The seventh edition of the Navachab Gold Mine half-marathon was launched here on Tuesday, with an improved sponsorship of N.dollars 120 000.

The event, which had its maiden edition in 2014, took a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but will make its return at Karibib in the Erongo Region next month.

Speaking during a media briefing held at the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, race director and Omaruru sports officer Berthold Karumendu said all Namibians are invited to take part in the half-marathon on 17 September.

“This year we are expecting to see a lot of people competing in the half marathon. All Namibians must feel free to be part of this event. We will also have a fun walk and run of five kilometres,” he said.

Karumendu confirmed that there will be prizes for athletes in the various categories, which are the junior (16-19 years); senior (20-39 years); veterans (40-49 years); and masters (50+ years) categories. The prizes will be confirmed at a later stage.

Meanwhile, Navachab Mine Public Relations and Communication Officer McLyn Kasale said they want the event to make a great comeback, hence their decision to increase the sponsorship.

“With Covid-19 we were unable to host the event due to the restrictions, so what we want now is to have a great comeback. The N.dollars 120 000 sponsorship is a way to attract elite athletes and grow the marathon,” he said.

He added that Navachab Mine is committed to growing the event and plans to improve the sponsorship for 2023.

“We want this race to grow. Next year we might even include a 10km run,” Kasale said.

Councillor Ntoni Petrus of the Karibib Town Council stated that the town is ready to host the event.

“We are well aware that this type of event boosts the economy of the town and we are looking forward to hosting this event for many more years,” said Petrus.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency