Nearly 11,000 register for Diacore Marathon
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 24, 2026 09:07
Figures show that 821 runners have registered for the four-kilometre race, with the 10km attracting 8,180, whilst 1,494 will take part in the 21-kilometre distance. The 42.2km marathon has a field of 356. Speaking to MmegiSport, the marathon spokesperson, Tshepiso Baipidi, said the 2026 registration closed earlier than in previous years, which clearly demonstrates the growing demand for the Diacore Gaborone Marathon. She explained that the registration opened in November 2025 and closed in January 2026.
Baipidi added that the continued growth in international participation reinforces the race as a premier marathon event in the region.
“Everything is ready for race day. Our organising team has been working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event meets the high standards we are known for,” she noted.
“From logistics and athlete coordination to route management and race pack preparations, everything is on track for a smooth and memorable edition.” According to Baipidi, corporate race packages were delivered directly to company offices two weeks before race day to ensure convenience and efficiency. She revealed that individual race number collection was on today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) adding that, based on the planning and systems, they are expecting a smooth and seamless collection process. Baipidi highlighted that the 2026 edition is particularly special as it aligns with Botswana’s Diamond anniversary celebrations. “We have enhanced the overall race experience, strengthened our elite athlete field, and introduced improved race-day organisation measures to ensure efficiency and athlete satisfaction,” said Baipidi.
She added that due to the significant number of participants in the 10km category, they have introduced a new seeding system for the category.
In order to better manage the large number of runners and enhance safety and flow on the course, the 10km will be seeded in three batches: A, B, and C. “This structured start will help ensure a smoother experience for participants and improve overall race management. Additionally, we continue to place strong emphasis on community impact and sustainable initiatives,” Baipidi explained.
The prize money for the 2026 edition remains the same as in 2025, with winners in the men's and women's categories set to walk away with P25,000. Silver medallists will get P15,000, whilst the third-placed athletes will receive P10,000.
Half-marathon attracts prize money of P15,000 for the winners in both the men's and women's sections, whilst P10,000 will be paid for runners, and P5,000 is reserved for third-place finishers.
The 10km race winners, both men and women, will walk away P10,000 richer, P6,000 for second position, and P3,000 for third spot. “There are no changes to the prize money structure for the 2026 edition. We have maintained our current prize structure to ensure competitiveness whilst preserving the sustainability of the event,” Baipidi said.
Meanwhile, Baipidi said the Gantsi Youth Centre project is a central pillar of Diacore Gaborone Marathon's corporate social investment mandate. She explained that the strategy focuses on sustainable community development that creates long-term impact beyond race day. “We have invested P574,043.46 into the renovation works and landscaping,” Baipidi said. “The investment was managed directly by our team, overseeing the refurbishment process to ensure the centre was fit for purpose and aligned with community needs.”