13 Oct 2016

BTC Francistown marathon is billed for October 16 with all the races set to take off from the Francistown Sports Complex.

The marathon will at last take place after being postponed twice since earlier this year in April and August due to BOT50 celebrations.

Addressing media in Gaborone chairperson of the race organising committee Ben Tobedza announced that this year's edition has received an increased prize sponsorship amounting to P131 000.  

Tobedza revealed that three sponsors came on board, with Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture contributing P100 000 towards the 42km race, Letshego P22 000 went for the 21km race and Botswana Tourism organisation sponsored the 10km race for P9 000.

Furthermore Tobedza pointed out that for both men and women the prize will be award with similar figure across.

The 42km race winners will be awarded P10 000, second position P8 000 and on third position for P6 000. For the 21km race first position will walk away with P7 000, second place P 5 000 and  third for P 3 000.

“The sponsorship had grown compared to last year's P50 000, This shows how much the race have grown in a period of two years,” he said.

For his part BTC CSR manager Boiketlo Moleleki said all the money from registration by athletes will be committed to donation towards selected charity beneficiaries in Francistown and surrounding areas.

He mentioned that as for last year's event, it was a success therefore anticipate the same with this year's marathon.

He also said the intention of the marathon was to bring life to Francistown city, as part of their CSR project hence the tagline 'the city comes to life'.

Moleleki also stated that apart from directly benefitting from the donations made from the marathon, the Francistown community will also benefit especially for the SMME'S.

Lastly Moleleki said due to re branding, there shall be changes which saw the marathon change its name from be Mobile to BTC therefore he said the marathon will grow from there in line with the new BTCL vision. ENDS