Namibia's biggest Off-Road Triathlon gets even bigger.

The MTN Off Road Triathlon took place this Sunday at Friedenhau Dam.

Click here for all the results.
Click here for photos of the event. More photos will be added soon.

The triathlon had over 160 entrants, well exceeding last year’s number of 120. Otb Sport, the event organisers, said they were delighted with the turn out and believe triathlon in Namibia to be in a growth stage, reflecting the international trend. Otb Sport thanked MTN Business, whose representatives were present at the event, for their generous sponsorship without which this scale and calibre of event would not be possible.

Tokkie Bombosch was the overall winner of the full event and winner of the over 40 category. He completed the 1.2km swim, 22.4km hilly off-road cycle and 8.7km bush run in a time of 2h14. Tokkie Bombosch is a seasoned triathlete who has won the Namibian National Triathlon Championsips, Mariental and Old Mutual Ultra Triathlon numerous times and represented Namibia at national level for cycling and triathlon, including the Commonwealth Games. He said of the event: "It is very encouraging to see the re-birth of triathlon in Namibia. Particularly good to see such a strong representation in the Rookie and Kids categories, with a strong family element after the event. It bodes well for the future of triathlon, particularly off-road. Well done to OTB Sport and MTN!” Andy Chase was the winner of the U39 category in a time of 2h25. The first female to cross the line was Elke Jagau in a time of 2h42.

The first male team to cross the line in the full event was the Otb Sport team. Otb Sport Team completed the course in a time of 2h00. Mark Brinkmann was the swimmer, Heiko Redeker the cyclist (2008 Junior National Championship winner and third in last years Nedbank Cycle Classic) and Frans Hosea the runner (winner of last year’s Old Mutual Victory Race Series). The mixed winning team comprised Tristan Mc Donald as swimmer, Dennis Mc Donald as cyclist and Helena Ipinge as runner. They completed the course in a time of 2h20. The Female team category was won by team Smart in a time of 2h43 and comprised of Martina Buckendorf (swimmer), Ziggy Bassingthwaighte (cyclist) and Marnie Dannhauser (runner).

The rookie event comprised of a 600m swim, a 10km cycle and a 4.4km run. Overall winner and first male U39 was Pierre van Rensburg in a time of 1h06. Winner of the over 40 male category was Max Shaffer in a time of 1h25. Winner of the female rookie U39 was Marguerite De Villiers in a time of 1h19. Berrit Graf won the over 40 category in a time of 1h43.

The U12 event which comprised a 300m swim, a 5km off-road cycle and 2.9km run was won by Herbert Peters in a time of 0h38 and the female U12 by Kia Borg in a time of 1h03.

Pointbreak Oanob Swim - 1st March

The participants and spectators of the annual Pointbreak Open Water Swim, which took place this Sunday, were rewarded with perfect conditions - sunny skies, clear warm water and the Oanob dam at 100% capacity.

There were more than 80 entrants for the open water swim, and the field was a mix of both recreational swimmers and Namibia's best.

Namibia Swimming Academy(NSA) dominated the race. Six of the top ten finishers of the 2.1km main event were NSA members. Overall winner, and winner of the elite male category 13-30 years, was Alex Ray (NSA). He completed the 2.1km swim in a time of 26.05. Byron Briedenhann (NSA), was second overall and second in the elite male category, in a time of 27.05. Jonay Briedenhann (NSA) was overall third and first female elite, in a time of 28.02. Stephanus Van Zyl (NSA) took overall fourth place in a time of 28.19, and was third in the elite male 14-30 year category. Paddy Murphy (independent), 47 years of age, was overall 5th place in a time of 29.21 and first in the male category, 31+ years. The 31+ years female category was won by Bobby Jo Bassingthwaite in a time of 35.41. Bobby Jo is the only Namibian to have swum the English Channel, she was followed by top Namibian triathletes Zoe Mitchell and Charmaine Shannon. The Female 13 years and under was won by Micaela Cloete (NSA) in a time of 33.34.

The overall winner of the 700m swim, and winner of the Female 13 years and under was Christine Briedenhann (NSA) in a time of 10.12.

Event organisers, Otb Sport, said they were delighted with the turn-out and to see Namibia's best participating (young and old). They expect the event to grow from strength to strength as open water swimming catches peoples imagination.

Tony Edmunds from Pointbreak, who presented the prize giving, said that Pointbreak was very pleased with the turn out of the event, the spirit of the event and the calibre of the participants. He further said that Pointbreak would remain involved in the sponsorship of the event as they wished to contribute to sport as it promotes a healthy, balanced approach to life. The event exhibits many of the characteristics with which Pointbreak associates itself, such as excellence, endurance, zest for life, balance and an enjoyment of the beautiful natural environment which we have on our doorstep.

Click here to see all the results.

For photos of the event click here.

Pupkewitz Jetty Mile - Record Numbers

Click here for the full results.

The annual Pupkewitz Jetty Mile took place on Saturday at the Tiger Reef Beach Bar. The main event consists of a one mile sea swim from Tiger Reef, around the Jetty and into The Mole and then a one mile run back to Tiger Reef Beach Bar. For those that felt the full mile was too much a half mile swim was held at the same time in The Mole. Around 80 people participated, and the beach setting, run route and weekend ensured lots of spectators.

Undefeated overall winner and first Scholar was Max Siedentopf in a time of 38.01, showing why he is one of Namibia's best swimmers and all he was capable of in the open water. First female to cross the line was 15 year old Vera Adrian, a multi talented athlete, and top Namibian cyclist in a time of 45.10. Charmaine Shannon was first Female in the Open category in a time of 52.47. The Male Open category was won by Paul Brinkman in a time of 43.46.

The youngest participant in the full mile swim was 11 year old Tony Rostin. The oldest was 70 year old Bill Jooste, no small feat when you consider the swim distance, currents, waves and the mental element of swimming beyond the breakers in the big blue.

Otb Sports said they were delighted with the turn out and believe the event will only grow as the unique beach setting and the adrenalin of open water swimming will continue to draw in more and more participants.

First to cross the line, Max Siedentopf, received a N$1000 cash prize sponsored by CB Enterprises. Vera Adrian received N$500 in cash. N$900 of cash prizes was also sponsored by Danric Auto BMW.

Mr Pupkewitz, the primary sponsor of the event addressed the swimmers at the prize giving, key to his address was the concept of a healthy mind in a healthy body and how the discipline and competitive elements of sport were also the basis of any successful business or enterprise.

Otb sport also gives a big thanks to all the people who assisted with the organisation of the event. The time keeping and administration assistance - Samantha, Stef, Taryn and Linzi. Archie from Laramon tours for his vital assistance with water safety and setting out of buoys - without him an event like this would not be possible. Stephen (the newly web), Marc, Braam and Gregory for for invaluable assistance on the canoes and Otb Staff, especially Ron, for assistance prior to event and on the day.

SWAKOP ULTA TRIATHLON BIGGEST IN YEARS

The ultra distance triathlon, sponsored by Pupkewitz, Puma and FNB took place in Swakopmund this weekend. Over 100 people took part, making it the biggest Swakopmund triathlon in many years. 15% of the field were internationals from a variety of countries (Germany, USA, New Zealand, Germany, SA). Top SA ultra athletes Nico Sterk tried to defend his title but was beaten by fellow South African Gerhard de Bruin. Gerhard completed the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run in a time of 4h51. First Namibian and winner of the Male Veteran catogory was Paddy Murphy in a time of 4h50. The male team category was won by Otb Sport in a time of 4h07. The team comprised of swimmer - Mark Brinkmann, cyclist - Heiko Redecker and runner Frans Hosea. Second in a time of 4h13, were last years winner, Prowealth (Christopher du Plessis, Nick Du Plessis and Robert Kaxuxukema)

Otb Sport, the event organisers said they were delighted with the turn out and that the growth in the triathlon sport was made possible with the sponsorship of Pupkewitz, Puma and FNB. They also wished to thank NPOL for assistance on the cycle route, which was critical as the road in and out of Swakopmund get busier with each passing year.

For full results of the event click here.

OTB Sport Youth Soccer Tournament

This weekend the annual Otb Sport 7-a-Side Youth Tournament took place at the Ramblers fields in Windhoek. Close to 700 youth took part in the tournament, from a range of schools and clubs making it the largest event of it's kind in Namibia.

Over N$40,000 worth of prizes were given out to the youth. Winners in the Boys U13, U15 Boys and Girls U15 and U17 walked away with winners trophies, event t-shirts and a fully sponsored PUMA kit. The top goal scorer of each age category received a CB Enterprises sponsored trophy and a N$600 voucher for a pair of PUMA boots. The younger groups - U9 and U11- won Puma soccer jerseys and caps. There were also numerous lucky draws including balls, PUMA t-shirts, PUMA tog bags, boot bags and water-bottles.

Event organisers and sponsors, Otb Sport, said that they were impressed with the very high standard of soccer. The kids played with lots of passion and were well behaved on and off the field and that in the younger age groups there were some noticeably talented girls playing alongside the boys.

Results

U9 Winners: Khomasdal Football Academy

U9 Runners-up: Emma Hoogenhout

U11 Winners: Ramblers 2

U11 Runners-up: Eros Primary School

U13 Winners: NYFDP 3

U13 Runners-up: Khomasdal Football Academy

U15 Winners: NYFDP 2

U15 Runners-up: Ramblers 2

U15 Girls Winners: SKW

U15 Girls Runners-up: Emma Hoogenhout

U17 Girls Winners: Eldorada SS

U17 Girls Runners-up: Concordia

For more photos of the tournament select the relevant age group below.

U9

U11

U13

U15

Girls

OTB Sport Volleyball 4 All - Ongwediva

This weekend, the 12 & 13th of July, the Otb Sport Volley-4-All took place at the Ongwediva Tennis Club.

The Ruacana High School 1st Team walked away with a trophy, N$600 in cash, N$700 in Otb Sport vouchers and t-shirts for winning the tournament.

The event was a big success and fun was had by all.

Event organisers, Otb Sport, said they wanted to see sports grow in Namibia and were committed to bringing more events to the people of the Oshana region. Earlier this year they organised the Otb Sport Fun Run and donated all proceeds of the event to the Oshakati flood victims. They will also be organising a 7-a-Side Soccer tournament in August.

Click here to see more pictures of the event.

OTB Sport Swim - 20th April 2008

The OTB Sport Swim and multi sport event took place at the Oanob Resort on the 19th and 20th of April.

Results of the swim can be found here. For photos of the event click here.

Tristan Mcdonald continued his dominance of open water swimming with a comfortable win in the mile in an excellent time of 20m14. The ladies mile winner was Molly Fonner in a time of 23m13 which also gave her an overall 4th place.

The 800m male and female winners were Ruan le Roux and Christine Briedenhann respectively.

The achievement of the day went to 6 year old Liam Brinkmann who completed the 800m swim in a time of 39m03. What makes the achievement more impressive is that he swam half of the 800m underwater.

The weekend event also comprised of a 27km fun mountain bike ride and a 7km off road run. Both routes were stunning with great views of both wildlife and the dam. The winner of the multi sport event was Mark Brinkmann.

Verizon Off-Road Triathlon

30th of March 2008

Great conditions contributed to the successful Verizon Off-Road Triathlon that took place on Sunday the 30th of March at the Friedenau Dam. More than 120 participants took part in the event - making it the biggest triathlon in Namibia!

Paddy Murphy, pictured left, was the overall male winner of the tough Full Event which consisted of a one mile swim, 21km off-Road cycle and grueling 8.4km off-road (and often off-path) run that afforded breath taking views of the dam. Paddy will take part in the Xterra Race in South Africa in the middle of April so the win this weekend was a nice warm-up for namibia's top triathlete. Patrick de Goede was overall 2nd and Tokkie Bombosch 3rd. Zoey Mitchell, who is in top form and will be partaking in the Iron Man this month in P.E, was the overall female winner, with Elke Jagau 2nd and Molley Fonner overall 3rd.

The Male Team category was won by the Otb Sport Team, just seconds ahead of the Mixed Team winner Prowealth. The Rookie Male event was won by Pierre Van Rensburg and Charmaine Shannon won the Female Rookie.

Otb Sport attributes the success of the event to the growing popularity of off-road events both on a local and international level. We believe Namibians are excited by off-roading and Namibia as a country lends itself to this type of sport. The Verizon Off- Road had a lot of first time triathletes partaking and many social teams that added a new dimension to the sport.

Verizon representative and participant, Ingram Van Heerden, said that he personally feels it’s one of the top, if not the top event, of the last couple of years!

See all the results HERE and click on the relevant link below to see picutes of the event:

Swim Pictures

Bike Pictures
Run Pictures
Prize Giving Pictures

Pupkewitz Jetty Mile

28th of December 2007

Tiger Reef Beach Bar was the venue for the inaugural Pupkewitz Jetty Mile. With over 65 entrants the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile is the biggest open water swim in Namibia. Participants of the main event swam one mile from the Aquarium to The Mole and then did a one mile run back to the Tiger Reef Beach Bar.

Sea conditions were tough with big swell and cold temperatures (13 degrees) but it all added to the general excitement of the event and finishers were rewarded with a large group of spectators basking in late afternoon sun shine.

The first overall winner and winner of the Male Scholar category was Maximilian Siedentopf in a time of 29 min. 54 sec. Bobby-Jo Bassingthwaite was first female in and winner of the Open Female category, Corinna Wahl won first Female scholar and Alex Ray won Open Male category.

Event organizers, OTB Sport, also arranged a parallel rookie event which took place in The Mole. The winners of the Rookie were Ilke Preschel and Neurath Botha.

Based on the success of the inaugural event and following the generous commitment from Mr. Pupkewitz to sponsor the event annually, the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile is sure to become one of the key events on the Namibian sports calendar!

Here are all the results and see some pictures from the Tiger Reef side and from the Main Beach.

Swakopmund Ultra Triathlon

The annual Swakop Half Iron Ultra Triathlon took place Saturday the 8th of December in Swakopmund at The Mole. This year’s event was sponsored by Pupkewitz, Puma and FNB and organized by OTB Sport. Weather conditions for the athletes were a mixed bag. Strong winds made cycling hard but runners like Beata Naigambo were delighted with overcast skies and the scenic seaside route.

The first individual to cross the line was last year’s winner, the South African Nico Sterk. Nico completed the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run in a time of 4h18min. After the race Nico said he was delighted with his time. Cordula Moller, the first female achieved a time of 4h53min.

The Prowealth team as pictured here– Christopher Du Plessis, Nick Du Plessis and Reinholdt Ita won the male team category in a time of 3h55min. Corinna Wahl, all African Games swimmer and top marathon runner Beata Naigambo and Angelicque Rall were the winning female team in a time of 4h40. This year’s flexible team concept allowed individuals to choose distance and discipline resulting in many more recreational participants and first time tri-participants, making this the biggest Ultra Triathlon in many years.

Check out the results and also pictures from the event.

FINA open water swim

Sunday 18th of November

An open water swim, hosted by the international swimming organisation FINA, took place on Sunday at the Friedenhau dam.

A small amount of participants took part in the 1000 metre swim, which was won by one of the leading Namibian Swimmers Tristan MacDonald - with a time of just over 14 minutes.

More open water swims are to follow next year, however before 2008 arrives there is the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile Aquathon in Swakopmund in December - check out the details here - don't miss this chance to swim in the Atlantic Ocean!

Check out some pictures from the event here (Thank you Mark Nonkes for the nice pictures!)

OTB Sport 4 a Side Beach Champions

OTB Sport won the DTS 4 a Side Beach Volleyball tournament played at the DTS beach courts in Windhoek on Saturday the 27th of October.

The OTB team consisting of Mark, Paul, Peter and Yvonne Brinkmann surprised all by beating the defending champions "Die Pauker" in the final.

The final was a close match that required a tiebreak to be decided. Die Pauker won the first set comfortably, but OTB raised their game in second set and played excellent defensive volleyball to force the match into a deciding set. The final set saw some big splikes from both sides but OTB managed to make fewer mistakes and thus win the set and the title.

The Nets finished in third place for the second year running after beating NSSC007 in the third place playoff.

Congratulations to the DTS volleyball club for organising an excellent event. We all look forward to the 4 a side Beach Volleyball series next year.

For photos of the event click here.

Mariental Triathlon - 6th of October

The MWeb Mariental Triathlon took place at the Hardap dam on Saturday the 06th of October. The organisers once again arranged an excellent event that was enjoyed by all.

Africa's top triathlete Hendrik de Villiers won the elite men's category in an excellent time of 2H03M05S. Claire Kinsley managed to win the elite ladies category for the second time in a time of 2H30M03S.

For pictures of the event select the relevant leg of the event below.

Swim - Cycle - Run - Prize Giving

OTB Sport 7 a side Soccer Tournament

OTB Sport hosted the OTB Sport 7 a Side soccer tournament at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on the 22nd September for the benefit of Mario's Soccer Academy.

The tournament attracted 60 teams making this tournament the largest one day 7 -a-side event in the country. The tournament started at 7h30 and ended at 21h30. 126 games were played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium during the course of the day with the best of Namibia's youth teams on display.

The event was co sponsored by CB Enterprises and Coca Cola.

To view photographs of the event select the relevant age group below:

U9 U11 U13 U15 U15Girls U17 U21

The winners were:

U9: DHPS
U11: Namibia Youth Football Development II,
U13: Civics
U15: Civics
U17: Khomasdal Football Academy
U21: Pioneer Boys
U15 Girls: Emma Hoogenhout

Runners up (second place)

U9: Delta
U11: Pioneer Boys
U13: Civics
U15: Marios Soccer Academy
U17: WHS
U21: R&B Boys
U15 Girls: St Georges

OTB Stay Fit Campaign

Are you feeling tired and want to get more fit? Do you want to get rid of those extra kilos before Christmas? Have you bought a pair of new Takkies which have never been used?

OTB has now started a Stay Fit Campaign where we welcome young or old, new or experienced, runners or walkers, to participate in a Saturday morning run or walk. We now start at 07:00 from OTB Sport in Klein Windhoek, AeGams Shopping Centre.

For the walkers - we have a group where we do a 5 km walk, ideal for starters but more experienced walkers are also welcome. We also do a 8km route at a reasonable pace, which is suitable for the more experienced.

For the runners - we have a 5km and a 10km run. Runs will be guided by a 6min per km pace setter and a 5min per km pace setter for each distance.

If you know anybody who wants to start walking/running please bring them along! Contact OTB Sport by e-mail info@otbsport.com or phone 061- 303 142.

N.B. Please note that the times might change, if you send us your e-mail address we will make sure to keep you posted!

Bank Windhoek Challenge

July 14th 2007

OTB Sport participated in the Bank WIndhoek Challenge 2007 with two running teams in the 4*5 kilometre run.

The first team, consisting of OTB sponsored runners, came in with a time of 1.01.36, the fastest time in this events history! Congratulations boys and good luck in all the running events to come this season.

The second team, consisting of OTB owners Mark and Peter Brinkmann, and employees Eliphas Simon and Tuhafeni Petrus, didn't do too badly with a time of 1.20.12 and an overall 4th place.

OTB Soccer Tournament

23rd of June 2007

A soccer tournament in order to raise money for two of our nations most promising soccer coaches – Tollie van Wyk and David Fransman – took place on a Saturday afternoon in June. The goal was for the coaches to make it to Brazil for a coaching course. A couple of motivated teams took part in the tournament, where some excellent football was seen!

You can see some more pictures here.

OTB Off Road Challenge - Friedenhau

On Sunday the 22nd of April the first OTB Off Road Triathlon took place at the picturesque Friedenhau Dam outside Windhoek, a perfect venue for Off Road events.

Many athletes turned up to tackle the tough route the organisers had prepared. Both the bike and the run sections had some big climbs which ensured that times would not be too fast.

The main event, a 1.1km swim, 21km bike and a 7.5km run was won by Paddy Murphy in a time of 01:55:53. Zoe Mitchell took top honours amongst the females with a time of 02:21:32.

All in all it was a great race and a great day out.

Photos of the event can be viewed here.

Click here to see full race results.

Please post a comment if you have any feedback regarding the event.

The OTB Mile Swim

15th of April 2007

The OTB Mile, OTB Events first out of many upcoming events, took place this weekend at the Oanob Dam.

The comfortable water temperatures and sunny morning attracted more than 50 participants, including one dog! Two laps of 800 meters is what the Mile swimmers had to complete, one lap for those who chose to do the ½ Mile.

The Mile was won by Byron Briedenhann one second (!) faster than Tristan McDonald. For the Females, Jonay Briedenhann took the trophy, closely followed by Ilka Preschel and Corinna Wahl. Here are all the results. Congratulations to all these top swimmers!

Thanks to all the participants for taking part and start training now for next year's OTB Mile! You can see some pictures of the event here.

Otjihase Mine Triathlon

10th of March 2007

On Saturday afternoon a small troop of triathletes and triathletes-to-be gathered at the Otjihase Mine outside of Windhoek for a fun triathlon.

There was quite some talent on the kids event - see some photos from the race here.

For the "older" people there was both a Sprint event (500m - 20k - 5 k) and a Rookie event (250m - 10k - 2.5k), check out some photos here from the race.