08 Feb 2015

The Lady Khama Charitable Trust (LKCT), Run 21 Half Marathon organisers have introduced a twist to the race as the route traverses through Gaborone Game Reserve.

February 22 will be marked as a day of reckoning as long distance runners slug it out in the 21km, 10km and 5km fun run.

The marathon which is in its third year running has grown over the years as it attracted 200 runners in 2013, about 300 athletes in 2014 and even more are expected to register this year.

Addressing the media at a press conference, LKCT secretary Marcus ter Haar said they always thrive to make the marathon interesting and hence depend on public participation to make the race attractive.

He stated that this year there will be more road terrain to cover compared to last year where the course was rocky, bushy and muddy.

The secretary highlighted that runners will be looked after in the game reserve as they will be game reserve personnel deployed at different spots to ensure athletes are safe and animals are not disturbed.

He added that participants should not worry about their safety as there are no predators in the park.

He said they are ambitious this year and hoping to hit the 700 participants mark so as to raise more money through registration fees.

Te Haar stated that the marathon is a warm up for those who will be competing in the Diacore Gaborone Marathon hence offers training for those who want to improve their time.

“Since our inception in 2002, we have so far disbursed P10 million to 33 different charity organizations and we are proud to support less privileged and vulnerable groups in Botswana.”

Registration for the race closes on February 18, all interested people to register at the Pavilion restaurant at Fairgrounds Holdings or LKCT offices where the race kick starts on February 22.

Registration fee is P150 for 21km, P100 for 10km and P50 for the 5km fun run.

The marathon route starts at Fairgrounds pass through Riverwalk, Jack’s Gym and proceed to Gaborone Game Reserve back through Blue Tree and UB and back to Fairgrounds. ENDS