The Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation (EEO) has announced plans to upgrade the Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon in 2027. The event, set to take place on February 6, 2027, is currently in its 11th edition. EEO Executive Director Abraham Ntshalintshali revealed that the organisation is in talks with Athletics Eswatini (AE) to make the change. The upgrade is a significant development for the event, which has been a half-marathon since its inception.
The 2027 edition of the Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon will carry the theme "Disability-led, climate action through sports." This theme aims to place persons with disabilities at the centre of the event, promoting them as leaders and champions of change. The event will also focus on climate-aligned advocacy, championing resilience, preparedness, and environmental stewardship. This theme will shape the race for the next three years.
Registration for the event is already open, with an early-bird deadline of December 31. The event currently has four existing categories, and discussions are ongoing to graduate the event to the full 42km distance. The reigning champions, Sipho Mamba and Thobile Ngwenyama, will look to defend their titles. Mamba is from Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, while Ngwenyama is from the His Majesty's Correctional Services Athletics Club.
The EEO has launched a six-month campaign to drive climate action, urging stakeholders to support the initiative. The campaign will run from next month until April 2027. Ntshalintshali stated that investment in the marathon will not only sustain the event but also help Eswatini achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 13 (climate action).
The event has garnered significant support on social media, with the Times of Eswatini's Facebook page having 525k likes and 6k followers. The organisation's Instagram page has 5k followers, while their YouTube channel has 1.3k subscribers. The Times of Eswatini also has a presence on TikTok, with 23k followers.
The Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon is not the only event making headlines in Eswatini. Recently, two socialites and a banker were arrested in connection with an alleged fraud involving over E396,000. Additionally, 34 police officers graduated with diplomas in Police Science as the police service seeks to strengthen its response to emerging crimes.
The Eswatini Under-15 boys' national team has also been making waves, cruising to another U-15 FIFA World Cup win. In other news, Mbabane Highlanders president Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize returned home after a business trip to China, declaring that her presence is a boost for the team.
Key points
- The Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation plans to upgrade the Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon in 2027.
- The event's theme for 2027 is "Disability-led, climate action through sports."
- A six-month campaign has been launched to drive climate action and support the initiative.
