OTB Sport, the organiser of the Swakop Half Iron Triathlon, said it was delighted with the 100+ competitor turnout for the 2009 race and noted that the growth in triathlon in Namibia was made possible with the sponsorship of Pupkewitz, Puma and FNB.
Daniel Motinga, Senior Manager Research and Development at FNB Namibia Holdings said: “First National Bank of Namibia has always been committed towards sport and we have proven this through a variety of commitments to soccer, motor sport, rugby, triathlon and the like. We believe that sport unites a nation and contributes towards a healthy and happy lifestyle. We take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners on their achievements as well as the participants for being part of this great sporting event.”
Paddy Murphy was the overall winner of the race, in an excellent time of 4hrs 58 minutes. The race, which saw a number of team entrants, started at 7.00am with a 1.9 km sea swim. A strong head wind made the already gruelling 90km cycle very tough. The Prosure team runner, Robert Kaxukena, ran the 21km run in a time of 1:08 ensuring a win for the team. In second place was the Kamakazi team. Team runner, Erick Goeirman, one of Namibia’s fastest distance runners, and 2009 winner of the Lucky Star Marathon completed the 21km run in a breathtaking time of 1:03.
Puma representative, Jaco van der Merwe, who presented the prizes to the athletes added that Puma remained committed to supporting triathlon and sports in Namibia and valued the relationship with the event organisers.
Mr Pupkewitz, of leading industry group Pupkewitz Holdings, noted that despite recessionary times the organisation would remain committed to the sponsorship of sport. Pupkewitz added that a healthy mind in a healthy body was key to success in sports and that the same discipline and competitive elements were also the basis of any successful business or enterprise.
