Haitope to compete in Prague

Namibian long-distance runner Lavinia Haitope is hard at work preparing for her first trip to Europe to compete in the Prague International Marathon on 7 May.

The marathon, also known as the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, has been held in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic since 1995.

The event was awarded the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) gold label status.

Haitope said she was looking forward to competing at the event and hoped to improve her time ahead of the IAAF World Athletics Championships to be held in London from 5 to 13 August this year.

Haitope, who is aiming for a top-10 finish, told Nampa that she had spent N$18 000 on flight tickets, visa and insurance and called on the corporate world and individuals to help more athletes realise their dreams of competing at international events.

Her coach, Tobias Hiskia, said with an improved support system the athlete could do better.

Hiskia said their aim was to improve her running times and her participation in Prague was a step in the right direction, although costly.

Haitope and two other marathon runners - Beata Naigambo and Helalia Johannes – are the only Namibians who have qualified for the World Athletics Championships.

NAMPA