The FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon has set a target of 6 000 participants for its second edition to be held on February 26 next year.
The inaugural edition was held on February 26 this year and attracted over 2, 900 runners and organisers.
In an interview with Times Sport, the marathon’s Chief Executive Officer, Obert Morgan said in line with international standards, the early bird registration is expected to close on September 30 and is being done through the event website, a seamless process that allows participants to register and pay for the race of their choice, making it much efficient.
“We are targeting only 6000 participants which will turn Chobe into the marathon hub of the region therefore if that number is not reached by deadline day then we will open for another entry until we reach our target,” he noted.
Morgan further revealed that the marathon will be sponsored by First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) for a second time running, increasing their previous commitment to a tune of P1.5 million, adding that the total sponsorship value for the second edition is in excess of P5 million.
The marathon will comprise of four races- 42.2km marathon, the 21 km and 10km races as well as the 5 km fun run with FNB Botswana being the major category sponsor for the 42.2km and 10km races. Halfway Toyota which is the event transport partner is also major category sponsor for the 21km race to the value of P2 million.
The organisers this past Friday unveiled the sponsors and partners of next year’s edition. In a press release, Morgan announced that the event organisers have committed that “P50, 000 of the prize money will go towards prizes allocated to people living with disabilities who take part in the various races. The prize money will be handed over based on guidance from the Botswana Athletics Association and the Special Olympics Committee. In addition, they will enter the races for free.
Morgan shared that the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon has contributed to the country’s GDP while facilitating the growth of athletics in Botswana. He revealed that the event generated P1.4million revenues for HATAB members only. This he stated does not take into account the contributions to the fuel, transport, retail sectors as well as non-HATAB members.
FNB Botswana CEO Steven Lefentse Bogatsu stated that “the partnership aligns with the Bank’s shared value philosophy that ensures that the Bank’s economic and community contribution provides collective value and upliftment to its stakeholders.” According to Bogatsu, further motivation for FNBB coming on board was “support for sports development is a priority at FNBB and the Bank welcomes opportunities to help advance the sports fraternity in Botswana through partnerships such as this one.”
Besides FNB, other sponsors include, Halfway Toyota, Spar Botswana, Kwa Nokeng Oil, Blue Crystal, Coca Cola, HATAB, Botswana Tourism and Botswana Television.
