14 Feb 2022

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Kazungula Bridge Marathon has registered 3 200 athletes.

The marathon’s chief executive officer, Obert Morgan said this in an interview.

He said the initial target was 2 000, but had gone up to 3 200 when registration closed January 31.

He said they decided to stop at 3 200 even though demand had not ceased.

Morgan said the decision to control numbers was to avert challenges that could rise in supplying some necessities as food.

He said already, there was accommodation shortage in Kasane since all facilities such as hotels, lodges, guest houses and camp sites were fully booked for the event.

Morgan said athletes were expected from all over the world

He said technical preparations for the marathon were at an advanced stage and stakeholders had assessed the route.

Athletes coming from outside Botswana, he said, would be vetted to ensure safety of the visitors and locals.

Morgan said communication to alert visiting athletes on Botswana COVID-19 protocols was done.

The marathon is scheduled for February 26 and will feature 42.2km, 21km, 10km and 5km categories. ENDS