Athletics

MANZINI – The seventh edition of the Imbube Marathon, hosted by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), is now tantalisingly close to hitting a E1 million sponsorship package.

This surge follows the welcome addition of three new sponsors, joining the six companies initially announced at the launch of the 2025 edition in April at the Happy Valley Hotel.

That initial package stood at E770 000, with Standard Bank leading the way on a generous E350 000 contribution. Other early supporters included Old Mutual, Premier Foods, Unifoods, Oshee and Lactalis.

The ENPF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Futhi Tembe, confirmed the new commitments at an event held yesterday at the organisation’s headquarters in Manzini, noting that three more companies had pledged their support for the competition.

This year’s event is also set to make history as it will be held on a Saturday, a departure from all previous editions.

Tembe emphasised that the event has grown beyond merely a race, describing it as a celebration of the nation’s unity, health and spirit.” The marathon was initially launched by His Majesty King Mswati III during the official opening of the Sivuno House in 2016.

“The King, apart from opening Sivuno, then launched the Imbube Marathon for the healthiness of the nation,” she stated.

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Ubombo Sugar Limited Head of Corporate Affairs Leonard Ndzimandze (3rd L) and ENPF CEO Futhi Tembe flanked by ENPF staff. (Pic: Machawe Fakudze)