12 Aug 2018

Botswana Life Insurance Limited in partnership with Gaborone Striders and Run Wid It, will host a half marathon on October 7. 

The event had seen steady growth in the number of participants from about 150 in several years ago growing to 500 in 2016. 

Having activated on August 4, organisers are yet to host two more activations in August and September ahead of the main event. 

Briefing the media recently, Botswana Life head of IT, Anderson Samu said the marathon was part of the organisation’s determination and commitment in promoting healthy and active lifestyle as well as uplifting the community. 

Samu said the run was also aimed at contributing towards sport development. 

“We can all come together and walk or run, towards a healthier future,” he said. 

He added that their organisation celebrated fitness for the role it played for a healthier Botswana because it brought greater mental and physical health for a clear mind, which was an often-noted benefit of regular exercise. 

“Through the classic run and other platforms we are making a meaningful impact in chosen parts of our socio-economic growth,” he said. 

That, he said, also came in a number of ways, shapes and forms given that the classic run also encouraged discipline. 

This time, he said the race would include a 21.1km for the benefit of long distance runners. 

For her part, Botswana Life public relations, communications and marketing manager, Tebogo Keepotsoe said they believed in community engagement through sport because sport allowed people from all walks of life to achieve a common goal. Keepotsoe cited the just ended FIFA World Cup explaining how sport united people, not just within communities but globally. 

She said the classic run was an opportunity not only to engage with Batswana in encouraging health and wellness but also to show support to local sport development. 

Meanwhile, Botswana Life would host a two-day exhibition prior to the main event on October 5-6, in order to engage with exhibitors as well as collection of race numbers upon submission of proof of payment and identity cards. Registration was done online with registration forms on Botswana Life website. 

Participants are to pay P150 for the 21.1km for those who would registered early and P200 for standard, P100 for 10km early registration and P150 standard while 5km fun race fee is P75. 

The 10km race would include corporate challenge where organisations register teams of five employees to partake. Ends