Staff Writer
Namibia’s long-distance star, Lavinia Haitope has successfully defended her Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, delivering another outstanding performance to retain her crown on Saturday morning in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Haitope crossed the finish line in as the first female finisher in the 2026 championship in 1:12:36, edging Cacisile Sosibo, who finished second in 1:12:37 by a millisecond.
In the men’s race, Namibia also produced strong results, with Daniel Paulus securing sixth place and Simon Mathias crossing the line in twelfth position.
The athletes’ participation was made possible through the support of QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, who officially sent off the team following a media conference held at the MEIYSAC Head Office in Windhoek on 23 June 2026.
The send-off celebrated the achievements of the 2025 Navachab Half Marathon winners, including Mathias Simon, Lavinia Haitope, and overall winner Elton Hiskia, while Daniel Paulus also joined the contingent after receiving a special invitation to compete.
“Congratulations to Lavinia Haitope, who crossed the finish line as the first female finisher in the 2026 Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon. QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine is committed to making a difference in the athletes’ lives,” said Tuafi Shafombabi, Corporate Communications Manager at QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine.
“The team carried Namibia’s hopes with them, and their performances have once again brought pride to the nation.”
