●International runners swell field ahead of October 17 showdown
Ezulwini- The eight th Imbube Marathon is heading into its final stretch with registration already more than 47 per cent higher than last year.
Addressing the media at the Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini, Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe said the response to this year’s race had been particularly encouraging, with the 10-kilometre category emerging as the most popular among participants so far.
The increase in entries is being accompanied by a sizeable international contingent, with Tembe putting international registration at about 2,500 runners.
She said the overseas field included athletes from the United States of America, Australlia and neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa.
The numbers point to a race that is drawing participation beyond Eswatini’s borders, while the strong response to the 10km suggests that the event is also continuing to appeal to a wider pool of runners beyond those competing in the main marathon.
With less than two weeks to race day, organizers are now entering the final phase of preparations as athletes complete their build-up for the different distances.
The growth in registration also comes at a time when road running continues to provide one of the country’s most visible mass-participation sporting events, bringing together competitive athletes, recreational runners and participants from outside Eswatini.
For the organizers, however, this year’s figures offer more than just a bigger starting field. The 47 per cent increase over last year’s registration, coupled with the international entries, points to an expanding reach for the Imbube Marathon and raises expectations around the size and competitiveness of the October 17 field.
The presence of runners from Mozambique and South Africa, Tembe said it is also significant given Eswatini’s position within the regional athletics circuit, while the participation of runners travelling from as far as Australia gives the event a distinctly international character.
With race day now approaching, the organizers are expecting the number of entries to continue growing as runners make their final preparations for the October 17 event.
The Imbube Marathon will be staged at Somhlolo Stadium, bringing together participants across its various race categories, with the 10km currently leading participation ahead of the main marathon distance.
This, the most anticipated marathon consist of four categories, 3.3KM which is a fun run, 10 KM, 21.1 KM half marathon and 42.2KM full marathon.
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