Namibian long-distance runner, Alina Armas has called for the increase of the Rössing Marathon’s prize money.
The 43-year-old Olympian said this after she won the women’s 42.2km marathon at Swakopmund, in a time of 02:45:32, with Beata Naigambo (03:03:23) and Risa Dreyer (03:23:06) finishing second and third, respectively.
“I want to tell the management of Rössing Uranium that they must adjust the payment please. I want them to improve the prize money for the top eight positions,” said Armas.
Organised in partnership with Swakop Striders Athletics Club, the 34th edition of the event witnessed a record number of 2 037 athletes racing at Swakopmund, along with 62 000 taking part virtually in China.
The winners of the 42.2km full marathon events both walked away with N$20 000 prize money.
Rössing Uranium’s CEO, Johan Coetzee said that the 42.2km marathon champions will receive an additional N$20 000 bonus for their development.
“The additional bonus is aimed at assisting our winners to develop their sporting careers as Rössing Marathon champions over the remainder of the season.”
“We hope that this support will go some way in helping to develop Namibia’s sport stars in being competitive on the world stage and bring international glory to Namibia,” said Coetzee.
The Rössing Marathon Championship, which was held under the theme: “ran their own race”, also included the 21.1km Frank Slabbert half marathon, the 10km fun run and the 5km fun walk.
Coetzee highlighted how the event’s entry fees will be used to benefit the community.
Coetzee also said that the mining company will use all the entry fees for all the distance categories of the competition to enhance the community.
“Rössing does not seek commercial benefits through its social investment; instead, at the heart of our approach is a commitment to do the right thing.” “We operate under the premise that doing the right thing by the community compliments doing the right thing for the business and for our shareholders.
“The Rössing Marathon is one of our key annual social investment initiatives, and all the entry fees collected for the 5km Fun Walk, goes directly to the Cancer Association of Namibia in the fight against cancer.The entry fees of the 10km Run, together with the marathon and half-marathon, are donated to the Swakop Striders Athletics Club, in support of the development of local and especially less- privileged athletes,” he said.
The men’s 42km full marathon was won by Jeseya Matheus, who clocked 02:15:53.
Matheus said that he aspires to represent Namibia at major international events in future.
“My dream is to represent my country at international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games,” said Matheus.
He said also said that he approached the race with specific tactics to overcome a race route which he described as tough.
“The course was tough because I wanted to run a time of below 2 hours and 15 minutes.” “My training partner helped to set the pace for me on the road and then after 30km, I decided to run my own race,” he said.
Matheus was followed by second-placed Tangeni Sakaria (02:16:30) and Enoch Haufiku (02:19:31) who finished third.
The 21.1km Frank Slabbert Half Marathon Results
Men:
1. Simon Paulus (01:03:48),
2. Fule Hamutima (01:08:51)
3. Vilho Paulus in third (01:09:15)
Women:
1. Beata Jeremia (01:17:09)
2. Lucia Andreki (01:17:40)
3. Salmi Nduviteko (01:18:32)