02 Mar 2026

 Mpofu dominated the men’s full marathon, clocking 2:14:18 to outpace his competitors. South Africa’s Siboniso Sikhakhane finished second with 2:19:17, while Namibia’s Jeremia Shaliaxwe secured third place in 2:20:09, earning P20 000 and P15 000 respectively.

In the women’s open category, Mukoloma emerged victorious, with Kenya’s Edna Kimitei and Nyaingiri Kemunto finishing second and third respectively, taking home similar prize money to their male counterparts.

In the 21.1km women’s race, Namibia’s Lavania Haitope successfully defended her title for the third consecutive year, crossing the line in 1:13:44. Botswana’s Mosadikwena Gotswakgosi followed in 1:18:06, while Kenya’s Nancy Chepleting placed third in 1:20:47.

Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Hove won the men’s 21.1km race in 1:06:43. Kenya’s Ezra Keter and Timothy Kosgey finished second and third, recording times of 1:10:10 and 1:10:11 respectively.

Ratang Lenyatso, won the women’s 15km race in 59:19 while Zimbabwe’s Moreblessing Masvosve took second place in 1:00:56, with Botswana’s Diteko Ketlhomphilwe finishing third in 1:02:01.

In a post-marathon interview, Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng described the marathon as a model of how sport can be leveraged to promote tourism and position Botswana as a growing sport tourism destination.

He noted that the marathon, which offers athletes a rare opportunity to run across the iconic Kazungula Bridge, has gained significant international recognition, attracting visitors, athletes and investors to the Chobe Region.

He emphasised that the marathon promoted tourism diversity in the Chobe Region and boosted economic growth, with multiple sectors benefiting from the influx of participants and spectators. ENDS