Madisa Challenge 2025: Conquering the desert for a cause

Beneath Namibia’s endless Damaraland skies, where ochre dunes meet rugged granite outcrops and desert-adapted elephants carve ancient paths, an extraordinary event unfolded last weekend, the Madisa Challenge 2025.What began as a small local race has evolved into an inspiring endurance event that combines adventure, community and heart. Hosted at Madisa Camp on the D2612 between Uis and Twyfelfontein, the Madisa Challenge draws cyclists and runners from across Namibia to test themselves against the desert while giving back to the people who call it home.The challenge of DamaralandThe Madisa Challenge is no ordinary race. Participants face the raw beauty and brutal honesty of the Namibian desert, with soft sand, rocky climbs, relentless heat and unforgiving winds. This year’s event featured multiple categories, including a two-day 150 km MTB stage race, 75 km and 35 km MTB routes, the 35 km Fat Bike Challenge, a biathlon and trail runs ranging from 5 km to 21 km.Each route offered breathtaking scenery and soul-testing terrain. From winding tracks between towering boulders to wide desert plains, every kilometre was a reminder of both the desert’s harshness and its magic. Riders and runners alike described the event as “tough, beautiful and unforgettable,” a perfect summary of the Damaraland experience.Winners and warriorsAmong the standout performances, Jaco Snyman dominated the two-day stage race, completing the full 150 km in a combined time of 6:54:48. In the 75 km MTB, Jan Louis Mostert claimed first place with a strong finish of 4:02:29, followed by Kai Langmaak in second and Stephan Hauptfleisch in third. It was an impressive showcase of endurance and skill on a challenging desert route.The 35 km MTB saw a thrilling contest between Francois Booyens, who powered to victory in 2:13:55, and Anton Roets, just seconds behind at 2:17:51, with Jaques Snyman finishing third. Among the women, Annemarie Roets triumphed in 2:17:53, with Svenja Garrard and Donata van Rooyen rounding off the podium.The 35 km Fat Bike Challenge brought its own share of excitement. Leslie Bosman surged ahead to take first place, followed closely by returning favourites Frank Stoessel and Frank Loehnert, affectionately known as “The Franks.”Each athlete not only battled the terrain and heat but also embodied the spirit of the Madisa Challenge, courage, camaraderie and the relentless drive to conquer the desert.Racing for a reasonWhat truly sets the Madisa Challenge apart is its purpose. The event is not just about fitness or adventure - it is about giving back. Each year, 20% of all entry fees go directly toward a community development initiative in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy.The focus for 2025 is the Houmoed Community School Project, a grassroots effort to build a proper kindergarten and pre-school with a hostel for local children. Last year’s race helped fund the first classroom and new boys’ and girls’ bathrooms. This year, the challenge continues to raise money for more classrooms and learning resources. For the children of Houmoed, the finish line is not a medal but a brighter future.More than a raceBehind the scenes, the Madisa Challenge is powered by passion. From Abraham Haibeb from sister lodge Wüstenquell, who handcrafts every trophy using recycled materials, to the Madisa Camp team who cook, clean, mark trails and welcome hundreds of participants with open arms, it is a true community effort.The Madisa Challenge 2026 promises even more adventure, with a new trail running distance and expanded routes for MTB riders. But one thing will never change, its heart.As organiser Claire Whipp from Whipps Wilderness Safaris puts it, “The Madisa Challenge is about more than racing. It’s about connection to the land, to the people and to something bigger than ourselves.”In a world that moves fast, the Madisa Challenge reminds us to slow down, breathe the desert air, push our limits and remember that adventure has the power to make a difference.

Madisa Challenge 2025: Conquering the desert for a cause

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-15

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Madisa Challenge 2025: Conquering the desert for a cause

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-15

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