Navachab Half Marathon sees record turnout
Road running
The 11th edition of the Navachab Half Marathon concluded in Karibib on Saturday, 20 September 2025, with record-breaking participation and thrilling performances across all categories. Hosted at Husab Field, the event saw athletes from across Namibia and beyond compete in the 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races.
In the men’s Open (20–39 years) category, Matias Simon claimed first place with an impressive time of 1:04:22, narrowly ahead of Simon Paulus, who finished just two seconds later. Kornelius Nghilyeendele rounded out the top three with 1:05:16. Veteran runners also impressed, with Paulus Ndangi IIyambo taking first in 1:09:29, while Kristof Ndunga topped the Grand Master category in 1:35:57. Among junior male runners, Marthin Shikambe led with 1:09:04.
The women’s races were equally competitive, with Lavinia Haitope winning the Open category in 1:17:35. Alina Armas dominated the Veteran category in 1:18:20, while Christine Haupt claimed top spot in the Grand Master division with 2:09:48. Junior Frieda Ngonga led her category with 1:23:27.
Navachab Gold Mine PRO Tuafi Shafombabi expressed delight at the event’s growth. “We’ve grown from strength to strength, increasing prize money from N$45,000 to N$345,000. Looking at the turnout, it’s remarkable, for the first time, we’ve surpassed 1,000 participants. In the past, numbers were around five to six hundred,” she said.
The gold mine sponsors the prize money, with men’s and women’s senior categories (16+) receiving between N$500 for 10th place and N$20,000 for first place. Including logistical expenses, at least N$700,000 was allocated for the event.
Karibib Mayor Davey Van Wyk praised the organisers and encouraged the community to prepare for future editions. “This year’s event was very exciting. Accommodation was a bit of a challenge, but next year we should be ready to host even more. For those who missed it, mark your calendars,” he said.
George Botshiwe, Managing Director of Navachab Gold Mine, commended the race’s organisation and participation. “The event was well organised and well attended. I ran the 21 km myself, not the fastest, but I completed it. This half marathon is now a permanent feature in the Namibian athletics calendar, accredited by Athletics Namibia, and we are exploring opportunities to elevate it internationally with the Ministry and World Athletics,” he stated.
With record participation, exceptional performances, and strong community support, the Navachab Half Marathon continues to cement its place as one of Namibia’s premier road races.
In the men’s Open (20–39 years) category, Matias Simon claimed first place with an impressive time of 1:04:22, narrowly ahead of Simon Paulus, who finished just two seconds later. Kornelius Nghilyeendele rounded out the top three with 1:05:16. Veteran runners also impressed, with Paulus Ndangi IIyambo taking first in 1:09:29, while Kristof Ndunga topped the Grand Master category in 1:35:57. Among junior male runners, Marthin Shikambe led with 1:09:04.
The women’s races were equally competitive, with Lavinia Haitope winning the Open category in 1:17:35. Alina Armas dominated the Veteran category in 1:18:20, while Christine Haupt claimed top spot in the Grand Master division with 2:09:48. Junior Frieda Ngonga led her category with 1:23:27.
Navachab Gold Mine PRO Tuafi Shafombabi expressed delight at the event’s growth. “We’ve grown from strength to strength, increasing prize money from N$45,000 to N$345,000. Looking at the turnout, it’s remarkable, for the first time, we’ve surpassed 1,000 participants. In the past, numbers were around five to six hundred,” she said.
The gold mine sponsors the prize money, with men’s and women’s senior categories (16+) receiving between N$500 for 10th place and N$20,000 for first place. Including logistical expenses, at least N$700,000 was allocated for the event.
Karibib Mayor Davey Van Wyk praised the organisers and encouraged the community to prepare for future editions. “This year’s event was very exciting. Accommodation was a bit of a challenge, but next year we should be ready to host even more. For those who missed it, mark your calendars,” he said.
George Botshiwe, Managing Director of Navachab Gold Mine, commended the race’s organisation and participation. “The event was well organised and well attended. I ran the 21 km myself, not the fastest, but I completed it. This half marathon is now a permanent feature in the Namibian athletics calendar, accredited by Athletics Namibia, and we are exploring opportunities to elevate it internationally with the Ministry and World Athletics,” he stated.
With record participation, exceptional performances, and strong community support, the Navachab Half Marathon continues to cement its place as one of Namibia’s premier road races.
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