26 Jun 2024

Serowe will host more than a thousand athletes and fitness enthusiasts who will compete in the inaugural Sir Seretse Khama Commemoration Marathon billed for Saturday. 

The marathon is part of activities scheduled in Serowe to remember and celebrate the founding father of this country the late Sir Seretse Khama.

The 21.1km half marathon race which has attracted both local and international runners from as far as United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa, will kick-start at ‘Ko Letamong’ at 5:00am.

“The 21.1km race will be commissioned by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi accompanied by First Lady Neo and the Chief Executive Officer of Halfway Toyota Mr Riaan Grobler,” said the marathon national coordinator Botshelo Ntlhaga.  Other dignitaries expected to grace the marathon, include the Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane who together with Orange Botswana CEO Nene Maiga will commission the 10km race while the 5km race will be commissioned by the Minister for State President Kabo Morwaeng and Kgosi Serogola Seretse.

He further explained that the winner of the 21.1km race would walk home with P20 00 for both male and female categories whilst the 10km and 5km races would attract P10 000 and P5 000 respectively for male and female categories.  

“We have lots of prizes for various categories in each of the three races. We decided to have three prizes under the 5km race so that we appreciate the efforts of the community,” said David Lebalelo, the marathon’s technical director. After the marathon, a cultural celebration will take place, with performance of various traditional groups from Serowe, Shakawe and North East as well as the likes of Cultural Spears. 

The cultural event will be held at the same spot where the marathon will kick-start. 

“This is going to be a big event which will bring Batswana together. We encourage the community to come and join in the celebration,” he said.

Lebalelo explained that preparations for the event were going well, adding that the activities would start on Friday with a public lecture on the life of Sir Seretse Khama.   

The lecture will be conducted by Sir Seretse Khama’s statue situated at the main kgotla area, and he invited the community to grace the event.  

Those who cannot make it to the main event have the opportunity to witness the event at three viewing points, being the main kgotla, Boiteko mall and Serowe main mall.   

Following the public lecture, there will be a free football match between Serowe XI and Surprise football club at Serowe Sports Complex at 3:00pm. 

“Members of the public are encouraged to wear Botswana colours at these events,” he said.   GaMmangwato regent Kgosi Serogola Seretse added that the community was thrilled to host the marathon.  

He said consultations with the community through kgotla meetings went well, adding that this marathon would provide an opportunity for Bangwato to celebrate the late Sir Seretse Khama and also share their culture and traditions.

Kgosi Serogola also emphasised on the spirit of Botho.  

Event sponsors include Diagno-firm, Gambling Authority, Halfway Toyota, Food Botswana, BPOMAS, Orange Botswana, Phodiso Etsile medical centre, NAHPA and Serowe District Council. ENDS