Koofhethile completes Francistown, Gaborone ultra marathon

Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday August 11, 2015 14:06

 

The 47-year-old arrived in the capital city on Saturday morning after running the 460 kilometres from the second city to the capital in seven days.

Upon his arrival in Gaborone, Koofhethile, who is the Y-Care Charitable Trust chairman was welcomed by a large contingent comprising family members, friends, associates and Diabetes Association volunteers who praised his efforts. Batsile Kebapetse and Clarence Abel, who supported him on his mission, joined him at the finish line.

“It was an amazing experience in different ways. It was fun and painful at the same time,” said Koofhethile, who seemed very much active despite the exhausting achievement. He stated that on average he would run for 70 kilometres non-stop. “I only stopped for a drink. When I felt tired, I would just walk for a few metres then continue running,” he explained.

Throughout the last week, Koofhethile’s day started between 5:00 and 6:00 am.  He said he would feel pain at some points, but never thought of quitting.

“I’m no quitter,” he said on Saturday. Along the way Koofhethile travelled with a medical team, security personnel and was provided with accommodation. His first stop was in Tonota where he camped at his mother’s place, before proceeding to Serule, Mahalapye, Palapye, Dibete and Rasesa.

Koofhethile’s team camped in different dikgotla. “My great experience along the A1 road was the humble welcome that I received from different villagers in the places we camped. They are humble people who are willing to share with you the little that they have. I appreciated everything they did for us,” he said.

Koofhethile stated that the last day when they camped at Rasesa was a bit tough as he had to finish his run late in the evening when it was dark.

Along the way, a team from the Diabetes Association of Botswana also accompanied the Y-Care chairman, which screened 500 people, discovering two people who had unknowingly been living with the illness. Villagers were also sensitised about diabetes, which is one of the country’s fastest growing Non-Communicable Diseases.

“I plan to do the same initiative next year to raise more funds for diabetic patients.  This time around I may make it a relay and venture into areas such as Tsabong.

“My goal is to raise at least P500,000 for diabetics.”