Omaruru, Namibia – The 10th edition of the Erongo Powersave Omaruru Street Mile Run concluded with resounding success, attracting an impressive turnout of 1,402 participants from all corners of Namibia. This annual event, held in the picturesque town of Omaruru, is a 1.6-kilometer race that brings together athletes from all 14 regions of Namibia, including competitors from Botswana’s Orapa Athletics Club.
Berthold Karumendu, the sports officer of the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service, based in the Erongo Region and Race Director for the Street Mile Run, expressed his delight at the growth of the event over the past decade. “The quality of the race has improved over the past 10 years. This event featured elite Namibian athletes who recently competed in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary,” he said.
This year’s winner, David Dam, is no stranger to the Omaruru Street Mile Run. He has been participating since his junior years, but this time, he showcased his prowess in middle and long-distance running, specifically the 800m and 1,500m races. The event marked a milestone with the introduction of a wheelchair category, which saw three men participating in the T53 and T54 categories.
In the men’s category, Namibian Correctional Service athlete David Dam claimed the top spot, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 4 minutes, 15 seconds, and two-tenths (04:15.2). He was closely followed by Rainhold Tomas and Namibian Defence Force athlete Wilhem Hangula, who clocked times of 04:16.4 and 04:16.8, respectively.
Martha Shivolo, another Namibian Correctional Service athlete, secured her place in history by winning the women’s category for the first time. She dominated the race with a time of 4 minutes, 55.6 seconds. Alina Armas and Beata Jeremia finished second and third, with times of 04:58.04 and 04:59.6, respectively.
Beata Naigambo and Mathew Kadhingula emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s veteran categories. Siegunde Gontes set a new course record of 6 minutes and 52.7 seconds in the masters’ women’s category. Christopher Ndunga took the top spot in the men’s category with a time of 4 minutes, 37.6 seconds.
Frans Nyanjukweni stole the spotlight in the junior women’s category, breaking the course record with a time of 5 minutes, 6.1 seconds. National 1500-meter champion Sara Shikongo secured the second position.
Maria Lita also left her mark by breaking the primary girls’ record with a time of 5 minutes, 34.5 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 5 minutes and 37.5 seconds.
The wheelchair category featured Roodley Gowaseb, who set a new course record of 3 minutes and 17.1 seconds, earning the top spot. Nico Kharuxab came in second with a time of 4 minutes and 13.4 seconds. Gabriel Nishililwa, using a hand cycle, was awarded third place; however, the category primarily aimed at wheelchair racing. The course record for this category was 5 minutes and 58.2 seconds.
The 10th Erongo Powersave Omaruru Street Mile Run was a remarkable celebration of athleticism and inclusion, with records shattered and history made. The event continues to be a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, determination, and the enduring power of community in Namibia. As we look forward to the next decade, it’s evident that the Street Mile Run will continue to inspire and unite athletes from across the nation and beyond.
