Navachab Half Marathon promises bigger and better edition

Road running
The Navachab Half Marathon Challenge returns to Karibib with a record 1 416 entries and an increased prize purse.
Brian Munango
  • 1 Hour Ago

The 12th edition of the Navachab Half Marathon Challenge is set to bring another strong field of runners to Karibib on Saturday, with athletes taking part in the 21.1km, 10km and 5km fun run and walk.

A total of 1 416 athletes have entered this year’s event, reflecting the continued growth of the race and its appeal to both competitive runners and recreational participants.

The event, which starts and finishes at Usab Sports Field, is being held under the theme ‘Bigger and Better’, with organisers building on the growth of previous editions while continuing their ambition to elevate the race to an international standard.

The biggest change this year is the increased prize money in the open 21.1km categories. The men’s and women’s winners will each receive N$30 000, up from N$20 000 last year.

The top 10 finishers in both open categories will share a combined N$187 400, while the men’s and women’s races will continue to offer equal prize money.


Defending champions

Defending champions Matias Simon and Lavinia Haitope will return to defend their titles, although they are expected to face strong competition from a field that organisers hope will include established local athletes and runners from outside Namibia.

Simon won the men’s race last year in 1:04:22, while Haitope claimed the women’s title in 1:17:35.

Race director Bethold Karumendu has previously outlined his ambition of professionalising the event and securing World Athletics recognition before 2030. This year’s stronger prize offering and continued support from Athletics Namibia form part of that broader development path.

Main sponsor QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine continues to play a central role in the growth of the event.

“We are excited for the 12th edition of the Navachab Half Marathon 2026. This event continues to inspire by bringing together athletes, communities and supporters in the spirit of health, determination and unity,” said Navachab Gold Mine public relations officer Tuafi Shafombabi.

“We wish all participants strength, speed and unforgettable memories on race day.”


Athlete development

The event also continues to use the race as a platform for athlete development, with selected performers gaining opportunities to compete in major races outside Namibia.

Beyond the competitive racing, the 5km fun run and walk are expected to bring families and recreational runners together, reinforcing the event’s mass-participation character.

With 1 416 entries, a stronger financial incentive for elite runners and its ‘Bigger and Better’ theme, the Navachab Half Marathon is set for one of its biggest editions yet when Karibib hosts the race on Saturday.

– brian@nsh.com.na