By Lindani Maseko
The 2025 edition of the Imbube Marathon has secured sponsorship to the value of over E800,000 from leading corporate supporters.
The highly anticipated 7th edition of the Imbube Marathon, organized by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Standard Bank is leading the charge in supporting the marathon with a substantial contribution of E350,000, followed by Old Mutual Eswatini with E150,000. OSHEE is also contributing E150,000 worth of their popular energy drinks to keep participants energized throughout the races.
Further strengthening the event are contributions of E100,000 from Mandla Mahewu, E50,000 from Unifoods, and E20,000 from Lactalis.
Speaking at the launch of the Imbube Marathon at Happy Valley Hotel, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, emphasised that the Imbube Marathon not only promotes health and fitness but also serves as a showcase for the natural beauty of the nation and the resilient spirit of emaSwati.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the event’s supporters, Buthelezi extended his gratitude to all sponsors.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, and dedicated volunteers whose invaluable contributions are essential to the resounding success of this Marathon,” he said.
The minister further highlighted the benefits of moving the Marathon to a Saturday.
“This will provide runners with a valuable day of rest before the commencement of the following week’s activities, particularly for those traveling from international locations,” he added.
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird registration period from April 1 to June 30, 2025, followed by mid-registration from July 1 to August 30, 2025 (with a E50 penalty), and late registration from September 1 to October 3, 2025 (with a E100 penalty).
Registration closes on October 3, 2025, to guarantee a commemorative goodie bag.
The Imbube Marathon caters to a wide range of fitness levels with four different race distances, all starting and finishing at the Somhlolo Stadium:
| Registration Period | 10km | 21km | 42km |
| Early Bird Registration | E260 | E285 | E315 |
| Mid-Registration (+E50) | E310 | E335 | E385 |
| Late Registration (+E100) | E360 | E385 | E435 |
Participants are urged to note the following start times and cut-off times for each race:
| Race Distance | Start Point | End Point | Start Time | Cut Off Time |
| 42km | Somhlolo Stadium | Somhlolo Stadium | 5:30am | 6 hours |
| 21km | Somhlolo Stadium | Somhlolo Stadium | 06:00am | 3 hours |
| 10km | Somhlolo Stadium | Somhlolo Stadium | 06:00am | 2 hours |
| 3.3 km | Somhlolo Stadium | Somhlolo Stadium | 06:00am | None |
Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive, Mvuselelo Fakudze, lauded the consistent growth of the Imbube Marathon, expressing his honour to support the event again in 2025. He also conveyed his gratitude to the government for its continued support of the race.
Addressing logistical aspects, Fakudze emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the scheduled start times. He stated that timekeeping was a point of concern in the previous year, with international participants in the early morning races raising complaints.
“If the time that has been placed is 5 AM, then people need to keep that time because it won’t change,” Fakudze stressed.
He further articulated the ambition for the marathon to achieve international competitive standards. Fakudze expressed his hope for a strong turnout of participants.
Also speaking at the launch, ENPF CEO, Futhi Tembe, applauded Old Mutual’s growing contribution, highlighting that in the previous year, they had contributed E75,000, further encouraging more sponsors to come forward.