Windhoek — The coastal town of Swakopmund is to host the 22nd edition of the annual Rössing Marathon Road Race, in which the country's leading long distance runners will line up for the gruelling 42.2-kilometre marathon.

The event, which takes place on February 16 at the Swakopmund Athletics Stadium, includes the popular 5-kilometre charity walk. The charity walk is aimed at raising as much funds as possible for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) and to create awareness about the debilitating and deadly disease.

The competition is open to members of the public. Several prizes are at stake ranging from awards for best-dressed walker, tallest walker and walker with the funniest hat, as well as the youngest and oldest walkers.

The entry fee is N$5 per walker and organizers say all the earnings will be donated to CAN. Last year, the event attracted more than 250 walkers from all walks of life and early indications are that that number will be surpassed this year.

Apart from the marathon race, runners will also gear up for the popular and shorter 10-kilometre race, with employees from various mines in the country competing in this particular division where they are expected to add an extra dimension to one of the most popular sporting events at the coast.