The final leg of the Old Mutual Victory Race Series took place on Saturday, 21 October 2017 at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
Since its beginnings in Mariental in 2000, the Victory Race has grown over the past 17 years, attracting participants from all walks of life. From the aspiring leisure runners who want to enhance their performance, to the more serious athlete who aims to qualify for renowned endurance races.
“With about 3,000 athletes and school learners that participated in total this year, the Victory Race Series remain a significant vehicle for the Old Mutual Foundation to enable positive futures in various communities of our country”, said Mauriza Fredericks, Communication and Transformation Manager, Old Mutual.
Along with its partner sponsors, Coca – Cola Namibia Bottling Company and Business Connexion, Old Mutual Foundation allocated N$ 1 million toward the event.
Incentives in the form of regional race and series prizes were offered in cash, whilst the school and paralympic organisation with the most entries, received photocopy machines in each region.
Other attributes of the Series include bonus prizes, a full sponsorship to the Two Oceans Marathon for the top male and female of the 21km race, and two junior sports development bursaries for learners.
In order to create an equal platform for a diverse group of competitors, the track categories were divided into Severe Disability, Disability, 5km and 21km and accommodated entrants from under 15 years of age to veterans (50 years and older).
The Victory Race series was hosted in three other major regions in Namibia as follows:
- Oshana: Oshakati – 10 June 2017
- //Karas: Keetmanshoop – 08 July 2017
- Erongo: Swakopmund – 29 July 2017
The contest have attracted well-known Namibian athletes over the years such as the likes of Luketz Swartbooi, Raynold Ita, Willem Rooi, Elizabeth Monguni, to mention just a few, whilst old-timers such as Simon Paulus, Roden Gudus Gustav and Johannes Skrywer were early beneficiaries of the sport bursary scheme.
WINDHOEK LEG CATEGORY WINNERS:
Race Category | Age Category | Male | Female |
21km | 15-19 | Simoni Paulus | Elizabeth Shivute |
20-39 | Tomas Rainold | Hilalia Haitope | |
40-49 | Oscar Kameya | Sieglinde Gontes | |
50 Plus | Kristo Ndunga | Bettie du Plessis | |
5km | U/ 15 | Shifinde Moses | Nguyandja Tjotjo |
15-19 | Mateus Victor | Tuuliki Angala | |
20-39 | Jeremia Shaliaxwe | Salmi Nduviteko | |
40-49 | Frans Hosea | Rokela Akukothela | |
50 Plus | Joseph Aman | Marike Fransman | |
The Series Prize Winners, which consist of the top male and female 21km athletes, to qualify in the Annual Two Oceans Marathon, as well as the top Junior male and female athletes that will receive a sport development bursary each, will be announced at a media conference in the coming days.