The well-known Lucky Star Marathon, Namibia’s premier coastal running
event, has undergone a transformation and this year also included multi-disciplined
cycling events, amongst others Namibia’s first ever fat bike race.
It took place, for the first time, under the new Lucky Star Marathon
& Cycle Tour title on Saturday 3 October, and included eight different
events with 439 runners, 146 cyclists and 95 learners in school relay teams taking
part.
Apart from being a qualifier for the Two Oceans
and Comrades marathons, the appeal of the event has always been the unique
route which follows the scenic route along the main road between Swakopmund and
Walvis Bay. Runners also had the option of taking part in the half-marathon or
10 km fun run. Special focus is placed on involving learners from across the
country in the 10km school relay event. Athletes from participating schools are
sponsored by Etosha Fishing, Namibian home of the Lucky Star brand, which also
provides transport, accommodation and food for the learners. For many children
this opportunity means seeing the ocean for the first time in their life.
The addition of a multi-disciplined cycling event
offered cyclists the opportunity to pit their skills against one another. Apart
from the 105 km road race, 21 km mountain bike race and a 5 km kiddies fun
ride, cyclists were especially excited about the first ever 21 km fat bike
race, unique in that it followed a route that traversed sections of the Namib
Desert with exhilarating dune rides.
To
add to the family appeal of the event, the organisers have also changed the
running routes. All events finished at the Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay,
coinciding with the Walvisfees. This ensured fun for athletes and supporters
alike.
