An astonishing entry of close to 500 enthusiastic runners and walkers converged in sunny conditions at the Doc Jubber Hockey Fields, south of the capital to take part in the maiden edition of the newly introduced annual Telecom Namibia Windhoek City Run, last weekend.

Runners included teens and an 83-year-old participant and for many, the primary aim was just to reach the finishing line.

The Telecom Namibia Windhoek City Run was arranged for the first time in partnership with the Windhoek Harriers Club and Otb Sports after Harriers approached Telecom Namibia to sponsor the event to coincide with the company's 20th anniversary celebrations.

The race featured the 42.2-kilometre, 21.1-kilometre and 10-kilometre marathons and walk races, while the selected route wound its way through the city and its surrounding scenic landmarks.

According to the chairman of the Windhoek Harriers Club, Johan van Niekerk, plans are underway to install the race as an annual event on the Namibian sports calendar. "With increasing public awareness, it will become a new name-card for our marvelous City of Windhoek."

"Telecom Namibia is pleased and honored to host the inaugural Telecom Namibia Windhoek City Run," said Telecom MD Frans Ndoroma, who also exchanged his suit, albeit temporarily, to run a red-hot race that saw him claim the Grand Master Male title over 10 kilometers.

Despite his fairly advanced age, Dieter Max Ester also emerged victorious in the male masters category, while 33-year old NDF Lance-Corporal Sakaria Shifotoka bagged the Elite Male category in the 21.1 kilometres, with Anna Hamukoto (34) taking the title in the female category.