Sponsor remains a secret on race eve

Chakalisa Dube | Friday August 8, 2014 13:09

Mascom, which has sponsored the race over the last five editions, pulled out this year.  The announcement of the sponsor was expected on Wednesday.  LOC spokesperson, Baphisani Masunga said they could not reveal the sponsor’s identity during an interview yesterday.

“There are some issues that we are still sorting out with the sponsor.

“We are protecting the identity of the organisation because our partnership is still fresh and we do not want to jeopardise it,” he said.

But he was quick to make an assurance that the announcement would be made before the race tomorrow.  He could not even be drawn into discussing the amount of sponsorship. BAA spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said it was the responsibility of the LOC to release any information regarding the marathon.

Meanwhile, Masunga said everything was on track and the marathon will proceed as expected. He said their target of registering 1, 000 athletes is achievable.

By yesterday morning, 400 runners from Selebi-Phikwe and surrounding areas had already registered.  He said other entries are with the BAA in Gaborone and others are in different parts of the country.

Masunga said the track that will be used has been measured by BAA and the race will be used as a qualifier for the world marathon championships. Meanwhile, Team Botswana yesterday left for the Africa Senior Championships in Marrakech, Morocco.

Ramatshaba said the team, which was scheduled to leave at 10am only left later during the day due to financial issues. 

He said the athletes that have been selected have been excelling in different competitions. He mentioned that the team is expected to bring medals.  Amantle Montsho the reigning Africa 400m champion misses out after failing a doping test.