Over the last few years, we as Indongo Toyota, a subsidiary of the Frans Indongo Group, has embraced the incredible opportunity of being one of the main sponsors of the Nedbank Desert Dash – the longest, toughest mountain bike race in the world. A wild beast that lures and challenges each participant and allows only a few to tame its toughness, it’s a 373km, 24-hour duel between human and nature, body and mind.
Starting in Windhoek, the route climbs the Khomas Hochland up to a level of 2000m above sea level. Riders are pushed to their limits as they navigate the sharp twists and turns of the hills as they descend, at one stage dropping 700m in only 10km. Their sheer grit and determination are further tested by the cold and dark night.
The finishing line is in the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund with the cold Atlantic Ocean on one side and the red sand dunes of the desert on the other. More than 1 000 Dashers take part annually from all around the world including Germany, Austria, Canada, the USA, France, and Luxembourg.
Going the distance!
As part of our collaboration and sponsorship contribution, we provided a substantial cash contribution as well as a fleet of vehicles to event organizers for transport and logistical purposes. In addition, Toyota support vehicles were provided to a group of dashers to assist them in preparation leading up to the event. On race day, Indongo Toyota also mans the first waterpoint, 30km outside of Windhoek, offering riders refreshments and replenishments.
In 2019 together with Nedbank, we set up a children’s play area at the finish with jumping castles and mascots. What’s more, to promote the Dash, we launched a very successful SMS competition giveaway where one lucky entrant, Mr. Marcellus Nanyalo drove off in a Toyota Hilux Single Cab Bakkie.
Each year, we enter teams into the Dash, and have several times landed podium in various categories. In 2019, we entered 3 teams– with one taking an impressive second place and the other a 12th place. Entering our own teams underlines our commitment to this prestigious event, which is growing and improving year after year.
“Real grit is your ability to persevere through the roughest conditions, the worst storms, and come out the other side – victorious. I have never felt such a deep intensity of personal achievement than I did at the finish line of the iconic Desert Dash” – Shane Barnes.
For more information on the Desert Dash, please visit www.desertdashnamibia.com.
