22 Feb 2023

The 2023 FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon is finally here with over 3 000 athletes expected to sweat it out on Saturday.

This year, the organisers have pulled a development for people with disabilities who will be rated separately under the wheel chair users and non-wheelchair users.

In an interview, the marathon’s technical director, David Lebalelo, said all SADC countries had fielded athletes. Others will be from the United States, Argentina, Kenya and Uganda.

He highlighted that the Kazungula Bridge Marathon was accredited by the World Athletics with Botswana Athletics Association as technical partners. Therefore, runners will be using the event as qualifiers for the Comrades Marathon in South Africa and African Championships.

Lebalelo said there were a few changes in the routes from last year with starting points differing for the 42.2km, 21km and 10km  but all races would finish at the Choppies mall.

The technical director advised runners to capitalise on social media platforms where all the marathon information was shared.

Moreover, Lebalelo indicated that the marathon was tipped to promote Chobe District and Botswana.

“Kazungula Bridge Marathon is a global spectacle promoting sport tourism and placing Botswana on the global map as a destination of choice.’’

Lebalelo said the marathon activation drives, which were hosted in different locations ahead were meant to raise awareness and attract Batswana to the event, adding that in future, these activations would be extended to the SADC region.

Pertaining to the ongoing Cyclone Freddy warnings, the director stated that  a meteorology expert was sitting on the marathon local organising committee, who indicated that the weather forecast in Kasane would be pleasant on Saturday.

He highlighted that all relevant stakeholders in the Chobe District sat on this committee that was headed by the district commissioner.

Furthermore he said a public engagement would be held before the marathon to sensitise the public on precautions and proper behaviour to uphold in Kasane as a wildlife infested area.

Lebalelo said they had engaged a helicopter company in Kasane to hover above during the entire course of marathon to ensure runners and spectators were safe.

The total price money for the marathon is P550 000 with the highest reward being P50 000 for the 42.2km senior men and women.

The 21km wheelchair users champion will pocket P3 500 while the non- wheelchair users will walk away with P3 000. ENDS