Half marathon gets P1.9m sponsorship
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 16, 2016 14:25
Time Shield Events managing director, Gaone Dickson told Mmegi Sport that the sponsorship is against the total budget of P2.6 million. He said as a company they were reacting to the call from the government for Batswana to assist in celebrating 50 years of independence.
The marathon is divided into three categories, the 21 km (registration fee is P100), 10km (registration fee is P75) and 5km fun run (registration fee is P50).
The winners of the 21km receive P25,000 for both women and men.
Dickson said cash prizes are meant for runners who finish first, second and third in the 21km and 10km. He said runners from other countries have shown interest in taking part in the half marathon with six running clubs from South Africa have confirmed their attendance. He said by Thursday, around 2,000 athletes had registered for the half marathon.
Dickson said they decided to tap into an emerging culture in the country of fitness. “Batswana jog everyday and others go up Kgale Hill. We decided to come up with a half marathon to promote healthy living. This is also to support the call against non-communicable diseases. Our pillar for independence celebrations is United and Proud and we have seen sport uniting people like the 2010 World Cup in South Africa,” he said.
Dickson said they expect the half marathon would go a long way in uniting the nation.
He said there was no way they could leave out Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) who are the custodians of sport in the country and they (BNSC) endorsed the event.
He said the organisers are also working in partnership with Botswana Athletics Association (BAA).
He said they wanted to host an event which is sanctioned. Dickson said the intention is for the half marathon to be an annual Independence race in partnership with BAA.
“The association would make sure that the race adheres to international standards and in future can be used as a qualifier for international races,” he said.
Dickson said they have also engaged the Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC) to assist with anti-doping tests on the day, where the winners would be tested for performance enhancing drugs.
He said the race is also being supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture together with the office of the Gaborone City mayor.
Meanwhile, Dickson said they have held a meeting with the office of Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) and one of the items discussed was to come up with a programme ear-marked to promote long distance running in the region. He observed that long-distance running is behind when compared to sprints and middle distances.