Ezulwini- Eswatini’s top runners will have another opportunity to test themselves on home soil when the Imbube Marathon returns on October 17, 2026.
Officially launched today by the Minister of Sports, Culture l, and Youth Affairs, at Happy Valley,the annual race, now in its eighth year, has become a key platform for athletes to showcase endurance and performance, while also attracting competitors from outside the country.
Athletes will compete in multiple distances, ranging from the 3.kilometres set for runners from the age of 68 years and above and persons living with dissabilities, a fun run to the demanding 42km marathon, offering a platform for both seasoned runners and newcomers to test their endurance.
For elite competitors, the race presents an opportunity to make a statement on home soil while measuring themselves against regional and international talent. With the event continuing to grow, performances in the marathon are increasingly being viewed as a benchmark within the local athletics calendar.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Muzi Nzima highlighted the significance of the event, noting its role in promoting active lifestyles and strengthening the country’s sporting culture.
” A workforce is only as strong as its helath,” he noted, undersxoring the connection between fitness and productivity.
The Imbube Marathon has also become an important development platform for athletics in Eswatini, providing exposure for emerging runners and encouraging broader participation in long-distance running.
Beyond competition, the race is known for its inclusive nature, bringing together runners of all abilities in what has become widely recognized as a “People’s Race.” This blend of high-performance sport and community participation continues to define its appeal.
Meanwhile, Futhi Tembe, Chief Executive Officer for Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) nited that the marathon also offers a symbolic value, representing endurance and national progress.
With just months to go, anticipation is building for what is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet, as runners prepare to take on the challenge and chase strong finishes on race day.
Discussion about this post