30 July 2013
Telecom Namibia today announced a three-year sponsorship of the Windhoek City Run to the tune of N$600 000, following the successful staging of the first edition last year.
In its second year running, the Telecom Namibia Windhoek City Run event takes place on Sunday, 18 August 2013. Organisers expect close on 700 people to take part in the 2013 event compared to the 500 participants last year.
The telecommunications giant is sponsoring the run as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and in support of the wider vision to improve health across the community by engaging more people with sport.
Oiva Angula, the company’s senior manager for corporate communications and public relations, expressed his excitement at securing the deal with organisers. “Telecom Namibia’s mission is not only about developing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and providing services, it is also about delivering sustainable, long-term benefits for local communities, and there is no more meaningful event for this than the Windhoek City Run which mainly focuses on family and community health,” Angula said.
“Our company is an integral part of the Namibian society and frequently supports community events both big and small. In response to popular demand, we are again sponsoring the Windhoek City Run event to offer opportunities for both young and old to participate in healthy sporting activities while encouraging families to come along too and cheer on their favourite participators. This is going to be a fun Sunday for everyone, whether they take part themselves or simply soak up the atmosphere,” he added.
“Organising the capital city’s marathon requires the on-going commitment of sponsors and a wide range of volunteers. Without them the event simply would not happen. We are excited to have a strong national brand such as Telecom Namibia involved. The support they are providing and the added profile the event will gain will be invaluable,” said Johan van Niekerk, Chairperson of Windhoek Harriers.
The Telecom Namibia Windhoek City Run is arranged in partnership with Windhoek Harriers and OTB Sport in celebration of the City of Windhoek. The run routes have been designed so as to showcase the best the City has to offer, with the 21.1km and full marathon winding their way past the Old State House, Independence Memorial, Supreme Court, Parliament, Tintenpalast, Gibeon Meteorites, Hochland Trails, the Christus Kirche, Zoo Park and other interesting sites of Windhoek.
Participants have a choice between a 5km fun run/walk; 10km walk/run; 21.1km walk/run and a marathon. The races will start and finish at the Doc Jubber Hockey Fields in Olympia.
“We are putting in a huge effort for this event. To guide people through the city we are looking at placing around 50 Marshalls to make sure people do not run the wrong way. There will also be 7 water tables manned by Telecom Namibia staff. We suspect this may be one of the hardest city marathons in the world, as participants need to contend with the high altitude as well as a very hilly route,” Van Niekerk said.
Telecom Namibia has generously increased this year’s prize money to over N$37 000 in cash prizes. For complete breakdown of prize money, entries and other race details go to www.otbsport.com. Online entries closed on Wednesday 14 August. For further details contact Yvonne on 081 142 9966.
