BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – The race is on.
It has been reported that over 2000 people have registered for the upcoming Imbube Marathon.
The Imbube Marathon is a three in one lucrative race which attracts athletes from all over the country and Southern Africa. It happens between Mbabane and Lobamba with the longest route covering the tough Malagwane Hill.
Magman Mahlalela who is the communications officer for the event said 2000 people for the Mbumbe Marathon have registered. He further encouraged people to take advantage of the Imbube Marathon stall at the ongoing Trade Fair.
“Register now especially at Trade Fair or be prepared to pay last minute’s fine. We are ready for this event and registration closes on September 10, 2023,” he said.
Worth mentioning is that, this year’s main sponsors entail Standard Bank Eswatini which donated a whopping E350 000, Stefanutti Stocks came through with E100 000. Old Mutual is the third largest sponsor so far with E50 000, while Build It Mbabane donated E10 000, and Manzini City Council donated E20 000.
The Acting CEO was also quick to point out that they are still open to more sponsors, should organisations, corporates, and individuals be interested.
“It is also important to mention that we are still in discussions and actively seeking additional sponsors. We welcome any organisations or individuals who wish to partner with us and be part of this incredible journey. The opportunity to support the Imbube Marathon is still open, and we look forward to forging new partnerships.” he said.
Arguably, one of the highlights of her presentation was the announcement that three of Imbube Marathon’s major races have been officially certified by the governing body of world athletics.
The Eswatini National Provident Fund will once again host the Imbube Marathon on October 1, 2023. The marathon is part of His Majesty’s Vision 2022 which aims at attaining first world status.
To achieve this, sporting events such as the marathon are aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle amongst the Swazi nation.
The Eswatini National Provident was established through the Swaziland National Provident Fund Order No. 23 of 1974. It is a savings scheme, the principal purpose of which is to provide benefits for employed persons when they retire from regular employment in old age or in the event of becoming incapacitated.
