Erongo Powersave Omaruru Street Mile Organizer Aims for Fully Automatic Timing System
WINDHOEK: Berthold Karumendu, the organizer of the Erongo Powersave Omaruru Street Mile, has expressed plans to implement a fully automatic timing (FAT) system for the annual race.
According to a new release by Namibia Press Agency, who also serves as a Sport Officer for the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service in the Erongo Region, noted that achieving this goal will require additional funding. FAT is a system where race timing starts automatically with the activation of the starting device and ends either automatically or through a photo finish analysis.
In an interview, Karumendu stated that electronic systems are desired for the event but are cost-prohibitive. “We would like to see international athletes competing in the event in the future. This can only be realized when we improve the logistical aspects, including the shift from a manual to an electronic timing system,” he said.
Karumendu also revealed plans to restructure the junior category by dividing it into two age groups. The intent is to separate athletes in the 18- and 19-year-old category from those who are 17 years old and under.
The 10th edition of the race that occurred over the weekend featured 1,402 participants competing over a distance of 1.6 kilometers. The event has grown in prestige, with elite Namibian athletes like Alina Armas and Reinhardt Thomas, who recently participated in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, joining the race. “I am happy with the number of young talents who participated. The quality has improved over the past 10 years,” said Karumendu.
Karumendu extended his gratitude to the sponsors that have supported the race since 2013, including Shield Namibia/Erongo Powersave Wholesale, FNB Omaruru, Coca Cola Namibia Bottling Company, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, the Omaruru Municipality, Omaruru Spar, the Namibian Police in Omaruru/Traffic Department, and the Omaruru District Hospital.