Local course measurer, Ntlogelang upgraded
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday July 19, 2025 06:00
Course measuring is a technical field in athletics that only a few individuals in Botswana have found a niche in. After hanging his running shoes, Sir Seretse Khama Barracks-based, Wilson Ntlogelang decided to follow his passion of being a course measurer. He started off doing a certificate course but he has now achieved a huge milestone after being graded as a World Athletics C Grade marker. It means he can be invited to do races in Southern African countries, which he believes is a dream that will soon come true. In other countries, course measurers, ride motorcycles but for him, Ntlogelang rides a bicycle using a World Athletics-approved tool called Jones Counter to measure the course. Ntlogelang told MmegiSport this week that being graded by World Athletics is a big achievement and it tells him that he has started the journey, because there are two more grades ahead (B Grade and A Grade). He added that he has more work to do because the moment he reaches B Grade he can start doing course measuring for international races.
He explained that the journey started in 2018 when Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) invited affiliates to send individuals for a week-long course under Course Measuring and he was part of the 10 attendees representing BDF Athletics Club. “I am motivated by this achievement. As you can see, this is a unique role but there are some few individuals who are interested in doing it such as Collen Dube, Molatelela Bosupeng, Mokenti Letsoma, Tina Mekgwe, amongst others,” he said. Ntlogelang was born in Francistown, did his primary education at Nyamambisi, proceeded to Shangano Junior Secondary School and completed his senior secondary education at McConnel College in Tutume in 2004. He said his interest in athletics started when he joined Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 2007, because during fitness activities he was always the best, finishing ahead of his regiment. “One day, Retired Warrant Officer, Steven Isa advised me to join BDF Athletics Club in 2009, I was supposed to go there and compete with active athletes. I did not even waste time, I became a member until today. I was a long distance runner doing 21 kilometres and 42 kilometres. I competed in all the major races in Botswana such as Diacore Gaborone marathon, Orange Phikwe marathon and I also took part in Cross Country Series and the BDF Formations. Distance runners such as Rapula Diphoko, Sesebo Matlapeng, and Godiraone Nthomphe know me. I used to terrorise them,” he said.
Ntlogelang has been the technical manager for BDF Athletics Club Half Marathon, FNBB Kazungula Marathon, UB Marathon, Orange Phikwe Marathon, Sir Seretse Khama Day Marathon, BOTESSA Marathon, Ramotswa Half Marathon, Palapye Marathon, and Marobela Mini-Marathon. “My role model is South African-based legendary ultra-marathoner and seasoned course measurer, Norrie Williamson. Course measuring has its own challenges, mostly safety. We usual ‘fight’ with drivers during the process,” he said. Ntlogelang said safety always comes to mind whenever he goes out to measure, because in Botswana, drivers are not used to seeing a bicycle in the middle of the road. He added that the best time for route marking in Botswana is between 9am and 3pm when roads are a bit quiet. “I always think about the leading athlete, who will be behind a police vehicle, I do not focus on social athletes. The leading athlete will use any part of the road that has advantage – the shortest possible route – they use the shortest routes as possible, hence I ride a bicycle to measure. Traffic is always a challenge during measuring. Weather plays a huge role too, tyres change and can affect the distance. Nowadays athletes use gadgets to measure for themselves, but the results depend on the Jones Counter that I use. We do not recognise gadgets that runners use, but some argue that distance recorded by their gadgets is different from the route marked. Runners must understand that the kilometre variance between them and us (route markers) is also determined by how they run. We mark the route with the lead athlete in mind, not someone who will stop to take a selfie. We focus on the route where we know someone who wants to win or break a record will be running,” Ntlogelang explained.
FACT FILE
Full names: Wilson ‘Hustler’ Ntlogelang
Date of birth: February 25, 1985
Place of birth: Francistown Home village: Marobela
Profession: Course Marker and Fitness Coach (BDF)
Qualifications: Diploma in Accounting (University of Botswana), studying Degree in Strategic Management and Leadership (UK Online course), World Athletics referee and Certificate in Sport Administration in Sports Administration (BNOC).
Role model: Norrie Williamson
Hobbies: Networking, athletics and community projects
Favourite dish: Bogobe jwa lerotse and madila.