Dagbreek sweeps 10km junior podium at Bachmus Marathon

Road running
Their participation put athletic ability ahead of disability, highlighting what they can achieve in competition.
Geneva de Jager
  • 1 Hour Ago

The Dagbreek Running Team swept the 10km junior podium at the recently concluded Bachmus Marathon in Swakopmund.

Building on the team’s third-place finish last year, Titus Endjambi claimed first place in 37:15, followed by Petro Kooper in second at 37:58 and Ondjizembi KauKumangera in third at 38:59.

The race drew nearly 4 600 runners in a record turnout along the scenic B2 coastal route on Saturday.


Championship mindset

Founded in February 2025 by special education teacher Lydia Matheus at Dagbreek Resource School, the team operates without institutional funding or coaching stipends.

Matheus, who also coaches the team, said the podium sweep followed changes to the runners’ training programme.

The squad moved from twice-weekly sessions to a more demanding routine featuring hill training for power, endurance runs for stamina and speed work.

She said the athletes train despite the fatigue of a school day and the harsh Windhoek heat, which helps prepare them for race day.

Matheus said their core philosophy remains simple: “If you get tired, never stop, just slow your pace down.”


True competitors

Coaches and supporters at the marathon praised the athletes for their dedication and competitive mindset, with the focus placed on what they can achieve as athletes rather than their disabilities.

Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the Namport Run in Walvis Bay on 31 October and the Region Five Youth Games in Mozambique from 4 to 13 December.

Matheus said younger development runners will continue training alongside senior athletes to learn proper pacing and build confidence.

The team thanked the Bachmus Marathon organisers and Team Flippy Erongo for hosting the race.

– info@nsh.com.na