RACE A UNIFYING FORCE – KING

LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III has recognised the transformative impact of the Imbube Marathon.
The King says the epic event not only promotes physical fitness and tourism, but also fosters a spirit of unity among the people of Eswatini.  His Majesty, represented by Prince Bandzile, spoke at the sixth edition of the Imbube Marathon held at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday, which drew an impressive turnout of over 6 000 athletes from across the globe.  
“I am honoured to be with you today on this momentous occasion celebrating the sixth iteration of the iconic Imbube Marathon. This event epitomises triumph, as we honour our physical and mental capabilities alongside the indomitable spirit of our nation,” he remarked.  

His Majesty emphasised the collective achievement of the nation in showcasing both physical strength and mental resilience, affirming that such unity is essential for unlocking the vast potential of the citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He acknowledged that completing a marathon is indeed no small feat. “Training for such an endurance challenge is arguably one of the most formidable physical trials one might face in a lifetime; however, with adequate preparation, it is achievable by all. The power of unity, particularly in uplifting those who may falter and encouraging one another, is a vital ingredient in our nation’s progress.” The King articulated that if the nation can cultivate this spirit of solidarity and support in pursuit of personal and collective success, they would transform Eswatini into a formidable entity that resonates through time as a united and powerful force that cannot be overlooked.  

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“This event intentionally includes every liswati, accommodating the young, the elderly, and those living with disabilities. The health benefits derived from engaging in such physical activities are substantial; they include improved sleep quality, reduced feelings of anxiety, lowered blood pressure and decreased risks of heart disease and stroke.”  The significance of including the elderly in such events cannot be overstated, as many health risks predominantly affect this demographic. “Extensive research underscores that running can enhance longevity through improved cardiovascular fitness, better body composition, reduced cholesterol levels, stronger bones and enhanced neurological function.” His Majesty expressed pride and joy in witnessing the remarkable evolution of the marathon from a modest event into a powerful catalyst for economic growth and overall well-being.  “From last year’s 5 015 participants, this marathon has burgeoned into a true emblem of national pride, uniting over 6 000 participants from near and far to commemorate health, strength and unity as one nation.”  

He noted the international appeal of the event, with over 1 500 participants hailing from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Kenya, all eager to experience the warmth of our hospitality, the splendour of our landscape and the richness of our cultural heritage. “We are thrilled to observe the proliferation of other races throughout the country leading up to this marathon, as they inspire our citizens to remain active throughout the year. Furthermore, we take pride in the marathon’s newly-acquired international accreditation, which is now certified by World Athletics and recognised as a qualifying event for the prestigious Comrades Marathon and other esteemed global races. This acknowledgement exemplifies our nation’s relentless pursuit of excellence in all endeavours.”  

He conveyed his deepest gratitude to World Athletics and the Comrades Marathon for recognising the exceptional quality of our marathon, as well as to the countless participants who have contributed significantly to its ongoing success. “The impressive growth of the Imbube Marathon clearly signifies the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to advancing economic development, financial inclusion and tourism. As it continues to attract runners and spectators from all corners of the globe, this marathon offers a crucial boost to our tourism industry and vividly showcases our nation’s natural beauty, culture and renowned hospitality.” The King expressed sincere appreciation to the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) for its unwavering support of government’s aspirations to elevate the well-being of the nation, affirming their commitment to securing a brighter future for all emaswati.  

“Over the past seven years, since the marathon’s inception in 2015, we have witnessed its positive impact on our people’s physical and mental well-being. This underscores the vital role physical activity and a healthy lifestyle play in enhancing our nation’s overall health, productivity and prosperity.” He commended the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs for their ongoing efforts to refurbish the Somhlolo National Stadium, expressing hope for the project’s swift completion. However, he urged the ministry to prioritise grassroots initiatives; ensuring sports facilities are accessible to all citizens across the kingdom.  

“We must embody our ‘nkwe’ motto, which calls for action and progress with alacrity. It is this mindset that will propel our nation toward excellence, innovation and success. In the same vein, I challenge the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs to provide a progress report by this time next year on the improvement of our sports culture. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels; we must continue to forge ahead with the same zeal and passion that has carried our nation thus far.”  He concluded by extending heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors of the marathon who have partnered with the ENPF to make this event the resounding success it has been. 

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