(At SNAT Centre)
MANZINI – Another half marathon has been launched!
The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), through its Big Bend Branch, has launched a half marathon to raise funds to finish constructing its offices in Siphofaneni. The launch took place at the SNAT Centre in Manzini yesterday and was attended by the association’s President Mbongwa Dlamini, the SNAT Big Bend Branch executive and Athletics Eswatini (AE) President Zakhele Dlamini.
The Big Bend Branch Recording Secretary Sibusiso Dlamini revealed that the idea of hosting a half marathon arose after experiencing challenges in raising funds to roof their structure currently under construction in Siphofaneni. “Apart from completing our structure, this event will help bring the Siphofaneni community together to embrace a wellness initiative,” Sibusiso said.
He stated that the race will be split into three categories: The 5km, 10km and 21km. “Registration is already open with the 5km race priced at E80 while the fees for the 10km and 21km are set at E170 and E200, respectively,” he said.
The SNAT president revealed that the half marathon aims to support AE in its mandate to develop the sport in the country. “We are proud to partner with our Big Bend Branch in supporting Athletics Eswatini and our dream is to continue hosting such initiatives across all our branches,” Mbongwa said.
He added that besides raising funds to complete the structure in Siphofaneni, the event will offer SNAT members a chance to network.
Meanwhile, the AE president said the association prides itself on being the mother of all sports, noting that competing in athletics does not require specialised skills. “Our other mandate is to ensure every liSwati remains active, which helps curb stress; which is a major cause of health issues,” Zakhele said.
He expressed delight at launching a half marathon for those in the profession of shaping the future of children, noting that all professions pass through the hands of teachers. He also noted that while AE cannot allocate marathons to every SNAT branch, they can reserve a dedicated slot for a main SNAT Marathon in the near future. “We look forward to announcing that once the MoU is signed before we vacate office,” he added. The AE President emphasised that the SNAT Marathon can only grow through the active backing of the country’s large teaching workforce. “Our dream is for every town to have its own half marathon,” he added.
The AE president urged the organisers of the event, which is scheduled for 19 September 2026, to scout for sponsors, warning that the goal would be difficult to achieve without external support. He further encouraged the public and local athletics clubs to sign up following the opening of registration yesterday. It was also announced that Victor ‘Mavikane’ Dlamini has been appointed as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the inaugural half marathon.
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