MBABANE — The Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation (EEO) has announced ambitious plans for a special edition of the 11th Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon.
Speaking at the launch of the 2027 edition on Wednesday, October 28 at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Offices in Mbabane, EEO Executive Director Abraham Ntshalintshali revealed that the organisation is in talks with Athletics Eswatini (AE) to upgrade the fixture to a full marathon ahead of race day on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
“While today we launch the event as a half-marathon, we are working tirelessly with Athletics Eswatini to ensure that the 2027 edition will be upgraded to a full marathon,” the executive director stated.
He also unveiled a guiding theme that will shape the race for the next three years.
“This year’s edition carries a theme of profound importance: ‘Disability-led, climate action through sports.’ It places persons with disabilities at the very centre of the event—not as participants in need of accommodation, but as leaders and champions of change,” he added.
Through climate-aligned advocacy, the green run will champion resilience, preparedness and environmental stewardship. Ntshalintshali further announced a six-month campaign running from next month until April 2027 to drive climate action, urging stakeholders to throw their weight behind the initiative.
“Your investment will not only sustain the marathon but will help Eswatini achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 13 (climate action),” he noted.
Registration is already open, with the early-bird deadline falling on December 31. For now, entries remain limited to the four existing categories while discussions continue over graduating the event to the full 42km distance.
The reigning champions looking to defend their titles are Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force’s Sipho Mamba and Thobile Ngwenyama of the His Majesty’s Correctional Services Athletics Club.
