It was tough - Tomas

LIMBA MUPETAMI Namibian long-distance runners Rainhold Tomas and Alina Armas are the winners of the 19th edition of the Old Mutual Victory Race in the 21km male and female categories, respectively.Tomas, who took part in the race for the fourth time since its inception in 2000, ran a time of one hour, 11 minutes and 20 seconds and said it was a tough course, but he managed to hold on for a win.He was followed closely by Simoni Paulus, who finished the race in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 22 seconds. In third place was Simon Shipingana in a time of one hour, 14 minutes and 57 seconds. “I couldn't shake them off and they were just following me closely. It was, however, a good race which could have gone to anyone, as they are all good runners. “I think my fitness levels helped me a lot, because I have been training intensively, as I'm gearing up for the athletics world championships which will take place next month in Doha, Qatar,” said Tomas.In the female 21km category, Armas won with a time of one hour, 22 minutes and 59 seconds. She looked strong from the onset and managed to shake off Anna Amutoko, who finished the race in a time of one hour, 27 minutes and nine seconds to take second place. In third place was Shivomwene Shilongo with a time of one hour 29 minutes and 58 seconds.The 10km winner in the female category, Martha Shivolo, said she too didn't have an easy race because she has an injury and was struggling a bit. “My ankle is a bit sore, but it was a good race and I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to more races in the future,” she added. Shivolo is Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) officer and is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in marathon running. She said she looks up to local marathon running sensation and Commonwealth gold medallist Helalia Johannes.“She is doing impressively and is in good form. She inspires me to train hard,” Shivolo added.According to Ndangi Katoma - a marketing, communication and customer executive at Old Mutual - the Victory Race series has over the years been taking place in Oshakati, Swakopmund and Keetmanshoop, with the finale in Windhoek. However, the series has been paused until a full assessment is completed regarding its future and how best it can serve the running community.The Old Mutual Victory Race is an important event on the Namibian sporting calendar, dating back to 2000 when it started in Mariental. The event was introduced to facilitate positive change in communities, in the form of physical and psychological benefits.21km winners (male): Rainhold TomasSimoni PaulusSimon Shipingana21km winners (female):Alina ArmasAnna AmutokoShivomwene Shilongo10km winners (male):Thomas ShigwedhaNalukaku AsserSakalia Tangeni10km winners (female)”Martha ShivoloRauna EeluVictoria Kaliteka5km winners (male):Elia UugwangaJekonia Ndakola Jesaya Matheus5km winners (female):Ester HaitopeMwedhamekange IndileniVictoria Shapwa

It was tough - Tomas

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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It was tough - Tomas

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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