Mutanya and Naigambo 2019 Rossing Marathon Champions

Zambian national Mathews Mutanya and Beata Naigambo won the women's and men's races of the 2019 Rössing Marathon respectively on Saturday in Swakopmund. Mutanya recorded a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes and 49 seconds , while Naigambo finished her race in 2 hours, 43 minutes and 41 seconds. This year's win marked Mathews Mutanya's second at the Rössing Marathon, which he also won last year. This time around, however, he did not manage to improve his time of last year, which was 2 hours, 16 minutes and 52 seconds. Overall, the 2019 Rössing Marathon saw a record number of entries with more then 600 runners and walkers competing in 42 kms, 21 kms , 10 kms, 10 km relay and a 5km fun walk for the general public. Ultimately, all eyes were on the half and full marathon athletes and with perfect weather conditions, the pack was off first with more then hundred and fifty runners competiting in the two distances. The bigger pack of runners was in the 10 km races and they were off second from the starting line., and for most of the competitors, this was more for fun and fitness. The 42 km full marathon runners set a good pace early in the race and a group of six runners broke away from the rest. It was only at the turn-around point that Mutanya started to show his strength to win his second Rössing marathon, six minutes clear of second placed Kefas Kondjashlii. In the women's 42 km race, Beata Naigambo had a lone run and was not challenged at all. She won the 42 km marathon womens race, 13 minutes clear of second place finisher, Leena Ekandjo. Rossing Uranium marathon organizers and management were very pleased with the 28th edition of the marathon and with the moto " My health, my right " they also aimed to promote healthy habits and supporting positive lifestyles in the community. This year's marathon was sponsored by Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium and hosted by Swakop Striders Athletics Club.

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Trimo Herbst