Over two thousand participants of all ages showed up on Saturday, 9 August 2025, for the second edition of the Bank Windhoek Red Run, hosted at the Ramblers Sports Club in Windhoek. With N$60,000 prize money up for grabs, the runners, ranging from novices to elite, including several Comrades Marathon medallists, ran across three different distances: five, ten and 21 Kilometres (km) and represented various age categories: Open, junior, veteran, master and grandmaster. Led by their coach, the Namibia National football team, Brave Warriors, also used the occasion to run a few kilometres as they continue their preparations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Male 21 km category saw fierce competition. Jeremia Shaliaxwe finished the race at an impressive time of 01:14:14. Tomas Rainhold followed closely, finishing at 01:14:41. Julian Fryman completed the race at 01:17:46, earning the third position. Martha Shivolo won the female 21 km Category, finishing the race at 01:22:28. Salmi Nduviteko finished at 01:24:54, earning second. Adri Van Wyk completed the race in 01:44:12, securing the third position. Shivolo, a long-distance runner since 2005, agreed with other runners that the cold weather was challenging; however, she said she was pleased with her performance.
In the Male 10 km category, Wilhelm Hangula emerged as the winner, clocking in at an impressive 00:34:03. Following closely behind was Geson Koper, who secured the second place with a time of 00:34:18. Stephanus Kaudinge also finished with a time of 00:34:18, earning him the third place. Hangula said winning is always an outstanding achievement. “There is no easy race. The hills and downward turns can be challenging, but winning is a great achievement. This event motivates other aspiring athletes who want to train,” he said.
The Female 10 Kilometres category was equally competitive. Tuuliki Angala claimed the top spot with a time of 00:40:51. Ivonne Shelikita finished in second place, just two seconds behind, with a time of 00:40:53. Fredrika Katshuna rounded out the top three with a time of 00:44:01. Angala said that although she had previously been injured, she completed the race, which helped her return to her running routine. Member of the Namibia Defence Force Running Club, Anna Amutoko, was awarded first place in the Female Veteran 10km race. “I enjoyed the run despite the cold winds throughout the early morning. I am happy with my achievement and look forward to participating in next year’s run,” she said while thanking Bank Windhoek for organising the event.
Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, extended gratitude to the participants, sponsors, volunteers and community partners who made the event successful. “As a homegrown bank, we remain committed to implementing initiatives that foster community, wellness, and support for local causes,” said Pack.
The Bank Windhoek Red Run included entertainment, such as a performance by the male trio, PDK, food stalls, and wellness exhibitions, creating a family-friendly environment. Plans are underway for the 2026 Bank Windhoek Red Run, which promises to build on this year's success.
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