E100K FOR UEDF WAFA WAFA HALF MARATHON

MBABANE – After almost a four-year hiatus, the celebrated Wafa Wafa Half Marathon returns with an increased purse.

The race, which is organised by Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Athletics Club, was last staged in 2020 and the sponsorship was around E80 000. Yesterday, guests led by Army Commander  General Four Star Mashikilisane Fakudze  gathered at Nokwane Army Headquarters to witness the re-birth of the race that will be headlined by a half marathon(21km). It will be staged on April 27 at St Georges Army Barracks in Matsapha, starting at 6am.

Support

Several companies came on board in support of the epic event. The sponsors are headlined by giant insurer Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) that pumped in E30 000 for water points. Hlalawati, which is a co-operative under the UEDF wing, pumped in E28 000 for medals, with an extra E5 000 from Eswatini AutoFin, widely known as Kia Eswatini.

The latter will further provide a vehicle to lead the athletes during the race. Even though the full breakdown was not disclosed, the total sponsorship was calculated at E100 000. Wafa Wafa Chairperson Colonel Sipho Vilakati assured the runners of a memorable experience, saying the host team was going for gold. “There will be lucrative prizes in store which will be revealed in due course. Runners will register at the host venue and online,” he said.

The army commander, in his address, noted that the race was inclusive as all runners would be accommodated in the different categories. On top of the half marathon, there are 10km and 5km events. “I would like to thank former Army Commander Sobantu Dlamini for laying the foundation. Races are about fitness, as winning is a bonus.
“I’m hoping to endure the 10km event,” he said.

ESRIC Assistant General Manager - Corporate Services Musa Simelane said the company fully embraced and supported health and wellness initiatives and assured continued partnership, saying there were plans to diversify the sponsorship in future to benefit the athletes. This may include providing insurance cover for the runners.

Kia was represented by Marshall Lukhele, who is a Sales Representative Consultant. He expressed the company’s delight to partner in the race. Also making their remarks were representatives from Kwaluseni Inkhundla, Matsapha Town Council, and the athletics mother body. In the last edition on February 1, 2020, the attendance figures were calculated at a record 1 015.

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