The ninth Husab Marathon has set new participation records, attracting 3,648 entries and 2,385 finishers across four race categories along the Husab Access Road near Swakop Uranium’s mine.
The event featured 550 finishers in the 5km race, 1,131 in the 10km, 604 in the half-marathon and 100 athletes completing the full 42.2km marathon. The marathon’s continued growth has seen participation more than double since 2024, reinforcing its position as one of Namibia’s leading community road-running events.
In the elite marathon, 42-year-old Alina Armas claimed her fourth Husab Marathon victory after winning the women’s 42.2km race in 2:42:12. Salmi Nduviteko finished second in 2:50:54, while Ottilie Aimwata was third in 2:57:00.
Armas said she was pleased with her performance and proud to continue competing at a high level at her age. “I have won this race four times so far and I am glad to be making an impact in marathon racing at my age,” she said. In the men’s marathon, 25-year-old Matias Simon produced a dominant performance to win in 2:18:34, with Daniel Nghidinwa Paulus second in 2:22:00 and Geson Koper third in 2:34:03.
Simon said he was particularly pleased with his performance after recording what he described as a course record.
The half-marathon also delivered strong competition. Simon Paulus won the men’s 21km race in 1:06:50, ahead of Fule Hamutima in 1:07:36 and Ndahangwanasho Nghilyrrndele in 1:07:46. In the women’s 21km, Tuuliki Angala took first place in 1:19:49, followed by Martha Shivolo in 1:22:14 and Selma Shaanika in 1:25:10.
The shorter race was won by Asser Nalukaku, who completed the distance in 30:45. Petrus Nepwanga was second in 30:57, while Mathew Angula finished third in 31:08. Shiivomwene Shilongo won the women’s shorter race in 36:20, with Helena Ipinge second in 48:58 and Alma Namupala third in 50:42.
The event offered a total prize pool of N$330,000, with the elite marathon winners Simon and Armas each receiving N$40,000. Swakop Uranium Executive Vice President Irvinne Simataa thanked sponsors and partners for their contribution to the event.
Standard Bank Namibia was recognised for hosting the best water station among the 11 participating sponsors. With its combination of competitive running, wellness and community participation, the Husab Marathon continues to grow as a major sporting event in the Erongo Region.
By Rudi Bowe
