09 Jan 2022

The FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon has attracted many international runners.

Kenya has already registered over 100 participants.

Scheduled to take place on February 26, the marathon, which will be divided into different categories, will see runners crossing between Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia through the Kazungula Bridge.

The event is also expected to be the first biggest sport tourism event of the year.

“This marathon is very special as none of the marathons in the world have ever been in such a cardinal point,” stated organiser of the event, Obert Morgan, in an interview during the Gaborone activation on Saturday.

He said many athletes were intrigued by the idea that they would be running across four countriese. Morgan assured the runners that the issue of wild animals had been attended to with the support of government through Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and department of wildlife.

He said the marathon would take place during the rainy season, the time when most wildlife animals were restricted in the park.

He said FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon was expected to contribute to the country’s economy.

He said their wish was to include a business expo week targeting the youth in future.

He said the neighbouring countries were currently not involved in the economic beneficiation of the event as the initiative was solely from Botswana.

Botswana’s 400m champion, Isaak Makwala, braced the marathon activation saying initiatives such as these were an encouragement not only to athletes but for people to be physically active.

Makwala said part of his plans was to coach aspiring athletes.

“I want to groom young stars from the age of 10 and see them competing internationally,” Makwala noted.  

The FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon will be sponsored by FNB, HATAB, BTO, Spar and Kwa Nokeng Oil.

The total price money for the event is P500 000. ENDS