Over 4,000 for Gaborone marathon

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 28, 2014 15:08

 

 

According to Thabo Makgato, athletes from 39 countries, including Cuba, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Australia, have registered for the race.

The race is divided into four categories; 42.2 kilometres, 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and the four kilometres fun run. In addition to individual professionals, different organisations and government departments will be fielding runners. Group registrations have been received from the ministries of Youth, Sports and Culture and Education and Skills Development, Botswana Investment and Trade Center and Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime. From the corporate sector are Stanbic Bank, Mascom Wireless, Yarona FM, Choppies, Jack’s Gym, Orange, DTCB and First National Bank of Botswana.

The marathon starts at Grand Palm hotel with the 42.2 km and 21km kicking off at 6am followed by 10km at 6:30am and the fun run at 9am. 

The registration fee is P500 for 42km, P200 for 21km, P150 for 10km and P80 for the fun run.

Makgato said 3, 081 runners would battle it out in the 10 km run while 100 will sweat in the 42 km marathon.

 The winner of the marathon for both men and women will pocket P12, 000 each, second prize money is P5, 000 each and P3, 000 for third positions.  In the 21 km race, the winners will pocket P7, 000, with second and third position holders getting P3, 500 and P2, 000 respectively. 

The next race, 10 km, will see the three top positions taking P4, 500, P3, 000 and P1, 500 respectively.  He said the race would be a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games slated for later this year.

Meanwhile, Officer Commanding, District number 13, Superintendent Counsel Moyo said they are ready for the Sunday event.

He said 87 police officers would be deployed to man all the major junctions.

Moyo said they decided to increase the number of officers to avoid any security britches. He said that they expect a lot of people on the day hence being on alert, and also to ensure that there would be no disruption in the flow of traffic.