BY THOBILE NDLANGAMANDLA (INTERN)
MBABANE – Registration is now officially open for the 8th edition of the Imbube Marathon, which will take place on October 17, 2026 at the Somhlolo National Stadium, with organisers confirming early bird entries, official race categories, and strict deadline-based penalty fees for late registration.
The annual road-running event, which also serves as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon, is expected to attract athletes from across Eswatini, the region, and beyond as runners begin preparations for one of the country’s most anticipated sporting fixtures.
Organisers have urged participants to register early, with zero penalty fees applicable until July 30, 2026, giving athletes the opportunity to secure lower entry costs and plan ahead for race day.
The marathon features four categories with differentiated pricing for Eswatini, African, and international participants.
The 42km marathon is priced at E365 for local runners, R500 for African athletes, and $45 for international participants. The 21km half marathon costs E335 locally, R450 regionally, and $40 internationally, while the 10km race is set at E310, R400, and $35 respectively. The 3.3km fun run remains free of charge and is exclusively reserved for disabled athletes and elderly participants aged 60 and above in Eswatini.
Race organisers have also released official start times and cut-off regulations to ensure smooth coordination on the day.
The 42km race will start at 05:30am with a six-hour cut-off time. The 21km race begins at 06:00am with a three-hour cut-off, while the 10km race also starts at 06:00am with a two-hour limit. The 3.3km fun run will commence at 06:30am and has no cut-off restrictions.
Participants are encouraged to register within the set timelines to avoid additional costs. Early registration runs from 1 May to 30 July with no penalty. Mid registration runs from 1 August to 30 September and carries a E100 penalty, while late registration from 1 October to 10 October attracts a E150 penalty.
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Organisers further noted that entries submitted after October 3, 2026 will not include a race goodie bag.
Runners can register online via the official Imbube Marathon website or by scanning the official QR code. Physical registration is also available at any Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) branch nationwide.
For enquiries, participants may contact the organisers via email at imbube@enpf.co.sz or call (+268) 7902 1121 / 7902 1127.
The Imbube Marathon continues to grow as one of Eswatini’s flagship sporting events, promoting fitness, tourism, and mass participation while attracting competitive and recreational runners alike.
Organisers have called on athletes to secure their spots early as preparations intensify for what is expected to be another highly competitive edition of the race.
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