A couple of years ago many people were of the mind that the sudden interest in a healthy lifestyle and various sporting events such as the Standard Bank/OTB X-trails was a mere fad which would run its course in a few months.
However, the X-trails have proved to be a beloved permanent fixture on the Namibian sporting calendar. This was evident on Sunday, 8 July, as residents from Windhoek and its surrounding areas flocked to the Avis Dam to participate in the second trail running/walking event in the X-trails series.
“Looking retrospectively at our Avis X-trails that took place over the weekend, I can confidently say that the trail running/walking community in Namibia is one big family that keeps growing in numbers. It is truly overwhelming to see that a large number of our population is serious about living a healthy lifestyle and they actually put in the work because they are at every X-trails event,” Standard Bank’s Head of Marketing, Communication and CSI, Magreth Mengo, said of the event.
She commended all the attendees who braved the cold and managed to complete the hike/walk around the damn, pointing out that it was a true testament of the strength of their character and resolve.
“Navigating your way through those slopes and hills is a battle. As an athlete myself, I know how much work it takes to complete a trail such as the Avis X-trails, so I want to congratulate everyone who completed it because to me they are all winners,” she encouraged.
Participants chose whether they wanted to take part in the 7km trail or 15 km trail, each challenging their mental resolve and physical endurance, with the reward of self-accomplishment at the finish line.
Although OTB’s Yvonne Brinkman said that this year the Avis X-trail did not draw in the same e numbers as last year, the outcome was still impressive.
“There were around 450 participants. This is a very good number for a trail run, but it was below what we expected based on last year’s numbers. I think this is due to how full the Namibian event calendar is this year,” she explained.
However, optimism remains high for the two remaining x-trails scheduled for this year. Next on the calendar is the Windhoek Light x-trail at Midgard on 05 August, for which the bank is a co-sponsor and the Swakopmund Dunes x-trail on 22 September.