The Times of Eswatini has officially entered the sporting arena for the first time in its 129-year history with the launch of the inaugural Times of Eswatini Half Marathon, scheduled for May 2026.
The launch of the historic sporting initiative was attended by the Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima; the Eswatini National Sports and Recreation Council (ENSRC) Chief Executive Officer, Darius Dlomo; Athletics Eswatini President, Zakhele Dlamini; the Ezulwini Town Council CEO, Mathokoza Shongwe; and the e-Mali CEO, Nozipho Dlamini.
Government officials, sporting bodies, sponsors, and partners also attended the launch, positioning the event as a national platform for promoting healthy living, social cohesion, and economic growth.
Minister Nzima hailed the Times Half Marathon as a unifying national initiative that brings together emaSwati from all four regions through sport.
“This is not just a race for elite athletes. It is an inclusive platform for everyone, young and old, beginners and experienced runners, to participate at their own pace,” said Nzima. “Initiatives like this are critical to building a healthier nation and addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.”
The race will feature three categories: the 21km half-marathon, the 10km run, and a 5km fun run, designed to encourage broad participation, particularly among young people and families.
Speaking at the launch, Times of Eswatini Managing Director Martin Dlamini called the event a major milestone for the country’s oldest newspaper, established in 1897.
“For over a century, the Times of Eswatini has played its role by providing information, shaping national conversations, and supporting social uplift through CSI initiatives,” said Dlamini. “Today, we are taking that contribution a step further, quite literally, by helping build a healthier nation through sports.”
Dlamini said the Half Marathon complements the newspaper’s long-standing commitment to national development and aligns with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of building a productive, healthy, and innovative population capable of driving economic growth.
“This race is about more than running. It is about accountability for our health, embracing change, teamwork, and commitment, values that are essential not only on race day, but in everyday life,” he said.
Beyond health and wellness, the Times Half Marathon is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Lobamba-Ezulwini corridor, with accommodation providers, transport operators, fuel stations, restaurants, street vendors, and local traders benefiting from increased activity.
Minister Nzima noted that the event would create a strong multiplier effect, stimulating local enterprise and positioning Eswatini as a potential destination for regional sports tourism.
“A half-marathon is not only a sporting event; it is also an economic driver,” he said. “This initiative has the potential to grow year after year, placing Eswatini firmly on the regional athletics map.”
The event is being hosted in partnership with Athletics Eswatini, which has confirmed that the Times Half Marathon has been added to the 2026 national athletics calendar. Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini said the federation has been closely involved in the planning process to ensure full compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
“We regulate the sport of athletics, and I can confirm that Times of Eswatini has met all requirements,” he said. “Our long-term vision is to have this event certified and potentially used as a qualifying platform for international competitions.”
The Half Marathon will leverage digital innovation through a partnership with e-Mali, Eswatini Mobile’s homegrown fintech platform, to support both registration and on-site transactions.
e-Mali CEO Nozipho Dlamini said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to financial inclusion and digital transformation, with agents and vendors on site to assist participants and the public with registration and digital payments.
“Cashless payments are no longer a luxury; they are essential to economic competitiveness,” she said.
The inaugural Times Half Marathon will offer nearly 60 prizes, with prize money totaling E50,000. Categories include juniors, masters, veterans, early-bird entrants, and novelty awards, such as best-dressed runner.
Dlamini encouraged EmaSwati from all walks of life to participate, emphasizing the event’s family-friendly nature. “This is your race, your pace, and your story,” she said. “Registration opens tomorrow, and we invite everyone to be part of this historic moment.”