05 Feb 2026

The diamond mining town of Jwaneng may lend its name to the event, but Botswana’s athletics spotlight shifts to Lobatse this weekend as the Jwaneng Athletics Club (JAC) stages its much-anticipated Track & Field Challenge at the Lobatse Sports Complex.
The 2026 edition, which relocated to Lobatse for enhanced facilities, is a standout early-season club-organised meet and integrates into the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) Track and Field Series, following the successful series in the past three years.
In an interview, JAC president, Oabona Theetso described the event as a special platform to evaluate athletes and coaches’ readiness for the season.
The programme emphasises sprint and middle-distance events, with men’s races including 60m, 60m hurdles, 150m, 300m, 600m, 1000m, 3000m, 4x200m and 4x800m, while women’s events feature 60m, 60m hurdles, 150m, 300m, 600m, 1000m and 4x200m.
Theetso noted that while such dedicated challenges were uncommon, the event marked the club’s third consecutive year hosting the meet, supported by dedicated partners, Jwaneng Mines.
Over 600 athletes have registered from across Botswana, including those from Maun, Francistown, Gaborone and surrounding areas.
The prize money adds extra motivation in the main events and they will include P1,500, P1,000 and P800 for first, second and third positions respectively.
The event boasts an impressive line-up of top names to inspire participants and spectators.
Confirmed stars include among others, 400m World Champion Collen Kebinatshipi, Lee Eppie (a 400m finalist and gold medallist in the 4x400m relay from the World Championships in Tokyo 2025), and veteran Baboloki Thebe, who last competed in 2023 and returns to motivate the next generation.
Additional highlights include strong fields in events like the men’s 150m and 600m, with athletes such as Prince Selepe, Thapelo Monaiwa, Justice Oratile, Setensolo Sibanda, Thuso Omphile and Bonang Namogang, among those confirmed.
Gates open at 7am, with competition continuing until 6:30pm. The packed schedule covers sprints, hurdles, middle-distance races and relays across youth, junior and senior categories.
Entrance fees are set at P40 for adults, free for children under 12 years and persons living with disabilities and P10 for vehicle parking.
The timing is crucial for Botswana athletics, with key international targets ahead which include the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone on May 2-3, World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, the African Senior Championships and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The JAC Challenge offers both competitive action and valuable qualification opportunities.
Through their active JAC media channels, organisers have issued media invitations and built excitement with countdown posts and athlete confirmations and encourage fans to attend and support. The move to Lobatse promises top-class facilities at the Sports Complex for an unforgettable experience.
Athletics fans, families and sports enthusiasts are urged to attend. Whether cheering local talents, spotting future stars or enjoying a full day of vibrant competition, the JAC Track and Field Challenge promises non-stop excitement and national pride. ENDS