Navachab Half Marathon Highlights Namibia’s Emerging Road-Running Talent

Navachab Half Marathon Highlights Namibia’s Emerging Road-Running TTalent. The 12th Navachab Half Marathon Challenge Run in Karibib showcased road-running talent across Namibia, with athletes competing in 5km, 10km and 21.1km categories.

The event formed part of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture’s (MEIYSAC) Mass Participation Programme, which aims to promote participation in sport, support grassroots development and identify sporting talent.

The 5km race saw Martin Simon win the Male Junior category, earning N$1,000, while Shareen Mutalife won the Female Open category and received N$1,000. Both prizes were received in absentia.

The 10km races featured athletes across several age groups. In the 9 to 13 years Male category, Karibib’s Joseph Hamukoto won gold and a N$1,500 trophy. Christine Henock of Ohangwena took silver, followed by Josef Nghikongelwa, also from Ohangwena.

Ruusa Katokelwa of Omusati won gold in the 9 to 13 years Female category and received a N$1,500 trophy. Saaili Nelago Mupupa of Khomas and other competitors completed the podium.

In the 14 to 19 years categories, Gabriel Nuuyoma Natanael of Oshana won the Junior Male category, while Penonghenda Neumbo of Oshikoto claimed the Junior Female title. Both received N$5,000 and a trophy.

The 10km veterans categories saw Israel Amukwa and Beata Naigambo win the Male and Female 40 to 49 years categories respectively. Mathias Mutota and Ester Mbango won the Male and Female Masters 50+ categories.

The 21.1km race included Junior, Open, Veteran and Masters categories. Gold-medal winners included Willem Shipopyeni, Maria Kanyanga, Daniel Nghidinwa Paulus, Shiivomwene Kaveli Shilongo, Matheus Kadhingula, Ottillie Kaunapawa Aimwata and Salomo David.

MEIYSAC congratulated participating athletes, medalists and prize winners, highlighting their commitment to sport and the opportunities created through organised mass participation.