Times Of Swaziland: DOUBLE JOY IN YELLOW EPILEPSY MARATHON

DOUBLE JOY IN YELLOW EPILEPSY MARATHON
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Mengameli Mabuza on 20/12/2024 09:23:00


MBABANE - The purse for the ninth edition of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half
Marathon has now more than doubled.
During a media event held at Pizza Inn, in Mbabane yesterday, Abraham
Ntshalintshali, the Director of Operations at the Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation
(EEO), made an exciting announcement regarding the forthcoming Yellow Epilepsy
Charity Half Marathon. He disclosed that the prize money for the event would
exceed double the amount awarded in prior
Breakdown
According to the prize-breakdown shared by the EEO, the male and female
champions of the 21km race will each receive E5 000, an increase from E2 000 in
the previous edition.
“I am delighted to announce that the ninth Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half
Marathon is set to be the most significant event we have ever organised. “The
prizes for certain categories have been raised substantially, making this
year’s race an exciting  opportunity for runners and a crucial step towards
raising awareness for epilepsy. “With the winning prize for the 21km race now
established at E5 000, we anticipate a fiercely-competitive atmosphere,” he
remarked.
The director shared that the organisation aims to attract 1 500 runners to
participate in the ninth iteration of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon.
Ntshalintshali highlighted that the purpose of this event is not solely to draw
elite runners, but also to elevate awareness about the impact of epilepsy on
individuals and families, as well as to promote research leading to improved
treatment options.
“We are referring to registered athletes, and we are not including all those
who come for aerobics and those who come to support this wonderful event,” he
added. Ntshalintshali announced that the race will take place on February 1,
2025, commencing and concluding at the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games
Association (EOCGA) offices, located at Lobamba, near Somhlolo National Stadium.
The race is scheduled to begin at 6am and will feature three categories: 21km,
10km, and 5km. Registration fees are set at E200 for the main race, E170 for the
10km, and E140 for the 5km.
Attracted
The previous edition in 2023 attracted approximately 500 participants, while
this year saw around 800. The target for the upcoming event is to exceed 1 500
participants. Beyond promoting healthy living, the primary aim is to raise funds
for individuals living with epilepsy, ensuring that children in care receive
essential medication and are able to attend school. The race will commence at
the EOCGA offices, proceeding past the Lobamba Police Station, through
Mashibhini, Mahlanya, Lozitha and along the Elangeni route, before returning to
the starting point.
Both the 10km and 5km races will utilise the Elangeni route. Ntshalintshali has
urged companies to contribute, as numerous resources are required to host a
race, including water stations, T-shirts and race packs.He announced that this
event will become annual, stating: “It will be a fixed calendar event in the
first week of February each year.” Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF)
athlete Melusi Khumalo and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Athletic
Club road queen Thobile Ngwenyama both emerged victorious during the last
edition of the race in February, each receiving E2 000.