UB marathon targets over 3,000 runners
Nchidzi Masendu | Saturday August 12, 2023 06:00
Athletes are poised to engage in the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42.2km races, marking the tournament's second year. During a recent press briefing, organisers highlighted the marathon's dual mission: fostering sports development and contributing to the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD).
Mhitshane Reetsang, the director of the UB Foundation, emphasised that the marathon serves as a fundraising avenue for the institution's programmes. "The University through its foundation does a lot of work behind the scenes to fundraise for the endowment fund that is used to support graduate scholarships across all faculties at the University of Botswana.
Fundraising is done through different events such as the marathon," Reetsang explained. Recognising the link between NCDs and unhealthy lifestyles, Reetsang stressed that these diseases can be managed through regular exercise, such as running. Dr Wedu Somolekae, a UB Alumnus and founder of Medi-Glow Aesthetics, urged fellow former students to participate in the marathon.
She reiterated that the event serves as a platform to raise awareness about NCDs and their impact on the nation. Somolekae noted: "Non-Communicable Diseases have taken a toll on Botswana as a nation and have thus overwhelmed government and its resources in recent years. While the government’s priority is to ensure that the health of Botswana is well attended to, we as a nation should also play an active role in working towards decreasing the rising numbers of NCDs." Providing insights into the marathon's logistics, Justice Dipeba, the UB Marathon's technical advisor, disclosed that the total prize money for the event amounts to P200,000.
Dipeba also emphasised that this year's edition aims to be more inclusive, specifically welcoming female participants and individuals with disabilities. This commitment aligns with the marathon's theme for the year, 'Run for a purpose.'