AN spectacular 839 Namibian runners will likely be taking part within the annual Two Oceans Extremely and Half-Marathon, going down in Cape City, South Africa this weekend.
The occasion, which attracts athletes from around the globe, will see the ultra-marathon held tomorrow, that includes a difficult 56 kilometres (km), whereas the half marathon will happen on Sunday, over 21 km.
Based on IOL, the organisers have reported a outstanding turnout, with contributors from 98 nations, together with Namibia, set to compete throughout the 5km, 21km, and 56km distances.
The Two Oceans Marathon, extensively considered one of the lovely races on the planet because of its gorgeous and scenic coastal route, is a spotlight for athletes and spectators alike.
Among the many Namibian runners gearing up for the occasion are Mariana Mbako, Lisa Matomola, Ally Uxamb, and Charmaine Kandombo-Shimhopileni, to call only a few. Every of them has their very own distinctive motivation and preparation story, showcasing the eagerness of Namibian runners.
Mbako, who has been coaching intensively for the occasion, expressed pleasure over this 12 months’s race. She stated her coaching routine started final 12 months, and he or she has at all times been in love with long-distance runs.
“I practice thrice per week, and on Saturdays, I give attention to lengthy runs, typically overlaying distances over 21 km,” she stated.
Final 12 months, Mbako participated in each the Extremely Marathon, finishing the race in 5 hours, and the 21km race, ending in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
This 12 months, she is returning to the ultra-marathon with a laid-back method, planning to benefit from the scenic coastal views whereas operating. “I’m simply going to have enjoyable alongside the attractive coast of Cape City,” Mbako added, keen to absorb the breathtaking landscapes through the occasion.
Matomola, who additionally participated within the 56km race final 12 months, will likely be specializing in the 21km race this time round. “I have never been coaching a lot because of work commitments, however I’m nonetheless excited to tackle the 21km this 12 months,” Matomola shared.
Uxamb, who’s taking part within the Two Oceans occasion for the second time, since final 12 months defined that her drive to run comes from the sense of accomplishment she feels after finishing a race. “What one feels when you’ve gotten accomplished what you got down to do is a big motivator for me. I apply this mantra in all facets of my life,” she stated.
Uxamb’s journey is supported by her private financial savings, in addition to sponsorships she receives from corporations.
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Kandombo-Shimhopileni, who will likely be operating the half marathon, shared her private inspiration for participating within the race. Whereas her bodily coaching has intensified just lately, she has been mentally getting ready for the occasion for the previous 12 months.
“Sustaining optimum well being is my greatest motivation. I strongly consider in motion and train as important components of a wholesome life.”
Kandombo-Shimhopileni was deeply impressed by her late great-grandmother, who remained lively and in glorious well being till she handed away on the age of 101 in January. “Her longevity and bodily well being have been a terrific inspiration to me,” she mirrored. She is personally funding her participation within the race, viewing it as an funding in her well being and well-being.
“Being sick is much dearer than prioritising wellness by means of health and an lively life-style,” she added.
As anticipated, South Africans will type the biggest group of contributors, however neighbouring Namibia and Zimbabwe will even have a robust presence, sending 839 and 798 runners, respectively, to the races.
Different nations, together with the UK, Mauritania, Malaysia, Ecuador, Slovakia, Palestine, and New Zealand, are additionally well-represented, making this 12 months’s occasion a real international gathering of athletes.