AS RUNNERS GEAR UP TO PUSH THEIR LIMITS, IT’S ... OVER E750K FOR IMBUBE MARATHON

EZULWINI – The seventh edition of the Imbube Marathon, organised by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), has witnessed a significant increase in its sponsorship package.

The purse has shot up by E345 000. This year’s event is generously sponsored to the tune of E770 000 by six companies, with Standard Bank leading the charge with E350 000, followed by Old Mutual, Premier Foods, Unifoods, Oshee and Lactalis. This announcement was made by ENPF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Futhi Tembe during the official launch of the 2025 Imbube Marathon, held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini yesterday. Tembe expressed her delight in once again hosting this flagship athletics event in the country.

The marathon is scheduled to take place at Somhlolo National Stadium on October 18, 2025. It will be staged on a Saturday for the first time since its inception. “This is our seventh edition of the marquee sporting event in the country, which promises to attract thousands of athletes and spectators,” Tembe stated. She highlighted that the success of the Imbube Marathon is largely due to the support from various sponsors, both in cash and kind, and revealed that Standard Bank will serve as the platinum sponsor for the event.

“Standard Bank is our platinum sponsor for the 2025 Imbube Marathon,” she confirmed. Similar to previous editions, the bank has contributed E350 000, solidifying its status as the major sponsor, which is complemented by a total sponsorship of E425 000. Minister for Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, who was the guest of honour, expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for his visionary leadership. He noted that the organisation of this world-class event consistently highlights the natural beauty and resilient spirit of the nation.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to all the sponsors collectively,” Buthelezi remarked.

Meanwhile, Athletics Eswatini (AE) President Zakhele Dlamini expressed appreciation for the collaboration with ENPF in hosting the Imbube Marathon, a competition governed by World Athletics regulations. “We are pleased that the leadership of the Imbube Marathon did not exclude us by claiming this is the King’s event. Our competition is now a qualifier for international tournaments,” Dlamini stated. He revealed that ENPF invested significantly in obtaining certification from World Athletics, having fulfilled the necessary requirements. “That was a sign that ENPF is serious about the competition,” he added.

Dlamini noted that while the route for the competition has not yet been finalised, it may change after the certification from World Athletics expires. He urged athletes to begin their preparations for the event promptly and refrain from using illegal substances to enhance their performances. “We will invite those to conduct doping tests for any performance enhanced by foreign substances, as we are committed to running a clean sport,” Dlamini asserted.

He mentioned that if an athlete is suspected of using prohibited substances, they will undergo a doping test before claiming their prize. Furthermore, he disclosed that the prizes for this year’s edition remain unchanged, with the first liSwati to cross the finish line set to receive E35 000. Should this athlete also secure the overall first position, they will earn a total of E75 000. The inaugural Imbube Marathon, founded by the King, was held in 2015 and has seen a steady increase in popularity over the years. Registration for this year’s event has already commenced.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: