Nedbank Desert Dash launched for 20th year 

The Nedbank Desert Dash was launched for the 20th consecutive year in Windhoek yesterday morning.

From its humble beginnings in 2005, when less than 50 cyclists took on the gruelling marathon from Windhoek, over the Khomas Hochland and through the Namib Desert down to Swakopmund at the coast, the Desert Dash has steadily grown into a world class event that now attracts close to 1 000 adventurous cyclists from all over the world.

At previous events, the distance ranged between 380 and 397km, but at yesterday’s launch, race organiser Leander Borg said to mark the 20th anniversary, they had extended it to 401km.

The Dash will start at the Grove Mall in Windhoek on Friday, 6 December, and will conclude at Swakopmund’s Platz Am Meer Mall the next day, with cyclists given a cut-off time of 24 hours to complete the race.

Borg added that they have introduced a new category for cyclists over 50 years of age for the solo dash, which will start at midnight at the halfway point to the finish line at Swakopmund. In addition, the organisers have also introduced a two-person half dash for cyclists of 16 years and older.

According to the organisers, more than 900 cyclists have registered to participate, with 160 cyclists participating in two-person teams, 624 in four-person teams, and 190 cyclists riding solo.

At yesterday’s launch, deputy minister of sport Emma Kantema-Gaomas said the race had become a global phenomenon, which has put Namibia on the world map and made it a premier destination for mountain bike enthusiasts and sport tourists alike.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash has not only created a platform for international athletes, but also a solid foundation for Namibian cycling. Through initiatives like these, we have seen a rise in local talent, with Namibian cyclists competing not only in this race, but on the international stage,” she said.

“Cycling is gaining recognition in our nation, and this race continues to inspire a new generation of athletes. The spirit of competition, teamwork, and endurance cultivated in events like this helps to strengthen our national sport and to instill the values of hard work and determination in our youth,” she added.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash has become more than just a cycling race – it has become a symbol of Namibia’s potential. It is a beacon of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate toward a shared vision,” she said.

Kantema-Gaomas said the Desert Dash showcased Namibia’s potential for business and development.

“By fostering sport and tourism, we are indirectly paving the way for foreign investors to see our country as a land of opportunity. Sport builds relationships, creates networks and develops trust – key ingredients for any successful investment. As we continue to host world-class sporting events, we open doors to foreign investors, who see the potential in our economy, infrastructure and our people,” she said.

The managing director of the main sponsor, Nedbank Namibia, Martha Murorua, says Nedbank has supported Namibian cycling for more than a decade, which has helped elevate cycling in Namibia, attracting international participants, while more Namibian cyclists are now also competing, and excelling, at international events.

Alex Miller and Vera Looser both represented Namibia at the recent Paris Olympic Games, representing half of Namibia’s meagre representation of four athletes at the games, while Looser recently also won the UCI Cross Country World Cup Marathon MTB series.

Murorua says their impact goes beyond sporting achievements and that the economic impact of the Dash cannot be overstated.

“Last year alone, the Desert Dash contributed an estimated N$25 million to the economy, and we expect this year’s edition to make an equally significant impact,” she says.

“This is more than a sponsorship – it’s a partnership rooted in the belief that together we can drive positive change, uplift communities, and build a healthier society,” she adds.

The Nedbank Desert Dash is also supported by several other co-sponsors, namely Indongo Toyota, SuperSpar, Paratus and Hollard. Lema Events are the organisers.