By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Mbabane Half Marathon is getting bigger and better.
This comes after the Municipal Council of Mbabane partnered with MTN Fintech in hosting the event billed for November 23, 2024 with the latter sponsoring the event with E250 000. The sponsorship was unveiled during the launch on Tuesday morning at Hilton Garden Inn.
The event will comprise of the main event, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. The half marathon will be held alongside a Fun at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground.
The Municipal Council of Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto said last year, over 1 300 athletes participated, showcasing local talent and international competitors, a testament to the event’s growth in profile and popularity.
“This significant event fosters a sense of community among athletes, local businesses, residents, and the wider public, as we come together to celebrate the rich heritage of our beloved city and demonstrate our support for it.
In addition to the races, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including children’s games, netball, golf, volleyball, and boxing,” he said.
Registration for the Mbabane Half Marathon will open on Wednesday (October 23, 2024), via an online platform designed for interested participants. Registration will close on Wednesday, November 15, 2024, at 5pm. Beginning November 18, participants can collect their T-shirts and race numbers at designated locations: the Council offices, MTN, and the Mall/Plaza premises.
We also invite corporate entities, businesses, and vendors to seize this opportunity to promote their products and engage with attendees during the event.
He thanked some of the partners and organizations that have supported this initiative being, including Eswatini Athletics (AE), the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC), and the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), among others.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our main sponsor, MTN Fintech Limited, for their generous pledge of E250 000 towards the Mbabane Day and Half Marathon for the 2024 edition of the race. Noteworthy though is that the sponsorship is over a period of 3 years which brings the total sponsorship to E750 000. This sponsorship is invaluable in our efforts to host this vibrant event.
We warmly invite all residents of Mbabane, the business community, and the nation at large to participate by registering through the formal platforms established by the Council.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming all competing athletes and fun lovers to the Prince of Wales Stadium and Coronation Park, Mbabane, on November 23. Together, let us create an unforgettable celebration,” he said.
Also present during the launch was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gciniwe Fakudze.
