Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Mobile Telecommunication (MTC) launched the MTC Runners Connect Marathon on Tuesday, which will serve as a qualifier for the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa.
MTC announced that all the proceeds from the marathon event will be donated to the Namibia National Children’s Hearts Trust.
MTC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, John Ekongo, said a healthy lifestyle is vital to productivity, whether at a personal or corporate level.
“Wellness is very important, whether in a company or an individual’s life; it is key to productivity. There is no business continuity when the health of employees is compromised. Hence, we call on the public to sign up for the connect run,” he said.
Dr Fenny Shidhika, founder of the Namibia National Children’s Hearts Trust, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its long-term impact on the sustainability of the trust.
“The best part about this fundraising is that it has a double effect; it does not only support those with heart diseases, but it also keeps the runners in shape, therefore making it beneficial to both the receiver and donor,” she said.
According to her, Namibia Nationals Children Trust ensures that Namibian patients born with congenital heart diseases receive affordable, accessible, equitable, timely, safe, and sustainable care, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
The MTC Connect Run is scheduled to take place on 1 March in Windhoek.
Runners can compete in 5km, 10km, and 21 km for prizes worth more than N$70 000.
The prizes include the winner, 1st, and 2nd runner-up in the elite, master’s, and veteran categories for both males and females.
According to MTC, the first 500 people to register will receive T-shirts and a swag bag.
Additionally, the first 100 registered people will get a recovery boot voucher after the run which can be redeemed at the ONETWENTY Sports and Fitness Performance Centre.
Equally important, the event (21 km) will be sanctioned by Athletics Namibia and recognised as a qualifying race for the Total Sports Two Oceans Marathon.
Runners are urged to register using the link https://www.easyreg.co.za/events/mtc-connect-run-2025 before 15 February and pay with the newly introduced transactional product, MTC Maris.
Registration fees vary between N$50 and N$150, depending on the distance the individual chooses to run.
