22 Apr 2024

Thousands of runners from Botswana and beyond flocked to the starting line of the annual BTC Francistown Marathon held on Saturday, eager to put their endurance and speed to the test in the thrilling event.

Now in its third year, the BTC Francistown Marathon has become a fixture in the country’s sporting calendar, drawing in a record number of participants for this year’s race.

About 3 000 runners participated at this year’s marathon, representing a 50 per cent increase in attendance from the previous year.

Adding an inspiring touch to the marathon was the introduction of the 10-kilometre Wheelchair Marathon, which welcomed athletes with disabilities to compete alongside able-bodied runners.

The event showcased the incredible determination and resilience of these athletes, who navigated the course with agility and strength, inspiring onlookers and fellow runners alike with their remarkable athleticism and grit.

Their participation was a poignant reminder that the spirit of the BTC Francistown Marathon is not just about physical excellence, but also about inclusion, diversity and the triumph of the human spirit.

In the end it was Lyon Muchan of Zimbabwe and Shiela Saina who went home P35 000 richer each after winning the 42.2km race in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. 

Muchena said he worked very hard for the win this year as he got third position in the same event last year. 

Saina also said she was determined to win this year. 

 For her part, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake commended the city of Francistown for its ability to host world-class sporting events like the marathon.

She explained that by investing in events like this, Francistown could become a hub for sport tourism, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.

She emphasised the importance of building on this success and using it as a springboard for attracting more international events to the city in the future.

She said she saw immense potential in the power of sport to create jobs, boost local businesses and draw in tourists from around the world.

“Together, through sport, we can grow the future of our country and the BTC Francistown Marathon’s positive impact extends beyond the race itself,” she said.

She also commended the company for recognising the potential of sport to drive economic development and for investing in the initiative, which she believed had significant long-term benefits for the region.

She said sports tourism could be a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development goals, not just in Francistown, but also throughout Botswana.

She urged other companies to follow BTC’s lead and support their efforts to use sport as a tool for transformation.

The Mayor of Francistown, Godisang Radisigo said the economic benefits of hosting such a prestigious event could not be understated.

Local businesses and shops experienced a surge in revenue, with visitors and athletes patronising hotels, restaurants and stores.

BTC managing director, Antony Masunga stressed the company’s commitment to giving back to the community, saying the proceeds from the race would be donated to local charity organizations.

He said BTC’s generous gesture embodies the spirit of the marathon, which is not just about physical achievement, but also about creating a better future for the people of Francistown and beyond. ENDS