Nedbank Namibia officially launched the 21st edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash on Wednesday, 5 November, confirming the 401 km race from Windhoek to Swakopmund across the Namib Desert will take place on 5-6 December 2025. This iconic 24-hour race attracts over 1,000 cyclists globally, starting from The Grove Mall in Windhoek and finishing at Platz Am Meer Waterfront in Swakopmund.
At the launch, Jo-Ann Manuel, Director of Sport in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, praised the race as the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike event, emphasizing its economic and sporting impact on Namibia. She highlighted recent Namibian sporting successes and the ministry’s commitment to inclusive sports development.
Swakopmund Mayor Blasius Goraseb called the event a major highlight in Namibia’s tourism and economic calendar, boosting small businesses and showcasing the coastal community’s beauty. The race categories include Solo Dash (full and half), 2-person team dash (full and half), and 4-person team dash (full), with a new allowance of Aero Bars in the full solo category to enhance aerodynamics.
Leander Borg of LEMA Events confirmed staggered start times to improve race dynamics, particularly for solo riders, now starting at 14h00. JG van Graan, Nedbank Namibia’s Chief Commercial Officer, reiterated the bank’s dedication and introduced the new #GetMoneyFit campaign promoting financial health alongside physical endurance.
The Desert Dash remains a key driver for cycling and sports tourism in Namibia, drawing international participants and injecting millions into local economies. Nedbank Namibia leads as headline sponsor, supported by Indongo Toyota, Hollard, Paratus, SuperSpar Maerua, The Grove, and other partners.
