YESUKA TWE HALF MARATHON ATTRACTS OVER 800 ATHLETES

BY THOBILE NDLANGAMANDLA (INTERN)

MANZINI— Over 800 athletes have registered for the Yesuka Twe Half Marathon, with organisers extending the registration deadline from 27 April to 1 May 2026 to accommodate increased interest in the event.

The race, organised by VOC Radio Station, will take place on 2 May 2026 at Zakhele Sports Ground, starting at 6AM. Organisers have stressed that no registrations will be allowed on the morning of the race.

Despite the extension, entry fees remain unchanged at E130 for the 5KM, E170 for the 10KM, and E200 for the 21KM category.

VOC Station Director, Bishop Zachariah Mthethwa, said the decision to extend the deadline followed numerous requests from emaSwati, particularly those who receive their salaries at the end of the month.

“This grace period ensures that everyone gets a chance to participate. The marathon is about promoting health, fitness, and unity among emaSwati,” he said.

He added that the event is open to athletes, clergy, churches, companies, and families, making it a broad community initiative. Preparations are said to be at an advanced stage, with organisers aiming to deliver an improved experience compared to the previous four editions.

Participants who have already registered can collect their race packs from 29 April to 1 May, between 9AM and 5PM, at designated points including VOC offices, Fitness Zone Manzini, and Furniture Warehouse Mbabane.

The marathon will feature three race categories — 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM — all starting and finishing at Zakhele Sports Ground. The 5KM route will run through Sihlahleni, Beauty Court, and Ludwala before returning to the starting point. The 10KM route will cover areas including Sihlahleni, Mathayini, Mkhiweni, KaShali, Mabhodini, kaMzwandile, Ngwane Park Primary, and Ludwala. The 21KM race will follow the same route as the 10KM but completed twice.

Participants can register at various outlets, including VOC Reception in Manzini, Torga Optical Manzini, Furniture Warehouse branches in Mbabane, Siteki and Nhlangano, Fitness Zone Manzini, and Destiny Music & Sound in Mbabane.

A wide range of cash prizes will be awarded across all categories. In the 21KM race, winners in both the male and female divisions will each receive E4 000, with second place earning E2 500 and third place E2 000. In the 10KM category, first prize is E2 000, followed by E1 000 for second and E700 for third place. For the 5KM race, winners will receive E900, with E700 and E500 awarded to second and third place respectively.

Additional prizes will be awarded up to fifth position across all categories, while special categories including juniors (under 18), veterans (40+), masters (50+), and grand masters (60+) will each receive E500 for first place, E400 for second, and E300 for third.

With growing participation and improved organisation, the Yesuka Twe Half Marathon continues to establish itself as a key sporting and community event in Eswatini.