Pineas Embashu of the Namibian Defence Force became a first-time champion in the 42.2 km race with a personal best time of 2:25:58, a second slower than last year's champion Erich Goeieman of Walvis Bay, who did not participate this year.
 |
 |
 |
Rossing Marathon Championship Mens and Ladies winners - Pineas Embashu and Helaria Johannes receive trophies, cash prizes of N$10 000 each and sponsorship to the value of N$20 000 each |
Rossing Marathon Championship Mens Open Winner Pineas Embashu crossing the finish line |
Rossing Marathon Championship Ladies Open Winner Helaria Johannes crossing the finish line in 2-57-25 |
"I am very happy to be a winner this year. Last year I suffered a hamstring injury and did not participate. This is a good motivation for me to take part in up-coming marathons", said a delighted Embashu.
Short on his heels was Simeon Shipingana, also from the NDF, in a time of 02:29:08 and Salomon David in a time of 02:32:58.
The 46 marathon runners ran in misty and wet conditions with a light drizzle on the Henties Bay road, but with conditions clearing towards midday. The marathon record is still held by Luketz Swartbooi who ran it in 2:11:23 in 1992.
The Marathon Ladies Open winner was NDF runner Helaria Johannes (02:57:25) followed by NamPol runner Ottilie Aimwata (03:00:27) and Racher Akukethela (03:07:25) in third place.
Helaria said: "It was my first time to enter the Rössing Marathon and I am happy that I won. This was successful preparation training for the upcoming Two Ocean Marathon in April".
 |
 |
 |
Rossing Uranium Chief Operating Officer Mpho Mothoa giving a keynote speech |
Start of Rossing Marathon |
Start of Rossing Marathon |
The Men's Open and Ladies' Open winners won N$10 000 each as well as a newly introduced N$20 000 each sponsorship for a year. The total cash prize money in all categories was N$60 000.
In the very popular 10 km race 131 runners participated. Taking first place was Hosea Frans of the NDF in 32:15 followed by Johannes Naiitembu in 32:18 and Robert Kaxuxwuena (NDF) in 33:27.
The first lady in the 10 km race was Alina Armas of NamPol in 37:21 and in second place was Monika Lazarus (43:39), followed by Andreas Johanna (47:06).
Rössing's recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Mpho Mothoa congratulated the winners. "I would like to thank all the runners and walkers who participated in the 20th Rössing Marathon Championship. I am so pleased to see that you have made the most of your abilities and showed that you are fine sportsmen and women, able to compete in any global stadium. I am also very pleased to see the great interest in this event within our community with our walkers and supporters present here today. What we have achieved here this morning is to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst us all".
Mothoa urged other companies to emulate Rössing in promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle through sports.
The fun filled 5km Charity Walk attracted about 125 walkers bringing in a donation of N$1585 for the Cancer Association of Namibia. Prizes were in various categories, among these the youngest walker who was three years old and the oldest walker at 80 years of age.
Issued by Rössing's Corporate Communications and External Relations Department
Enquiries:
Alwyn Lubbe
Superintendent Corporate Communication
Tel: 064 520 2436
Cell: 081 122 5201