Lobamba – The Eswatini National Provident Fund has officially launched the 8th Imbube Marathon, setting the stage for the country’s premier road race scheduled for 17 October 2026 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
The launch took place at Happy Valley and was attended by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, ENPF leadership and key stakeholders.
This year’s edition carries added significance, falling within the Kingdom’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 Years on the Throne. Organisers say the race goes beyond sport, positioning itself as a national movement that brings together fitness, unity and the spirit of the Jubilee year. 
Now an internationally recognised World Athletics accredited event and a Comrades Marathon qualifier, the Imbube Marathon has grown steadily in stature and continues to strengthen Eswatini’s presence on the global sporting stage. Organisers say strengthened systems, logistics and partnerships are in place to support this year’s edition.
At the launch, speakers reflected on the deeper meaning behind the marathon in the context of the ENPF’s founding purpose. The Fund’s Sovereign Vision towards E100 billion was reaffirmed, with a focus on long-term national impact, sustainability and transformation that extends beyond financial growth. The Imbube Marathon was presented as a living expression of that vision, symbolising endurance, discipline, unity and national progress.
ENPF Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe summed up the occasion with a clear message: “The Imbube Marathon is Eswatini’s gift to the world of athletics.”
The race, widely known as the People’s Race and dubbed “The Bushfire of Running,” is open to elite athletes and everyday emaSwati alike, with organisers saying every participant contributes to a shared national journey.
