BY TENGETILE MWALI
SITEKI- The 2026 Lubombo Marathon is set to take place on 11 April at Siteki Sports Ground, bringing together athletes from across Eswatini and beyond for one of the country’s growing athletics events.Organised by TZD Sports Club, the marathon will feature three race categories: 10km, 21.1km and the full 42.2km marathon.
The event is expected to attract both elite and recreational runners who will compete for top honours while also experiencing the unique terrain of the Lubombo region. Last year’s champions, Samuel Mathabatha and Nomvula Sithole, who won the men’s and women’s 42.2km marathon respectively, will have their titles under threat as new challengers aim to claim the crown.
Race organisers have already opened registration centres in various parts of the country to make participation accessible. Athletes in Mbabane can register at the Sports Council offices at the Industrial Site, while those in Lobamba and Ezulwini can register at the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) offices near Somhlolo Stadium. Runners in Siteki can visit Siteki Hotel, while those in Manzini can register at Fitness Zone.
The registration fee is set at E200 for the 10km race, while the 21.1km and 42.2km races will cost E230. Athletes without a 2026 licence will be required to pay an additional E20.
According to the organisers, the 42.2km marathon will start and finish at Siteki Sports Ground, with runners travelling towards the Mhlumeni Border Gate and back before returning to the finish line. Meanwhile, runners competing in the 21.1km and 10km races will be transported by bus to their respective starting points.
Lubombo Marathon is currently the only race in Eswatini that transports runners to their starting points. This arrangement has been made possible through the support of Lokuhle Transport, a bus company owned by a businessman from the Lubombo region, which has supported the race since its inception in 2019.
Organisers say the marathon is not only about competition but also about promoting healthy lifestyles and community development. They believe sport plays a key role in improving physical health, preventing lifestyle diseases and encouraging social integration.
The event also blends sport with tourism, offering participants an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Lubombo region. Companies have been encouraged to participate as part of team-building initiatives and wellness programmes.
TZD Sports Club also acknowledged support from several corporate sponsors including Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation, Ubombo Sugar Limited, MulaSports, Tabankulu Estates, Oracle Group, Dixies International and NTT Toyota.
For the first time, the 2026 race registration is also available online through the Entry Ninja platform, which is widely used for international race registrations. Organisers believe this step will help the marathon grow and eventually gain recognition from World Athletics, attracting more international runners.
In terms of prize money, winners of the 42.2km marathon in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive E7500. Winners of the 21.1km race will receive E4000, while the 10km winners will take home E2000. The top five finishers in the 42.2km and 21.1km races will also receive prizes.
With preparations underway, organisers are encouraging runners, companies and fitness enthusiasts to register early and be part of the fifth edition of the Lubombo Marathon.
#Marathon# Lubombo marathon#TZD sports club
(Courtesy Pics)
