By Asha Elmi - Reporter
SOMALIA, Aug. 16, 2026 — The self-declared republic of Somaliland expects runners from nine to 11 countries to participate in the fourth Hargeisa International Half Marathon on Sept. 25, Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Farah said on Saturday.
Farah said preparations were under way for the international race, which will be staged in Hargeisa for the fourth time.
“We hope that nine to 11 countries will participate,” Farah said.
The minister described the half marathon as an important international sporting event and said organisers were working to build on the previous edition.
“It is an international race, and it is the fourth time it will be held in Hargeisa,” he said.
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Farah said organisers expected strong international participation and welcomed athletes from countries planning to take part in the race.
He said the previous edition had been held successfully but that the ministry was working to improve the organisation of this year’s event.
“We hope this one will be held better than the previous one,” Farah said.
The ministry also plans to address shortcomings identified during the previous race as part of preparations for the upcoming event, he added.
Farah did not name the countries expected to participate or provide a final figure for the number of registered runners.