WINDHOEK: The second edition of the Vivo Energy Namibia marathon was launched here on Friday with the organisers expecting to raise more funds for charitable projects, just as they did in their maiden edition.
Vivo Energy the marketer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Namibia, will host the second edition of the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon on 25 May 2024 in Windhoek.
In its maiden edition, the highly anticipated running event attracted over 1,200 participants raising over N.dollars 160,000 from registration fees for charitable projects that were implemented in partnership with the Windhoek City Residents Mayoral Trust.
This year, the organisers said they are anticipating to attracting more than 2,000 runners for the full marathon of 42.2 kilometres (km), half-marathon of 21.1km, 10km and a 5km fun run/walk.
Speaking during the launch Vivo Energy Namibia’s Managing Director, Jaco van Rensburg, said partnerships are a critical factor in their company’s success, which aims to extend
that spirit to the marathon.
‘This event wouldn’t be possible without the partnerships developed with the City of Windhoek, Athletics Namibia, and the strong bond we’ve forged with Namibia’s running community,’ he said.
Athletics Namibia Public Relations Officer, Lot Ndamanhomata, applauded the effort of Vivo Energy Namibia, for getting involved in hosting a marathon and urged the company to pursue deeper partnerships to ensure Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon remains a permanent fixture on the Namibian sports calendar.
Queen Kamati, the Windhoek Mayor, said marathons play a unique role in cities worldwide as ‘They symbolise endurance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.’ Kamati further invited participants from all corners of the globe to join in embracing the vibrant spirit of the City of Windhoek and showcase their athletic abilities.
The mayor stated that this year’s proceeds will be used to provide access to water points in Windhoek’s informal settlements, aligning with the United Nations Sust
ainable Development Goal Six of clean water and sanitation.
Kamati pledged N.dollars 50,000 on top of what would be raised from the marathon to realise the equitable access to water goal.
‘The proceeds from last year’s registration were used to equip community libraries in the Nathanael Maxuilili and Greenwell Matongo settlements with much-needed books and computers, aimed at enriching the knowledge of learners in subjects such as English, Science, Entrepreneurship, and Commerce,’ Kamati said.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency