Windhoek: Namibia's long-distance runner Lavinia Haitope successfully defended her Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon title with a dramatic photo finish in Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday. Haitope, who claimed the title for the first time last year, produced another performance to retain her crown, crossing the finish line in one hour, 12 minutes and 36 seconds (01:12:36). She narrowly edged South Africa's Cacisile Sosibo, who finished just one second behind in 01:12:37.According to Namibia Press Agency, in the men's race, South Africa's Pontsho Motaung claimed victory in 01:02:32. Namibia's Daniel Paulus finished seventh in 01:02:53, while compatriot Simon Mathias placed 12th in 01:03:52. Speaking to Nampa after the race, Haitope expressed delight with her victory and said her focus has now shifted to qualifying for the marathon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. 'I want to thank QKR Navachab for sponsoring my accommodation and flights. I am happy with my finishing time, but my main goal is to work h ard over the next two years, qualify for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, and proudly represent Namibia,' she said.Meanwhile, organisers of the QKR Navachab Half Marathon and senior sports officer in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Berthold Karumendu commended Navachab for its continued investment in Namibian athletics. 'What Navachab is doing for our athletes by giving them opportunities to compete in high-quality events such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon is commendable. Competing against athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Lesotho and across South Africa provides valuable international exposure and serves as preparation for next year's Olympic qualification events,' he said.Karumendu also praised the Namibian athletes for making the most of the opportunity. 'The competition was of a high standard, and the Nelson Mandela Bay course is fast and flat. Haitope also earned N.dollars 40 000 in prize money, which contributes to the local economy when athletes return ho me. This demonstrates that our elite athletes are increasingly becoming professionals, and that sport can create economic opportunities,' he said. He added that the experience gained by the athletes would also help improve the standard of the QKR Navachab Half-Marathon, with organisers aiming to secure World Athletics Bronze Label status in the near future.'With Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan 6 guiding the country's development, corporate support such as that provided by Navachab plays an important role in helping government achieve its long-term objectives while advancing sport in Namibia,' Karumendu said.