During the signing ceremony recently, officials from both parties expressed a shared vision for sustainable community development through sport. Nhabe International Marathon deputy chairperson and technical director, Ralph Ledimo said the new strategic partnership aimed to boost both athletic excellence and local economic growth, marking a new chapter for the district. 

On one hand, Ledimo said the marathon aimed to identify and nurture young athletic talent, particularly from the Ngamiland region as well as provide them with opportunities to compete on a larger stage.

“The dream is to eventually establish an athlete village in Maun where talented runners can be groomed and supported through structured boot camps and mentorship programmes aimed at developing them into professional athletes. We want to build a strong foundation that supports long-term athletic development, not just for the marathon, but for Botswana’s sporting future,” Ledimo said.  

He further said the partnership cemented a collaborative effort that blended sport, tourism and social development, which both parties were hopeful would become a lasting legacy for Maun and its surrounding areas.

In his keynote speech, NWDC chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng, commended the partnership, saying it was a major milestone for the district. “This marathon will not only showcase our natural beauty but also encourage healthy lifestyles and position our district as a hub for international tourism and investment,” he said.

Kelebetseng added that the marathon was poised to drive economic growth by attracting visitors, promote health and wellness through physical activity and earn the district international recognition. “We fully support this initiative and are committed to providing the resources and infrastructure needed to make this event successful,” he said.

The marathon would offer several race categories, including full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km race and the 5km fun run, with entry fees ranging from P200 to P350. It also welcomes a diverse range of participants, including professional athletes and corporate teams, elders, children and persons with disabilities. 

NWDC council secretary, Thatayotlhe Balapi said the council was committed to advertise all marathon-related activities across its platforms. Balapi said they would deploy their waste management team with trucks and equipment to ensure environmental cleanliness after the event and also provide first aid and fire emergency services on the day.

He also noted that council staff had shown enthusiasm to participate in the marathon.  “Our staff members are very excited about the marathon and many of them have already expressed interest in participating. It is encouraging to see this level of enthusiasm from within the council,” he said. ENDS