06 Jul 2026

Biting winter temperatures, registering a low Degrees Celsius on July 4 morning was not piercing enough to deter hundreds of physical fitness enthusiasts and spectators who graced the inaugural Kalahari Half Marathon in Tsabong .

Despite the cold weather, the Kalahari Half Marathon hosted by Werda Athletics Club, ignited Tsabong, momentarily transforming the somewhat reserved desert epicentre into a vibrant hub of athletics, uplifting community spirits and cementing a historical mark.

While the energy at the starting line was electric, runners were quickly met with an unexpected, gruelling, challenging route as the majority of competitors had a first encounter with the unforgiving terrain of the Kgalagadi.

The unforgiving encounter with a route that navigates through the uncompromising sand of the Kalahari Desert was written all over the faces of the many athletes, legs heavy, as they dragged their bodies, digging deep into their energy reserve to merely cross the finish line.

Many athletes noted after crossing the finish line that the deep sand tracks were incredibly heavy on the legs, demanding immense physical stamina and drastically slowing down projected finishing times.

Despite facing a mammoth of a task, the runners showed remarkable grit, adapting to the tough conditions to complete their respective 21km, 10km, and 5km courses.

The ultimate testament to this was delivered in the 10km category by 42-year-old Golebamang Akanyang.

Living with a disability, Akanyang shattered expectations and left spectators in absolute awe by dominating the race, powering through the heavy sand to cross the finish line in a spectacular to secure first position in 38 minutes.

Akanyang’s landmark victory sent a resonant message through the athletics community, proving that passion and dedication recognise no physical limitations, and solidifying the marathon’s mission to remain an open, non-discriminatory platform for all individuals.

The success of the marathon extended far beyond the race track, delivering an immediate and substantial economic boost to Tsabong and other villages of the Kgalagadi South region.

Event Organiser, Tshepiso Kashiwa expressed immense pride in how the community rallied together despite the freezing temperatures.

Kashiwa noted that the half-marathon has successfully put Tsabong on the map as a premier destination for sports tourism.

“With the inaugural edition now wrapped up, the Kalahari Half Marathon has firmly established itself not just as a test of endurance, but as an essential vehicle for community empowerment and social inclusion,” said Kashiwa. ENDS