24 Aug 2022

Over 1 000 runners will partake in 2022 BDF Mogoditshane half marathon billed for Sir Seretse Khama Barrack on Sunday.

It will be the third time for BDF Athletics Club to host the marathon, with this year’s edition expected to attract throngs of runners from across the continent.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the local organising committee chairperson, Alfred Phineas said the start list would see more than 1 000 African runners vying for the lucrative monetary prizes.  

The race route for the five and 10kms will run through the streets of Mogoditshane while the 21km one will cover areas such as Gaborone Block 5.

“Our routes were marked by our certified route markers; Ntlogelang Wilson and Mokenti Letsoma,” he said.

He said international athletes from Kenya and South Africa would be competing against elite runners such as Godiraone Nthompe, Bakang Matlho, Gaone Bathoeng, Millicent Bakha, Kitsiso Joseph and Mantshapelo Badumetse.

“I am happy to announce that this year we have exceeded our registration target of 1 000,” he said.

Phineas said as BDF Athletics Club, they took pride in offering better opportunities for athletes and contributing to the development of sport in Botswana.

“Over the years our club has been able to uplift and improve the livelihoods of people of Mogoditshane and this year we intend to keep on with our track record of good work as we will be donating some of the proceeds to charitable organisations based and operating in Mogoditshane,” he said.

Phineas said they were grateful for their sponsors steadfast support and generosity, given that the world was recovering from the effects of COVID-19.

He said sponsoring an event of such a magnitude at this time was a huge sacrifice and took a great amount of responsibility and commitment.

The Marathon is sponsored by Botswana Tourism Organisation, Bayport, Botswana Public Officers Medical AID Scheme, ABSA Botswana, Excavator Hire, Impression House, Express Charm Holdings, Premier Clothing, Kamoso distributors, Turnstar, Square Mart, Wusa, Boitekanelo College, Quinn and Mascom wireless, among others.

“I must state that we have also received immense support from businesses in Mogoditshane, who have committed themselves and resources to making this event a success.

We are thankful to Fours Cash and Carry Mogoditshane and Africa Motors, Mogoditshane.

It is through the support from our sponsors and partners that we will be able to award prize monies to top five athletes from both 21 and 10km races,” he said. ENDS