23 Jan 2023

World Athletics has accredited the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon.

This came after one of the World Athletics officials, Norrie Williamson, marked the marathon route last year.

The marathon spokesperson, Obonye Malope, said they were happy with the development as it meant their race would now be recognised internationally.

She noted that the Kazungula marathon would now be a qualifier for international events such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and World Championships. Malope also noted that they were accredited in all four race categories of 5km, 10km, 21km and 42.2km.

“We are the only marathon in Botswana which is accredited across all four races,” she said, adding that ‘we can now host the world.’

She, however, said it meant they had to maintain international standards and operate at a high level of excellence.Malope added that the accreditation assured them of participation from elite athletes across the world.

“When athletes know that we are accredited, they are assured that the event will be held and maintained at a very high level of professionalism,” she said.

Furthermore, she said it was important for them to have a race that was accredited to World Athletics. ENDS