Rössing, Swakop Striders celebrate 35-year marathon partnership
Rössing Uranium and the Swakop Striders Running Club will celebrate 35 years of partnership when they host the Rössing National Marathon on 7 March in Swakopmund.
Swakop Striders secretary Frank Slabbert, who has been involved in athletics administration since the early 1980s, reflected on the beginnings of the partnership after Rössing employees founded the club in 1991.
“A group of employees who shared a passion for running approached the mine with a plan to host the marathon.
“This marked the beginning of what would evolve into one of the country’s most enduring sporting partnerships,” he said.
‘There’s nothing older’
Slabbert noted that the national marathon is one of the oldest running events in the Erongo Region.
“I don’t believe there is anything older in the country now. There were difficult years. I remember one year in the 1990s when we had only five runners in the marathon.
“The introduction of the 10km distance helped sustain the event as participation grew in that category,” he said.
He added that the collaboration has grown into a fully integrated partnership built on financial support, strategic alignment and a shared commitment to community development through sport.
“The Rössing National Marathon now stands not only as a competitive platform for elite athletes but also as an inclusive event that welcomes runners of all abilities, from seasoned marathoners to social 10km participants,” he said.
‘Committed to community impact’
Rössing Uranium spokesperson Daylight Ekandjo highlighted the significance of the 35-year partnership, saying it has demonstrated how sustained collaboration can build a lasting sporting legacy.
“The Rössing National Marathon is a celebration of community, resilience and healthy living. The mine remains committed to supporting initiatives that create impact and bring people together,” she said.
As the marathon marks 35 years, Rössing Uranium and Swakop Striders expect to welcome a record 4 500 registered runners this year.
The mine will continue its efforts to promote road running, nurture talent and strengthen community spirit in the Erongo Region.
