BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MATSAPHA – Back as the feared “do-or-die” test of endurance that pushes runners to their limits, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has confirmed the return of its flagship endurance race, Wafa Wafa, marking a major revival of one of the country’s most anticipated military sporting events.
UEDF Army Commander Lieutenant General Moses Mashikilisane Fakudze said during a media interview on May 13, 2026, that the event will officially make a comeback after organisers returned from specialised training abroad, paving the way for a stronger and more competitive edition.
Army Commander further expressed confidence that the current intake of recruits, selected through this year’s running-based recruitment process, will elevate the competition and position the army to dominate and secure top honours in upcoming races.
Wafa Wafa, an annual half-marathon and road race organised by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, is traditionally staged at St George’s Army Barracks. The event blends elite athletics with military discipline and has long served as a platform for promoting fitness, unity, and community engagement between soldiers and civilians.
The race features a 21km half-marathon alongside 10km and 5km categories, attracting both local and regional athletes from countries including South Africa and Mozambique. Known for its “do or die” intensity, Wafa Wafa has earned a reputation as one of the toughest road races in the country.
The competition was last held in 2024, when it successfully returned after a four-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That edition drew over 1 000 participants and saw international athletes dominate the podium in the main race categories.
With its return now confirmed, attention shifts to preparations for the 2026 edition, which is expected to restore the event’s status as a major highlight on Eswatini’s sporting calendar.
Lieutenant General Fakudze’s remarks signal renewed momentum within the UEDF’s sports and fitness programmes, with expectations high that the revived Wafa Wafa will once again attract top-tier competition and strong public participation.
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