02 May 2025

Organisers of the annual Diacore Gaborone Marathon have added their voice to the support and promotion of natural diamonds. 

Currently, natural diamonds are the country’s leading export commodity and the primary source of government revenue. However, their future and market are threatened by synthetic or lab grown diamonds. 

Therefore, the 12^th edition of Diacore Gaborone Marathon scheduled for Sunday, which has attracted over 1 500 athletes, will be held under the theme, “Dreamers Become Diamonds”.

Updating the media on preparations for the marathon, Keamogetse Kgomela, of the marketing and public relations team, said the event would feature the 42.2km full marathon, 21.1km half marathon, 10km run and 4km fun race.

Reflecting on the theme, Kgomela emphasised that the event would be used to promote and support natural diamonds. She said lab-grown diamonds were threatening to take over the diamond market world-wide, and therefore the relevance and survival of natural diamonds would take rigorous and continuous marketing and advocacy.

 Kgomela said the formation of natural diamonds was a process taking many years underground to eventually produce a valuable natural resource which had for many years sustained the economy of Botswana and livelihoods of Batswana. 

She said the process was equally the same with establishing reputable and world class runners, some of who would be gracing the Diacore Marathon on Sunday. As it was the case with a natural diamond, Kgomela said becoming a world class athlete takes years of guidance and practice. She said through dedication and determination one would grow from being an occasional to a seasoned and competitive runner.

Kalo Ndebele, another member of the marketing and public relations team, added that since inception, the marathon had grown and the number of competitors continues to increase. 

Ndebele said the number of marshals guiding the runners along the designated route has increased. He stated that pace ssetters had also been introduced to guide and encourage the athletes to avoid past cases where some athletes got lost along the way.

 Ndebele said the number of split points for the 42.2km and 21.1km distances have been increased to equally avoid cases of runners getting lost. He said athletes would be provided with reflective lights that would be attached to their front for easy identification to avoid accidents.

 Ndebele said it was important to ensure that the marathon was in line with international standards as it was a qualifier for major international events such as the Comrades Marathon.

The 42.2km and 21.1km races will start at 6.30am followed by the 10km run at 6.45 am while the 4km fun run will be at 9.00am. The marathon will start and finish at Grand Palm Hotel. ENDS