Nedbank Citi Dash targets 5 000 runners
This year's Nedbank Citi Dash is aiming to attract a record 5 000 participants when the event returns to Windhoek High School's (WHS) Vegkop Stadium on 5 and 6 September.
Now firmly established as one of the country's premier mass participation sporting events, the Nedbank Citi Dash has grown from a modest city run into a national platform promoting health, wellness, community engagement and active living.
The event will be hosted at the Vegkop Stadium following the successful relocation to the venue in 2025. Organisers are targeting participation from schools, professional and social running clubs, elite and recreational athletes, corporate teams, government institutions, state-owned enterprises and health and lifestyle enthusiasts from across the country.
More than a race
Speaking at the launch, acting deputy director in the sports ministry, Mzee Letu Hamhola, described the event as more than just a road race.
"This event deserves to be called a city event, not just Nedbank Namibia's event. It's a people's event. We are not only unveiling another race, but we are unveiling a movement," he said.
"The Nedbank Citi Dash has become one of the best races not only in Windhoek, but in the whole country. It is a movement where we come together so that we can move, connect and celebrate the power of community through running."
Hamhola commended Nedbank Namibia for its continued investment in Namibian sport, wellness and community development.
The growth of the event mirrors the increasing popularity of running in the country. More than 2 400 participants took part in the 2024 edition, while over 3 000 runners entered the race in 2025.
Festivities will begin on Saturday, 5 September, with the LiveXpo at the WHS Vegkop Stadium. The expo will feature vendor stalls, food, family activities and race pack collection.
Race dates
The racing action gets underway on Sunday morning, 6 September, with the 10km Elite Run starting at 07:00. Elite competitors must meet qualifying standards of under 55 minutes for men and under 60 minutes for women to be eligible for trophies and prize money.
The 10km Fun Run will start at 07:15, followed by the 5km race at 07:45. All finishers who complete their races within the stipulated cut-off times will receive commemorative medals.
Race organiser Frank Bombosch said youth participation and athlete safety would be the key focus areas of this year's event.
"This initiative aims to drive participation from secondary schools, youth clubs and athletics development structures throughout Namibia," he said.
Entry fees have been set at N$350 for elite categories and N$250 for the fun run, while all participants under the age of 18 will pay only N$50 to enter either competitive or fun-running categories.
Bombosch said the growing number of Namibians participating in international events highlights the development of distance running in the country.
"We see now that Namibians have taken the sport of running to the next level. At the recent Comrades Marathon in South Africa, more than 90 Namibians participated. Namibia had the second-largest national representation at one of the world's most prestigious endurance events," he said.
He added that the race would start earlier this year, following requests from athletes, and stressed the economic value of sport through tourism and youth development.
"This can be achieved by promoting active sports tourism through the development of trails for cycling, running and hiking. This creates employment opportunities and contributes to the country's economic development," he said.
Creating meaningful impact
Participants will once again enjoy running through a vehicle-free city centre, with traffic closures planned across key sections of Windhoek's Central Business District to ensure a safe race environment.
Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said the event remains a key part of the bank's commitment to creating meaningful impact in communities.
"Nedbank Namibia prides itself on being a bank that does good in the communities in which it operates. Everything we do, including our sponsorships, is impact-driven and designed to contribute meaningfully to the growth and well-being of the communities we serve," she said.
"The Nedbank Citi Dash is one of the ways in which we bring this promise to life. At Nedbank Namibia, we believe wellness is not a once-off decision. It is a journey and a daily commitment to becoming better and more balanced versions of ourselves."
Murorua said the event has evolved significantly since its launch in 2019.
"What started as a race has evolved into a platform that brings together Namibians united by a shared commitment to healthier lifestyles and stronger communities," she said.
She added that Nedbank's support for sport extends across several disciplines, including cycling, volleyball, cricket, football, netball, athletics and golf, all aimed at driving participation and development.
Online entries open on 17 June and will close on 17 August.
The Nedbank Citi Dash will also have a dedicated presence at the Health and Lifestyle Expo (Namfitness Expo) at the Windhoek Country Club in July, while the Youth Health Drive will roll out "Go Run" activation events at schools across the country in August as part of efforts to encourage youth participation.
