Maria David
OVER 400 runners took on the Avis Mountains above the Windhoek Dam during the second series of the Standard Bank trail run held on Saturday.
Runners from all walks of life gathered to challenge themselves on the rocky terrain and soak in the stunning natural beauty of Namibia. It was more than just a race for the participants; it was an experience that will be forever etched in their memories.
Participants had the option to choose between a 7km or 16km trail, catering to both seasoned trail runners and those new to the sport.
Event organizer, OTB Sport, expressed their excitement at the successful conclusion of the ninth annual Standard Bank Xtrail.
OTB Sport said that the event, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, once again brought together outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers from across the country for a day of exhilarating competition and camaraderie.
“The event not only fostered a healthy and active lifestyle but also contributed to the growth of trail running as a popular sport in Namibia,” said OTB Sport.
OTB Sport extended their sincere gratitude to Standard Bank for their continued support and dedication to promoting sports and wellness in Namibia. They said that together, they have created an event that has become a cornerstone of the local sporting calendar.
At the end of the race, the 16km male race was won in record time by 36-year-old Jeremia Shaliaxwe, finishing in 1:05:07.
In second place was last year’s winner, Nasimane Shigwedha, finishing in 1:07:37, while third overall was Martin Ntinda with a time of 1:08:56. Ntinda was also the winner of the Veteran age category. The first male in the Master age category was Salomo David, who finished in 1:11:34.
Meanwhile, the 16km overall female winner was Indeleni Pengeomake, who finished in 1:19:57. Second overall and winner of the Veteran age category was seasoned athlete and past Olympian Beata Naigambo, finishing in 1:24:51. Third overall was Sascha Brinkmann, who finished in 1:25:23.
The Master female age category was won by Nabahu Emilia with a time of 1:55:30.
In the 7km event, the male category was won comfortably in a record time of 27:50 by Thomas Miller. Typically a longer-distance competitor, Miller took part in the shorter distance due to injury and completed it in spectacular fashion. Second overall was Malakia Mamukomba with a time of 29:22, and third overall was Samuel Jason, finishing in 29:43.
Samuel managed to overtake Bernardinus Kambwae just before the finish line to secure third place. The Veteran male category was won by Bas Rijnen with a time of 45:10. Seasoned athlete Frans Erasmu won the Master male category with a remarkable time of 36:12. The 11 and under age category was won by Marcel Ahrens in 37:08, and the 15 and under category by Matt-Reece Izaaks, who finished in 31:09.
In the 7km female event, the overall winner was Angala Tuuli with a time of 33:59. Second place went to Ivonne Shelikita with a time of 36:32, and third place went to Verena Zweier, who finished in 39:27.
The Veteran female category was won by Hileni Rijnen in 41:34, and the Master category by Gudrun Marschall with a time of 52:08. Mia Winter won the 11 and under category in 46:57, while Lena Ahrens won the 15 and under category in 51:31.
The third and final event in the series, the Standard Bank Dunes, will take place in Swakopmund on 28 September. This event will take trail runners into the Swakop River and then beyond into the open space of the Namib Dunes.
