Sanlam rewards Cape Town Marathon runners Sanlam Namibia applauded the efforts of the local runners who took part in the Cape Town Marathon last weekend.The company had helped send five athletes to compete in the event, which attracted runners from more than 50 countries.
Reonald Namupala and Lavinia Haitope were the initial recipients of the sponsorship to travel to Cape Town but it was later agreed to also send 2016 Olympic Games participants Alina Armas and Helalia Johannes, as well as the well-known Reinhold Iita.
Namupala came 16th in the men’s marathon while Haitope finished fifth among the women.
Both recorded times that were fast enough for them to qualify to run at next year’s World Championships, which will take place in London, England.
Johannes won the women’s 10km race while Armas came third in the same event.
Iita, who is working his way back after a long injury layoff, finished sixth in the men’s 10km race.
Sanlam Namibia executive Evans Simataa said the Namibian athletes’ performance was noteworthy, especially given the number of runners at the event.
“They performed exceptionally well because they were competing against many athletes, with the marathon having about 8 000 participants and the 10km about 10 000.”
As a token of appreciation Sanlam also decided to hand the five athletes N$30 000.
“This will be divided among them and the winners will get a little more. But instead of giving them cash, we will put the money in unit trusts as a way to teach them financial literacy,” Simataa added.
The athletes all expressed their thanks for the company’s support.
“I’m very happy with my third position and I’m also happy that my colleague Helalia won. She helped me from a distance to get that third place,” Armas said.
Haitope said it was great running in Cape Town.
“I’m happy with the time I recorded and also that I qualified for the World Championships,” she said.
It was the first time Namupala competed in South Africa, an opportunity he cherishes.
“It was my first time to run in South Africa and I managed to record my season’s best,” he said.
Johannes said their performance is evidence that marathon running is doing well in Namibia.
“Long-distance running is playing a big role in Namibia because we were the only ones at the Olympic Games as track athletes. And I want to thank Sanlam for sponsoring us. Also my teammates and coaches because you cannot get success alone, you always need someone to push you.”
HECTOR MAWONGA