26 Jan 2025

 Dozens of marathoners and fitness enthusiasts on Saturday morning turned up for the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon (KBM) activation in Kazungula.

Tackling  the 21km and 10km races in preparation for the marathon billed for February 22, the marathoners traversed through Kazungula, Flowertown and part of Kasane.

In an interview, KBM Technical Director David Lebalelo expressed his satisfaction over the turn up for the activation, adding that this was the first of a kind activation where they introduced 21km race.

He stated that they had engaged a route measurer in October in order to adhere to international standards which provided for marathon routes to be certified every three years.

“We have received certification from World Athletics and we are ready for the final whistle,” he said.

Furthermore, he said this year they had engaged Gaborone Striders Runners Club for technical support in order to tie up loose ends and avoid confusions like last year when the 42km race failed to produce a winner as athletes got lost along the route.

He revealed that the start off point for the 42km race would be the same spot as the finish line adding that shorter races would start at BDF junction.

Lebalelo encouraged participants to register online on the marathon’s  website and WhatsApp number in order for their details to be captured and eliminate any mishaps.

For her part Gaborone Striders Runners Club member Lapologang Magole said their club was roped into the marathon as technical advisers to ensure the routes were marked correctly with hydration stations installed at the right places.

She emphasised the importance of proper marshalling for runners as well as safety and security, which she said the club’s engagement on the marathon would address.

Magole indicated that their club was proud of the fact that they had accredited coaches who were well trained to conduct and manage races in compliance with  international standards.

“We are a trusted partner and we present vast experience having conducted several races in Botswana,” she said. ENDS