Salomo David, a member of the Welwitschia 77 Athletics Club of Windhoek is the 2005 Rössing Namibia Marathon Champion, running the 42.2km in 2:22:28. He won the event for a second year in a row. Twenty seven year old Salomo's time is much faster than his time in 2001 (2:28:29) and in 2004 (2:29:04). when he also won the Namibia Marathon Championship title.

The second place runner is Tuhafeni Petrus, just more than one minute (2:23:48) behind Salomo.

In the third place was Luketz Swartbooi (2:26:18) - Luketz still holds the Rössing Marathon Championship record of 2:11:23 set in 1992.

The Ladies Open winner was Beata Naigambo in a time of 3:04:22 follwed by 2004 winner Racher Akukothela (3:04:46). After receiving medical attention at a local hospital the for dehydration, Beata was however soon back at the event to receive her prize.

The running times of the 54 athletes in this year's marathon are good despite the event starting off in cool-misty weather with sunshine but still cool conditions towards the end of the event. The race was run from the below Café Anton out onto the Henties Bay road and back.

First in the 10km Run was Reinold Iita in a time of 34:43.

Helena Iipinge was the first lady in the 10km race in 36:48, which was almost 10 minutes faster than the 2004 winning time in this event.

In total 88 athletes participated in the 10 km Run - Walk event.
Rössing's Acting Managing Director, Rehabeam Hoveka, congratulated all the participants. "I sincerely hope to see you all and many new runners again next year, as Rössing is committed to continue our sponsorship of this important event on the Namibia athletics calendar."

Two Rössing tracksuits won by the late veteran runner Andrew O'Shann years ago, was presented to the man - woman 10km junior winners, David Thomas and Grecia Shimaneni. Sue O'shann hand the tracksuits to them in memory of Andrew who still participated as a Grand Master in last year's 10km race.

Rehabeam said that the tracksuits should be a token of inspiration in the junior athletes running career.

The Rössing Team event over 10km for Rössing employees attracted three teams.

The Rössing sponsored Namibia Marathon Championship and 10km race were organised by the Swakop Striders for the 14th year and continues to be a very popular event with a good number of entrants this year.

For further information please contact Frank Slabbert at tel. 064 405788 (h) / cell 081 240 3383 or Alwyn Lubbe at tel. 081 122 5201.