Shaliaxwe, Nduviteko win SanlamAllianz Coastal Marathon

More than 3 000 runners flooded the streets of Swakopmund in the 2026 SanlamAllianz Coastal Marathon on Saturday, marking a significant increase from the 500 participants recorded at the inaugural event in 2018.

Jeremiah Shaliaxwe won the men’s 42.2 km race in 2:13:01, maintaining the lead from the start and crossing the finish line to strong support from spectators. Fans lined the route and finish area, chanting his name as he received his medal.

Salmi Mpingana Nduviteko was the first female to finish the marathon, completing the distance in 2:44:37 after also leading from the start. The results adds to her 2026 Rössing Marathon win in early March, where she finished in 2:37:03 and stated that it was the first marathon victory of her career.

The men's marathon saw Sakaria Tangeni in second place, more than five minutes behind Shaliaxwe in 2:18:47, while Geson Kooper took the bronze medal in 2:20:47.

Nduviteko impressed as the overall fifth finisher behind the four leading men’s runners. Ottilie Aimwata took second place in 2:47:26, while the bronze position went to Marietjie Steinbach (3:35:15).

Big number

The event drew its largest field in the 21.1 km half marathon, with a dense stream of runners taking off after being officially started by Swakopmund mayor Suama Kautondokwa. The 42 km race had earlier been set off by the mayor, followed by the 10 km event.

Prize money for the marathon winners amounted to N$15 000 for first place in both the men’s and women’s 42 km categories, with additional prizes awarded across the 21 km and 10 km races.

In addition, the male and female winners of the 42 km race each receive a fully funded entry to compete in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. All participants received medals.

The marathon featured a wide range of participants, including seasoned athletes, social runners, families and community members. Some runners completed the course with pets, while others pushed baby strollers.