27 Aug 2018

A middle-aged athlete died after collapsing near the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) filling station before reaching the finishing line during the inaugural Mogoditshane half marathon on August 26.

The athlete, who was running in the 10 kilometre race under corporate section, was immediately whisked away to hospital where he was certified dead.

A press release from BDF says the names of the deceased are withheld until their next of kin are notified, and requested the public to accord the family and friends of the deceased the privacy they deserved.

The marathon, aimed at assisting Mogoditshane residents, was open to members of the BDF, running clubs and the public.

Meanwhile, Amantle Kekganetswe emerged the champion of the 21.1 km race after outpacing Rapula Diphoko who finished second with a time of 1:07:42 while Tlholego Keitshokile came third in 1:07:53.

Diphoko led the pack and semeed determined to win the race, however, that was not to be as Kekganetswe emerged victorious since he had a better race plan.

Kekganetswe said despite emerging victorious, the race was tough because it featured top athletes.

He said his win was motivated by Diphoko, adding that they both planned well for the race hence finished on respectable positions.

In the women’s category, Onneile Dintwe hit the finish line first clocking 1:23:50 followed by Mema Tiango in 1:27:31 and third was Gosego Mbinda with a time of 1:32:26.

The Local Organising Committee chairperson, Alfred Phineas said he was happy that they managed to attract many athletes in the inaugural event.

“We are happy that even top athletes had come to compete in our marathon and thanks to Botswana Athletics Association for their support,” he said.

Sponsors of the marathon included among others Hollard Botswana, Climate Control, FSG, Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme and Impression House. ENDS