ATHLETICS – THE country is set to host the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Marathon in 2028, following the conclusion of South Africa’s three-year hosting period in 2027.
AUSC Region 5 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Secretary Stanley Mutoya confirmed that the regional competition would move to Eswatini after South Africa hosts its final edition next year.
Mutoya was speaking on the sidelines of the sixth edition of the Region 5 Marathon, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, where more than 5 200 runners participated.
He said the marathon was designed to rotate among member countries, with Namibia having hosted the competition in 2018 and 2019 before it moved to South Africa.
“The idea of the Region 5 Marathon naturally is to rotate in the countries. It was Namibia in 2018 and 2019 before it came back here in South Africa. South Africa will host it for three years and next year, 2027, it will be the final edition here and then it will move to Eswatini,” Mutoya said. He said the sixth edition had recorded an increase in participation compared to the previous year, when just over 4 500 runners took part. The organisers had targeted 6 000 participants for the 2026 edition but recorded more than 5 200 runners before the race, representing a 6% increase in turnout.
Mutoya said the organisers were satisfied with the participation of athletes from countries within the Region 5 grouping, including Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and Namibia, alongside hosts South Africa.
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique are expected to join the participating nations in the next edition. He said the marathon was intended to promote unity among member countries, with the theme ‘Africa United’ reflecting its regional identity. “This is the sixth edition of the Region 5 Marathon, the second edition in South Africa. We are happy with the response and the quality of the competition. What is important for us is that the Region 5 Marathon is more than just a race, it is a testament of our unity as member nations,” he said.
Mutoya also outlined plans to expand the competition, particularly through increased opportunities for people with disabilities. A 5km race for participants with disabilities is planned for the next edition. Other initiatives under consideration include destination packages aimed at encouraging athletes and visitors to spend more time in the host city and experience the country’s hospitality.
The organisers are also looking at incorporating cultural and artistic elements, including encouraging athletes to wear fabrics representing their respective countries.
Meanwhile, Eswatini’s participation in the 2026 edition included a five-member delegation led by athletes such as reigning Imbube Marathon champion Ntokozo Nkonyane. Nkonyane finished 10th in the men’s half marathon in 1:08:19 while competing against more than 5 000 runners.
His participation followed his second-place finish at the eighth edition of the Imbube Marathon, where he clocked 2:30:37 in the full marathon.
