Maun runner Shacky Shamouro dominated the highly anticipated Fearless Fitness 10km athletics series, crossing the finish line ahead of all competitors in a blistering time of 34 minutes and 24 seconds. Following this decisive victory, the athlete from Nhabe International Marathon Club was declared the winner of the senior men’s division, walking away with a P3,000 cash prize.
Within the same senior men’s category, Ogone Seametso secured second place, earning a P1,500 reward after completing the road race in 37 minutes and 10 seconds. The leading duo was followed closely by Tops Mopatwa, a member of the Botswana Defence Force club, who clocked a time of 38 minutes and 37 seconds to claim the third-place prize of P1,000.
The Botswana Police Club established absolute dominance in the grand masters division by sweeping the podium and securing positions one, two, and three. By completing the distance in 1:13:55, Fidzani James of Maun Police outshined his fellow grand master runners to win P1,500. He was followed by teammate Mojaboswa Mathitha, also representing Maun Police, who pocketed P1,000 upon crossing the finish line in 1:30:10. Meanwhile, Maun Police Acting Station Commander, Moutlwatsi Ikobeng, secured third position in the grand masters category to take home a P500 cash prize.
As a way of promoting equality and tolerance for everyone regardless of their physique, the Fearless Fitness 10km marathon was fully inclusive of wheelchair athletes. In the male para category, Gofaone Lesetedi outcompeted his rivals by finishing first and winning the 3,000 Pula prize. The second position went to David Lebopo from Ngarange, who pocketed P1,500, while third place was secured by Owen Tshekiso of Maun, who won P1,000.
In the female para category, first place went to Betina Wazimi, who traveled from Etsha 6. She was followed by Ratidzo Tomu of Zimbabwe in second place, while Olerato Diile of Maun secured third position. This podium trio pocketed P3,000, P1,500, and P1,000 cash prizes respectively.
The Fearless Fitness cash prizes were sponsored by Orange Botswana. In an interview with Times Sport, event organiser Kealeboga Ruele applauded Orange Botswana for their corporate sponsorship. He mentioned they decided to include the para category to prove to the public that fitness and wellness are meant for everyone. He highlighted that the event was not only intended for competition and winning purposes but also promoted exercise.
Ruele stated that most people living with disabilities do not engage in wellness activities because they think they are not worth it. He mentioned that exercising is crucial as it keeps one fit and healthy. He explained that fitness routines help the body fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and blood pressure.
Ruele indicated that the event went as planned, though they started late due to harsh morning weather conditions, adding that it attracted more competitors than anticipated. He concluded that besides competition and exercise, the event is mandated to groom local talent and produce professional athletes.
