What begins on the road as a test of endurance is developing into something much bigger for Walvis Bay.
Namport Manager for Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Cliff Shikuambi, says the annual Powerhouse Challenge is using running and cycling to promote healthier communities, create opportunities for athletes, and stimulate economic activity for local businesses.
The Namport Powerhouse Challenge returned to Walvis Bay for its third edition last weekend, bringing runners and cyclists together across several competitive categories.
For the Namibia Ports Authority, the event has grown beyond medals and finishing times. Shikuambi stated that the initiative was designed to strengthen relationships with communities, port users, and other stakeholders while encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.
This year's programme featured several running and cycling categories, backed by a combined prize pool of nearly N$200,000.
A key highlight of the competition was the 50-kilometre race, which served as an official qualifier for the prestigious Comrades Marathon, providing athletes with a high-stakes competitive platform."What's very special about this year's race is that we have a 50-kilometre qualifier for the Comrades, and the winners in both the male and female categories will each walk away with N$20 000," Shikuambi said.
Beyond the sporting contest, Shikuambi emphasized that the influx of participants traveling to Walvis Bay yields tangible economic benefits for the coastal city. Visitors required accommodation, food, and local services, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were provided a platform to showcase and sell their products."When you look at an event like this, you have so many cyclists and runners coming from outside towns. The accommodation facilities are benefiting, and we have a lot of SMEs showcasing the products they are selling," Shikuambi noted.
Namport views the challenge as an evolving intersection of sports, community development, and local enterprise. As participation continues to expand, the organization aims to build on the event's momentum to encourage physical fitness while deepening engagement with the host community.