Kenyans enter Francistown marathon
Chakalisa Dube | Friday January 9, 2015 12:45
More than 300 runners have registered for the race, with organisers targeting an entry of 2,000. “There has been a lot of inquiry from individuals and companies. Our hope is that those who have made inquiries will register in numbers so that we meet our target. So far, the registration process has been going smoothly and we have registered around 300 people for the race. These include those who register through companies,” the chairman of the organising committee, Ben Tobedza, told Mmegi Sports yesterday.
Among those who have registered are three unnamed Kenyan runners who are expected to add some East African flair to the race. Kenya has dominated long distance races throughout the world. Other runners from neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe have made inquiries and are expected to register, Tobedza said.
Another sponsor has meanwhile come on board to join those announced last November at the launch of the marathon. “We cannot name the sponsor because we have agreed that he will be unveiled at a press conference. But he will take care of the prize money,” Tobedza said. The race will be used as a qualifier for this year’s Comrades Marathon in South Africa. If the inaugural marathon is a success, it will be used in future as a qualifying race for the International Association of Athletics Federation and Botswana Athletics Association competitions.
The naming rights of the marathon have been given to beMOBILE who are the main sponsors having forked out P500,000 to support the event. Apart from acting as a qualifying race for Comrades Marathon, the main purpose of the event is to improve the vibrancy of the city. There will be 10km, 21km and the 42km races and a 4km fun race. Registration for the 10km, 21km and 42km is P150 for athletes over 18. The Under-18 will pay P100. Registration for the 4km fun race is P50.