26 May 2025

The third edition of the Molepolole Half Marathon took place yesterday morning with a record turnout of over 400 participants from across the country and the Kweneng region. 

The event, which started in 2023 with just 150 runners and grew to 350 in 2024, continues to show remarkable growth both in numbers and impact. This year’s 21km men’s category was won by Ebel Chibanda from Zimbabwe, who clocked 1:6:30. Speaking after the race, Chibanda described the course as manageable, noting it was not too fast-paced. 

“It was a good race. I enjoyed it. I hope to improve my time in the next marathon. These events help us a lot. We support our families from the earnings, and I thank the organisers for putting this together,” he said. 

In the women’s 21km category, 30-year-old Gaone Bathoen from Mogorosi, representing BDF Athletics Club, emerged victorious with a time of 1:20:00. Bathoen praised the organisers and the track conditions, though she noted the challenging terrain due to high and low slopes. 

“I’m happy with my performance and my desire is to represent Botswana at the Olympics one day,” she shared. 

In the 21km race, winners walked away with P6 000, second-place received P4 000 and third-place took home P2 000. The event also highlighted young and rising talent. The 14 year old Leon Tamari, a Form Two pupil from Moselewapula Junior Secondary School and a member of Gaborone Runners Club, claimed first place in the 5km junior category. 

“I’m excited about this win. Since there are still no sports in schools, I joined a club. I dream of one day representing Botswana at the Olympics,” she said 

In the junior category, winners received P1 500, second-place took home P1 000 while third-place won P500. The 10km race also brought strong competition. The winner in the men’s category was 23-year-old Othusitse Gabolelwe from Francistown Athletics Club. He is originally from Mathangwane. The women’s category was won by 20-year-old Diteko Ketlhomphilwe from Selebi Phikwe Athletics Club. She hails from Bobonong. In the 10km category, first place earned P4 000, second place P3 000 and third place P1 500. 

Botswana Athletics Association’s South Central Regional chairperson, Tebatso Omphitlhetse commended the event’s success and emphasised the holistic benefits of long-distance running. 

“Athletics is not just about competition, it’s also key to improving mental and physical well-being,” she said. 

She thanked all the partners and supporters and encouraged continued participation in future editions. Thapelo Malwetse, a member of the Molepolole Half Marathon Local Organising Committee expressed pride in the marathon’s growth. 

“This year, over 600 people showed interest, but due to budget constraints, we could only accommodate 420,” he revealed. 

Malwetse also called on companies to come on board as sponsors, noting that the event still lacked a title sponsor despite its potential. He highlighted progress in promoting inclusivity, stating that in 2023, the 21km race had no female participants, but this year saw notable entries from both women and junior runners. 

“One of our key goals is to promote women’s participation in sport,” he emphasised. 

Organisers of the the Molepolole Half Marathon are happy that as the marathon continues to gain momentum, it does not only cement its place in the country’s athletic calendar but also nurtures future Olympians and track and field champions. ENDS