Somaliland Marathon 2019

On 8th February 2019, the 2nd Annual Dahabshiil Somaliland Marathon brought international runners from Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, UK, Netherlands, USA, Ethiopia and Djibouti. They joined runners from four provinces of Somaliland as well as Mogadishu and Kismayo to compete in the Marathon (42km) and a 10km race in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Across the two races, there were approximately 300 runners. The 10km race saw 40 Somalilander women compete, a big rise on the 5 that competed in 2018. The increase in female participation is a welcome development and something that hopefully will continue to grow in the years to come.

The winner of the marathon, Osman Elmi Sheikh who had traveled from Borama, Awdal region. When asked about his win by the Horn Diplomat said, “Winning the marathon ahead of Somali and international runners will be etched forever embossed in golden letters on a new page of my athletic ambitions”.

The Marathon started and finished in Hargiesa stadium where entertainment was provided by a Somaliland cultural group, as can be seen in Somailand Today’s video. Overall, the event was a great success shedding a new and positive light on the recreation and tourism opportunities of Somaliland, and in bringing together a global community around the sport of running.

Check out the Somaliland Marathon facebook page or website for more photos.

Contact info@untamedborder.com or check out this link for more details about the 3rd Somaliland Marathon in 2020