22 Feb 2024

The epic 2024 FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon (FNBKBM) is here with over 4 000 runners expected to test their mettle on an exciting course that traverses through Kasane and ascend the iconic Kazungula Bridge on Saturday.

This year, FNBKBM has partnered with Comrades Marathon 2022/23 champion, Tete Dijana and his training partner, Edward Mothibi, who won the same race in 2019 as the headline runners for the 42.2 kms to give runners motivation.

In an interview, the marathon’s technical director David Lebalelo said the partnership had motivated many athletes in the SADC region to register for the weekend meet to capitalise on this lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with champions.

He said SADC countries had fielded athletes from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and elsewhere in USA and European countries.

Lebalelo said many individuals and government departments from Chobe District had registered citing that Chobe District Health Management Team enlisted about 132 of their employees.

He stated that 60 slots had been reserved for young and upcoming runners from Chobe District as a way of unearthing talent and produce future Olympic marathoners.

The director pointed out that the routes would follow last edition’s course with starting points differing for the 42.2km and 21.1 km starting at Kwanokeng Junction whereas the other races launch will be at Engen T-Junction and finishing at Choppies Mall in Kazungula.

He said the 42.2km winners would pocket P75 000 from both men and women’s categories, which was an increase from last years P50 000.

The 5km champion, he said would receive a cash prize unlike in the past years as the category was also recognised as a qualifier for the World Athletics and Botswana Athletics Association races.

Lebalelo said it was fitting for this race to be held in Chobe especially at this time of low tourism season in Kasane so as to help boost the economy in the district.

“As we speak, all hotel and accommodation facilities in Kasane and neighbouring are fully booked and I believe this coming weekend people coming for marathon would inject money into recreational activities, shopping, transport and all sectors.” 

 Ends