13 Sep 2024

 

The University of Botswana (UB) Fundraising Marathon, whose proceeds are used to support less privileged members of the society to access graduate education at the institution, has been hailed for its humanity to the society.

Speaking at the launch of the third edition of the fundraising marathon, acting UB vice chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke said the marathon had been a success since the first edition in 2022.

“This year participation from stakeholders, supporters and donors continues to increase, which is an indication that we are doing the right thing and that something good will come out of this initiative,” he said.

Mr Katzke said that through assisting the less privileged from the proceeds, the marathon would thus give career opportunities to upcoming generations.

He said with the government’s budgets getting smaller against social and public needs getting larger, support from corporates, industry, alumni and friends of the university was more important than ever.

He said apart from commitment to the advancement of education and giving dignity to the beneficiaries, the fundraising marathon would also play a part in health and wellness, sports, and community development.

Mr Katzke therefore urged all to embrace mindset change for better lifestyles, health and wellness.

For his part, marathon director, Mr Justice Dipeba indicated that the 10km and the 21.1km routes of the marathon had been certified by the World Athletics, meaning that they could be used as qualifiers for major competitions such as the Olympics, World Championships, while the 42.2km could be used as a qualifier for other bigger marathons such as the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.

“This comes after we modified the routes from the previous two editions of the marathon to meet international standards, so we are excited by this development because it means that the marathon will be able to attract international runners,” he said.

Mr Dipeba also said the routes modification was informed by feedback from runners in the past two previous editions of the marathon.

Botswana Athletics Association representative, Mr Larona Koosimile appreciated UB for organising the marathon, indicating that marathons were nowadays treated as careers rather than just sport.

He said the marathon was also welcome in that it would help the country unearth long distance runners, an area he said the country had been lacking in since the era of Olympiad, Tiyapo Maso.

“It should concern us that for the past four of five Olympics we have not been able to send any athlete in the marathons category, and it is time that we take advantage of marathons such as this one to unearth athletes in that area,” he said.

The marathon will take place on October 13, with all routes starting and finishing at the UB Stadium. ENDS