Tomas Rainhold and Alina Armas were crowned Rössing National Marathon 2023 champions in Swakopmund on Saturday.
The 2023 edition of the Rössing marathon held at the coastal town of Swakopmund yesterday, saw a record number of more than 800 athletes taking part in their respective categories.
This year marks the return of the event in its original format, after the 2021 and 2022 editions took place virtually due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Organized by Rössing Uranium, in conjunction with Swakop Striders, the event made history as it recorded the biggest participation since its inception 32 years ago.
Runners once again competed in a 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race and a 5km fun-walk.
This year's route passes through the town of Swakopmund before heading out onto the Hentiesbay road and back.
After the start of the 21 and 42 km races, it was time for the start of the 10km race which is always the highlight for runners, professional and fun-runners alike.
In the men's 42km race at the turning point, only two runners were leading, but Tomas Rainhold proved too strong as he finished the race in a time of 02:14:08, followed by Kefas Kondjashili with a time of 02:16:46.
In the women’s 42km race, the pack was spread out with runners unable to challenge Alina Armas.
Armas won the race in a time of 02:44:33, with Risa Dreyer
in second in a time of 02:57:37.
They both received N$ 20 000 and shopping vouchers valued at N$ 20 000 for their sports gear and equipment.
Rössing Uranium’s Managing Director Johan Coetzee congratulated all the winners who took part in this year’s 32nd Rössing National Marathon.
“The Rössing Marathon is one of our key annual social investment initiatives, and all the entry fees collected for over 300 5Km Fun Walkers, go directly to the Cancer Association of Namibia in the fight against cancer. The entry fees of the 10km, 21km and 42km are donated to the Swakop Striders Athletics Club, in support of the development of local and especially less-privileged athletes,” he said.
Apart from being a competitive road race, the event was also used for fun by young and old who came out to enjoy the day.