Mbabane – More than 2 500 people took part in last year’s Mbabane Marathon, and organisers are hoping to attract an even bigger turnout when the event returns for its eighth edition on November 21, 2026.
The marathon, which will begin at 5:30am, was officially launched at Hilton Garden Inn, in Mbabane, with registration opening today, September 11, 2026. MTN Eswatini has contributed E276 000 towards the event as part of its partnership with the organisers.
The launch was attended by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, who was representing the Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Affairs, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala, Mbabane East Member of Parliament Welcome Dlamini, Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto and other stakeholders.
Giving welcome remarks, Mbabane Municipal Council Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze said the city wanted people to experience the energy and atmosphere of the country’s capital.
She said the council believed in alignment and building the Mbabane brand, adding that the people who lived in the city remained at the centre of its development.
“We want people to understand that the capital city of Eswatini is alive. We want people to experience the vibe of Mbabane. This is a smart city,” said Fakudze.
Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini said sport had the power to unite people and expressed hope that other towns in the country could also establish initiatives of a similar nature.
He said sporting events created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together.
MTN Fintech Chief Executive Officer Sam Shongwe said the 2026 marathon marked MTN’s third year as a partner of the event.
Shongwe said the company was encouraged by the remarkable growth of the marathon and its increasing importance on the country’s sporting calendar.
He said MTN continued to support the event through its digital platforms and had contributed E276 000 towards this year’s edition.
“The event has now set a high benchmark,” said Shongwe.
In his host city address, Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto said the marathon had become an important part of the city.
He said the municipality was committed to positioning Mbabane as a destination that could contribute to tourism and economic growth.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala said cities and towns should apply the same energy demonstrated through sporting activities to their core responsibility of delivering services to residents.
Maphalala said municipalities should not only be associated with collecting rates and removing litter, but should work towards improving the lives of the people they served.
He also commended the Mbabane Municipal Council for leading by example in meeting its obligations, noting that municipalities were required by law to hold their annual general meetings and provide financial reports by September 30.
Maphalala said Mbabane had already done so before the deadline.
He further expressed gratitude for the partnerships that continued to make the marathon possible.
Acting Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Affairs Mabulala Maseko said the Mbabane Marathon demonstrated how cities could use sport to bring communities together.
He said the event was aligned with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging people to take care of their bodies.
Maseko said events such as the marathon provided practical opportunities for people to come together while creating memorable experiences.
He also promised to attend the marathon and lead the Maphalala Inkhundla Council during the event. The eighth edition of the Mbabane Marathon will be held on November 21, with runners expected to take to the streets of the capital from 5:30am.
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