Namport Nedbank PowerHouse Challenge lights up Walvis Bay
Cycling, running
The Namport Nedbank PowerHouse Challenge saw about 700 athletes competing in various cycling and running events on Saturday and Sunday in Walvis Bay.
Following the success of its inaugural event in Lüderitz earlier this year, the Challenge moved on to the central coastal town with an expanded programme of running and cycling events, designed to cater to both elite athletes and recreational participants.
The two-day multi-sport event kicked off on Saturday with a series of running events, including a 21.1 km half-marathon run, a 10 km run and a 5 km fun run. The event also featured 32 km and 70 km road cycling races, as well as a gravel race – an exciting addition to this year’s Challenge.
A total of 119 cyclists took part. In the road cycling, 25 riders competed in the 60 km race, while 27 tackled the 100 km distance.
The mountain biking included 25 participants in the 35 km race and 39 in the 70 km race. Additionally, three cyclists competed in the 70 km gravel category.
The running events drew a much larger crowd, with 631 participants in total. The 5 km fun run attracted 292 runners, the 10 km run had 247 participants, and 92 runners completed the half-marathon (21.1 km).
‘Inspiring’
Gernot de Klerk, head of marketing and communications at Nedbank Namibia, said after the Lüderitz Challenge, the Walvis Bay event exceeded all expectations.
“The turnout, the enthusiasm, and the support from the sporting community have been truly inspiring. Organizing an event of this magnitude is the ultimate stress test, and Saturday taught us valuable lessons. But more importantly, it showed how beautifully the community can come together to support cycling and running.
“We had great weather, strong participation, and no major incidents – every reason to celebrate.”
Mathias Simon, winner of the 21.1 km run, said it was a good race despite a bit of wind.
“I enjoyed the race and I hope we can meet again next year. I am now preparing for races in South Africa; I think I can still do better and represent my country well.”
The top results:
10 km Run, open men: 1 Angula Sylvester, 2 Michael Paulus, 3 Malakia Amukondo.
10 km Run, open women: 1 Suzan van Zy,l 2 Taimi Nashima, 3 Elizabeth Kawiwi.
21 km Run, open men: 1 Mathias Simon, 2 Nghilyenele Kornelius, 3 Gerson Koper.
21 km Run, open women: 1 Shilongo Shiivomwene, 2 Marion Schonecke, 3 Uatjo Tjutjitua.
Road cycling 35 km open men: 1 Anthony Jevu, 2 Giano Ikela, 3 Charles van Heerden. Women: 1 Marion Himmel.
Road cycling 70 km open men: 1 Danzel de Koe, 2 Brandon Stiger, 3 Klaus Frielingsdorf.
Road cycling, 70 km open women: 1 Louise Breed, 2 Luanne van der Schyff, 3 Vicky Dann.
Gravel cycling 70 km, men: 1 Joris Harteveld, 2 Lazarus Shangadi, 3 Conrad Knouwds.
Gravel cycling 70 km, women: 1 Anna-Mart Kruger.
Following the success of its inaugural event in Lüderitz earlier this year, the Challenge moved on to the central coastal town with an expanded programme of running and cycling events, designed to cater to both elite athletes and recreational participants.
The two-day multi-sport event kicked off on Saturday with a series of running events, including a 21.1 km half-marathon run, a 10 km run and a 5 km fun run. The event also featured 32 km and 70 km road cycling races, as well as a gravel race – an exciting addition to this year’s Challenge.
A total of 119 cyclists took part. In the road cycling, 25 riders competed in the 60 km race, while 27 tackled the 100 km distance.
The mountain biking included 25 participants in the 35 km race and 39 in the 70 km race. Additionally, three cyclists competed in the 70 km gravel category.
The running events drew a much larger crowd, with 631 participants in total. The 5 km fun run attracted 292 runners, the 10 km run had 247 participants, and 92 runners completed the half-marathon (21.1 km).
‘Inspiring’
Gernot de Klerk, head of marketing and communications at Nedbank Namibia, said after the Lüderitz Challenge, the Walvis Bay event exceeded all expectations.
“The turnout, the enthusiasm, and the support from the sporting community have been truly inspiring. Organizing an event of this magnitude is the ultimate stress test, and Saturday taught us valuable lessons. But more importantly, it showed how beautifully the community can come together to support cycling and running.
“We had great weather, strong participation, and no major incidents – every reason to celebrate.”
Mathias Simon, winner of the 21.1 km run, said it was a good race despite a bit of wind.
“I enjoyed the race and I hope we can meet again next year. I am now preparing for races in South Africa; I think I can still do better and represent my country well.”
The top results:
10 km Run, open men: 1 Angula Sylvester, 2 Michael Paulus, 3 Malakia Amukondo.
10 km Run, open women: 1 Suzan van Zy,l 2 Taimi Nashima, 3 Elizabeth Kawiwi.
21 km Run, open men: 1 Mathias Simon, 2 Nghilyenele Kornelius, 3 Gerson Koper.
21 km Run, open women: 1 Shilongo Shiivomwene, 2 Marion Schonecke, 3 Uatjo Tjutjitua.
Road cycling 35 km open men: 1 Anthony Jevu, 2 Giano Ikela, 3 Charles van Heerden. Women: 1 Marion Himmel.
Road cycling 70 km open men: 1 Danzel de Koe, 2 Brandon Stiger, 3 Klaus Frielingsdorf.
Road cycling, 70 km open women: 1 Louise Breed, 2 Luanne van der Schyff, 3 Vicky Dann.
Gravel cycling 70 km, men: 1 Joris Harteveld, 2 Lazarus Shangadi, 3 Conrad Knouwds.
Gravel cycling 70 km, women: 1 Anna-Mart Kruger.
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