to stay.

“I'm not going to hide anything today. We’ve booked the youth hostel in Usakos, but we’re facing challenges with mattresses and cleaning materials. For me, it's unacceptable, unless the youth hostel is closed altogether,” he noted.

Participants coming from as far as ?Kharas, Zambezi and the northern regions cannot be expected to compromise on proper accommodation. “Where are they supposed to sleep?” he wanted to know.

He emphasised that the nearest available accommodation is the Usakos Youth Hostel, urging the directorate of youth to duly address the issue as it does not directly fall under his department.

“The ministry pays the staff working there, but due to the lack of materials, we can’t use the hostel effectively. I’ve booked it, and I’ll send the athletes there, but I’m concerned about the conditions they will face,” he cautioned.

In response, the director of sport development, Jo-Ann Manuel, pointed out ongoing improvements, indicating that they have renovated all the ministry’s youth hostels, “not just in certain areas, but across the country”.

“We want to make the facilities pleasant for anyone who wishes to stay there. Additionally, we are working to open up more facilities nationwide. The Independence Stadium is taking longer than expected, but mark my words, it will be ready,” she assured.