The first SPAR Challenge in Namibia will be held on July 31 at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
The marathon will be over 5km and 10km and the entrance fee for the participants will be N$50. The entrants can either walk or run the distances. The Quinton Steel Botes Cancer Fund will receive N$5 from each entry in addition to any other money made from the event.
Race organiser Quinton Steel Botes urged people to take part in the marathon because it will help cancer patients in Namibia.
“SPAR is investing not only in the development of our athletes but also in those people who are suffering from cancer,” Steel Botes said.
“Prizes will be given up to fifth place for both men and women, so come and enjoy a lovely day,” Steel Botes added.
The Regional Manager for SPAR Namibia, Francois Lotter said, “after the huge success of the races in South Africa, we wanted to build on that success in Namibia.”
SPAR handed over a cheque of N$70 000 to Steele Botes which will be used for the organising of the event.
“We will not make any profit from the event, everything will go to the Quinton Steel Botes Cancer Fund,” Lotter added.
“We are hoping to be able to build on this and maybe we will make it into an annual event,” he continued.
The Quinton Steel Botes Cancer Fund was established in September 2007 after Steel Botes was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer to help with his medical bills. People from all over the country contributed to the fund which has so far raised N$250 000.
“We are happy that since then we have not yet taken any money from the fund and now the money will be used for those people without medical aid who have cancer and have problems paying their medical bills,” Steel Botes said.
“So far we have helped 22 people. We help with different expenses in South Africa because people go there for treatment since they can not get the treatment in Namibia,” Steele Botes added.
Entry forms will be available at all of the 26 SPAR stores countrywide and they can also be handed in at the stores.
The winners of the men and women’s categories will receive N$2 000, while second place finishers will receive N$1 500, third place finishers N$1 000, fourth place finishers N$750 and fifth place finishers N$500.
South African Idols finalist Andriette Norman will provide entertainment on the day.