Maria Kanyanga Claims N$30,000 After Navachab Half Marathon Glory in Karibib
Maria Kanyanga lead by her school teach and coach Mr. Simon Nkumbwa continued her impressive 2026 season. On Saturday, 19 September, dominating the women’s 21.1km race at the 12th QKR Namibia Navachab Half Marathon in Karibib.
At just 19 years old, the Kandjimi Murangi Senior Secondary School learner crossed the finish line in 1:16:39 to claim the women’s overall title as well as the Junior Women’s category.
Kanyanga finished ahead of Shiivomwene Kaveli Shilongo, who clocked 1:16:57, while Martha Shivolo finished third in 1:17:19.
Her victory earned her the top prize of N$30,000, while Shilongo received N$20,000 for second place and Shivolo took home N$15,000 for third.
By winning the Navachab Half Marathon, Maria Kanyanga has automatically qualified for the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa in April 2027. She will also represent Namibia at the Region 5 Games, which will be held in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 2026.
The latest victory adds another achievement to what has already been a successful 2026 campaign for Kanyanga, with victories across both track and road events in Namibia and outside the country.
Maria Kanyanga’s 2026 Wins
24 April – Namibian Senior National Championships, Windhoek
Kanyanga won two national senior titles at Independence Stadium in Windhoek. She took gold in the 1,500m in 4:33.68 and the 5,000m in 17:26.44.
5–7 June – SACA U18/U20 Championships, St Pierre, Mauritius
Kanyanga became a double Southern African champion at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre, Mauritius.
She won the 1,500m in 4:35.48 and later claimed gold in the 800m in 2:13.50, adding two Southern African titles to her record.
[Date to be confirmed] – Namibia U16, U18 & U20 Track and Field Championships, Windhoek
Kanyanga also won gold in the 3,000m and 5,000m at the Namibia U16, U18 and U20 Track and Field Championships in Windhoek.
19 September – 12th QKR Namibia Navachab Half Marathon, Karibib
Kanyanga capped another strong performance by winning the 21.1km women’s race in 1:16:39 at the Usab Sports Field in Karibib.
She also won the Junior Women’s category, making her the overall women’s winner and junior champion on the day.
Her victory earned her N$30,000, with Kaveli Shilongo taking N$20,000 for second and Martha Shivolo receiving N$15,000 for third.
Kanyanga’s 2026 winning record now stretches from the 800m to the 21.1km half marathon, with major victories recorded in Windhoek, St Pierre in Mauritius and Karibib.
At only 19, Kanyanga continues to build an impressive athletics record, with her latest Navachab victory adding another major title and prize to her growing career.
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