The 34th Rossing National Marathon Championship was held in the coastal town of Swakopmund in Namibia on March 8.
As one of Namibia’s oldest marathon events, the Rossing Marathon is not just a celebration of sports, it is a cultural feast that connects people across mountains and seas.
At the same time, in China, a parallel virtual marathon was launched in collaboration with the Gudong fitness app. Offering five categories — 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, half marathon, and full marathon — the event attracted over 60,000 runners of diverse backgrounds and languages.
Runners at the Rossing Marathon [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
As a key platform for China-Namibia cooperation, the Rossing Marathon leveraged an innovative online-offline integration model to engage runners worldwide. The offline event included a full marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers races along a scenic course bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the golden vastness of the Namib Desert on the other.
Group photo of participants [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
As a landmark event on Namibia’s sports calendar, the Rossing Marathon not only brings international attention to the country but also provides a fresh model for collaboration among countries in the Global South. Its continued growth will further strengthen China-Namibia ties in sustainable development and cultural exchange, contributing to the broader vision of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
“This year marks the second edition of the marathon that combines online and offline elements, and we have witnessed significant achievements. We plan to expand the event further, integrating sustainability and innovation to promote a culture of health and international cultural exchange,” said Johan Coetzee, managing director of Rossing Uranium Mine.
At the 3 km mark on the racecourse, a special Chinese-themed supply station was set up, offering not only energy supplies but also a vibrant cultural experience. Featuring traditional lion dance performances and depictions of classic Chinese folklore characters, the station became a window into Chinese culture, attracting spectators while energizing the runners.
CNNC supply station [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
This year marks the sixth anniversary of China National Nuclear Corporation’s (CNNC) acquisition of Rossing Uranium Mine. Over the past six years, CNNC has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative, adhering to the principles of consultation, contribution and shared benefits.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
