By Sabri Dibaco
Digitel has officially launched the Independence Marathon 2026 under the theme “Resilience, Unity, and Green Future” as part of activities marking South Sudan’s upcoming 15th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The marathon, organised in the spirit and values of independence, seeks to bring together citizens from all walks of life in a celebration of national identity, social cohesion, and environmental consciousness.
According to the Chief Operating Officer, Wilson Kyumba, the event will take place on 9 July 2026 from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, starting at Juba National Stadium and featuring a 10-kilometre race open to participants from diverse backgrounds.
Wilson Kyumba said the marathon is designed not only as a sporting event but also as a platform to encourage unity among communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and inspire collective action toward building a greener and more sustainable future for South Sudan.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the South Sudan Athletics Federation, which welcomed the marathon as an opportunity to promote athletics development and community participation in sports.
According to the organisers, participation in the marathon requires a registration fee of 5,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). Registration will be conducted through the Digitel network, making it accessible to interested participants across the country.
He explained that proceeds collected through registration will contribute toward supporting South Sudanese athletes who represent the country in regional and international competitions.
Representatives of the Athletics Federation, Marko Akol, said the initiative goes beyond a sporting event and reflects a commitment to investing in local talent while creating opportunities for athletes to gain exposure on the international stage.
Participants are expected to include youth, families, athletes, professionals, and members of different communities who will run together to commemorate the country’s independence journey and reflect on the values of resilience and national solidarity.
He emphasised that the marathon aligns with the aspirations of South Sudan’s independence by creating opportunities for citizens to connect and celebrate together beyond political, ethnic, and social differences.
The event comes as South Sudan prepares to mark 15 years since gaining independence on 9 July 2011, following decades of struggle that culminated in the country becoming the world’s youngest nation.
Independence Day remains one of the country’s most significant national occasions, celebrated annually through public events, cultural activities, sports competitions, and reflections on progress, peacebuilding, and national development.
This year’s marathon adds a new dimension to the celebrations by combining sport, environmental awareness, and community participation under the message of resilience, unity, and hope for a greener future.