By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The 2024 edition of the Imbube Marathon was launched with sponsorship of over E400 000 on Monday at Happy Valley Hotel.
The biggest marathon in the country will be held on October 6, starting and finishing at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba. The annual event that attracts over 5 000 runners from the region is held by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF).
Standard Bank Eswatini sponsored the event to the tune E350 000 while Old Mutual gave out E75 000 which totals to E425 000.
Registration for the event is opened and it will close in September with more details yet to be revealed.
Present during the launch on Monday was ENPF Chief Executive Officer CEO) Futhi Tembe who promised even a bigger and better event where they anticipate over 6000 athletes to participate.
“The ENPF has today officially launched the 6th Edition of the Annual Imbube Marathon.
The marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
The marathon is sponsored by Standard Bank Eswatini to the value of E350 000 and Old Mutual to the value of E75 000. Registration is open as of today and will close in September 2024,” reads a statement.
Meanwhile, the 2023 edition was won by South African athlete Siphamandla Nkosi who took home the E30 000 first prize money. The duo of Sandile Khumalo and Samkelisiwe Tfwala won the best Emaswati categories for males and females which also carried a E30 000 carrot apiece.
The prestigious marathon attracted international runners from several countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, among others. The event was graced by Princess Sikhanyiso who represented the race Patron His Majesty King Mswati III.
Other members of the Royal family such as Prince Hlangabeza, Prince Guduza and Princess Ncengencenge were also part of the event.
