Mascom Phikwe marathon sponsorship soars

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Thursday June 13, 2013 00:00

 

Mascom chief communications and public relations officer, Tebogo Lebotse, told Mmegi Sport that since 2009, Mascom has invested over P1, 5 million into the marathon and this year alone the company has injected P320, 000 as sponsorship for the race. She explained that Mascom continued support for local sports allows them to engage with other stakeholders whilst making a meaningful contribution to the lives of Batswana. 'As the number one telecommunications service provider in the country, Mascom will also use the event to extend our corporate social responsibility by making ICT donations to schools and nonÐgovernmental organisations (NGOs) in Selebi-Phikwe and surrounding areas,' said Lebotse.The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) both recognise the marathon.

The race will be used as a qualifier for the IAAF World Championship 2013 in Moscow, Russia.  The Mascom Phikwe marathon is divided into the following categories: 42. 2 kilometres; 15 kilometres; 10 kilometres and 4 kilometres fun run.  The winners of the main marathon for both men and women will walk away P25, 000 richer.The second price is P15, 000 and the runners who come third will pocket P7, 500.Meanwhile, the secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Masego Masunga told journalists during a press briefing on Tuesday that at the moment there were 750 participants excluding registrations from companies, schools and other Cresta hotels.

Masunga explained that they have introduced the corporate challenge, which will see organisations competing against each other. She said that the teams would get prizes for the fastest team, a team with most participants, for the best team spirit and also the team that will be branded the best.  The winner in this category will walk away with P1, 000, second prize is P750 and the third P300. The other category is 42, 2km for veterans, aged between 40 and 49 years. For this one, the winner will pocket P2, 000, the second P1, 500 and the third P1, 000. There is also the master veterans' category, which is for people aged 50 years and above. There will be also the 15 kilometres race for students. The winners will walk away with P5, 000, the second prize is P2, 500, and the third prize is P1, 000.

Masunga stated that the course that will be used has been measured and verified by IAAF measurers. Regarding anti-doping tests for the main race, the LOC chairperson, Moses Raphutsi said they have not been informed by BAA if they will be conducted or not.