ErongoRED Half Marathon lights up Walvis Bay
Road running
A total of 537 runners participated in the first-ever ErongoRED Half Marathon road running event, comprising 5 kilometre, 10 kilometre and 21.1 kilometre distances in Walvis Bay on Saturday.Alina Armas, 42, who competed in the women’s marathon in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, pocketed the spoils in the ladies’ open division of the half marathon with a time of 1:16:30.
Another Olympian, the 34-year-old Thomas Rainhold (Tokyo 2021), was the first across the finish line in the men's half marathon in a time of 1:07:17.
Both runners praised the event’s organisation and the atmosphere, saying they would “definitely” return if the event becomes an annual feature.
Armas added that the favourable weather contributed to her strong performance.
"I am very happy with the win and grateful to my coach, Robert Kaxuxwena, and my husband, who is always there to support me,” she said. She encouraged fellow athletes to stay motivated. “To those who didn’t win, try again and don’t give up. I wish you all the best for 2026.”
Immanuel !Hanabeb, CEO of ErongoRED, explained that they've hosted a series of events to celebrate their 20th anniversary, with the half marathon concluding the scheduled events.
"With the participants, the energy, I believe this is something we can do annually within our region."
Additionally, the various entry fees will be donated to a local cause, and a total of N$115 000 was set aside for the prize-giving.
The leading results were as follows:
21.1 kilometre open men: 1 Thomas Rainhold (01:07:17) 2 Enock Haifiku (01:07:48) 3. Joel Lukas (01:08:33).
21.1 kilometre open women: 1 Alina Armas (01:16:30) 2 Salmi Nduviteko (01:17:04) 3 Otillie Aimwata (01:23:53).
21.1 kilometre junior men: 1 Jesaya Shiingidwa (01:24:43) 2 Erobby Amukoshi (01:32:32) 3 Jeremiah Hageman (01:32:34).
21.1 kilometre women: 1 Lucia Nuuyoma (02:04:46) 2 Selma Ndilu (02:17:48)
21.1 km women 60 years and older: 1 Christine Haupt (02:05:30).
21.1 km men 60 years and older: 1 Andreas Shikesho (02:07:39).
10 km open men: 1 Maximilian Pingpank (30:19) 2 Lesley Kahono (31:16) 3 Maulisiu Dominikus (32:40).
10 km open women: 1 Svenja Pingpank (36:49) 2 Elizabeth Kawiwi (43:04) 3 Tracy Fortuin (46:07).
10 km junior men: 1 Joshua Titus (36:08) 2 Pedrus Mpande (37:03) 3 Sam Anwaalwa (37:04).
10 km junior women: 1 Monica Haingura (55:17) 2 Elia Mbosono (56:45) 3 Kaitlyn Paulse (01:13:46).
10 km men 60 years and older: 1. Colin de la Harpe (01:01:46).
10 km women 60 years and older: 1. Sonja Hopkins (01:06:23).
5 km open men: 1 Matthew Angula (15:06) 2 Wilhelm Hangula (15:36) 3 Michael Paulus (15:51).
5 km open women: 1 Charlotte Wagner (24:24) 2 Lena Ahrens (24:26) 3 Enid Bock (29:45).