Africa-Press – Eswatini. A decade of running for awareness, inclusion and hope is set to continue next year as the Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation (EEO), which operates under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Bandzile, officially launched the 10th edition of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half-Marathon 2026.
The milestone event, which will be held next year on February 7, 2026, during Global Epilepsy Week, runs under the theme “Making Epilepsy a Health Priority.” The race will take place at the EOCGA offices in Lobamba, next to Somhlolo National Stadium. The launch was held in Mbabane on Monday, December 15, 2025.
EEO Director Abraham Ntshalintsali said the annual half-marathon aims to raise funds, with part of the money going towards the construction of an Epilepsy Centre at Sikhuphe. He said epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide, including 10 million in Africa and over 60 000 people in Eswatini.
The director said the event seeks to reduce stigma by showing that people living with epilepsy can take part fully in sport and everyday life. He noted that participation has grown steadily, from 350 runners in 2023, 580 in 2024, to 800 in 2025, with 1 000 runners expected in 2026. He encouraged companies to bring their staff to support the cause.
EEO Communications Officer Mandisa Lukhele outlined the race details, confirming a 6:00am start from the EOCGA offices, with 5km, 10km and 21km races. She said prize money for the 21km race will be E5 000 for first place, E3 000 for second, E2 000 for third, E1 000 for fourth place, followed by E500, E400 and E300 for positions seven.
For the 10km race, prizes from first to seventh place will be E3 000, E2 000, E1 000, E500, E400, E300 and E200. Lukhele added that 5km prizes will be announced later on the Eswatini Epilepsy Organization Facebook page, and that all participants will receive medals.
Registration fees have been confirmed at E140 for the 5km race, E170 for the 10km race and E200 for the 21km race. Registration can be done in person at the EEO offices in Mbabane (DPM Office) and The Fitness Zone Gym in Ezulwini, with mobile payments accepted via EEO MoMo Account 78554457. Teams are welcome to take part, and early registration closes on January 11, 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Zama Tsabedze, representing Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo, said the council supports sporting activities because they promote good health, adding that healthy people are better able to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Nomsa Dlamini, representing Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini, said the event is more than a road race, describing it as a strong platform for awareness, inclusion and community support, while thanking EEO for the long partnership with Athletics Eswatini.
The launch of the 10th edition Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half-Marathon marks ten years of continued advocacy, public awareness and community support for people living with epilepsy.
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