08 Sep 2026

Botswana’s journey into its seventh decade of independence will require the same qualities demanded of a marathon runner; endurance, resilience and determination to keep moving forward, Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele has said. Speaking at the fifth University of Botswana (UB) marathon in Gaborone on Sunday, Maele said the country’s 60^th Independence anniversary should not be regarded as a finish line, but as an opportunity to reflect on the distance travelled and prepare for the road ahead. Drawing parallels between the marathon and nation building, Maele said success was not determined by how quickly one started, but by the ability to remain focused and persevere despite challenges.Against the backdrop, the marathon’s growth reflects that broader role, given that since its inception in 2022, it has developed into a significant fixture on Botswana’s sporting calendar. The Sunday event attracted more than 5 000 participants across the 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km races compared to last year’s more than 3 600 participants, including 624 runners from South Africa. Amos Kemboi emerged victorious in the men’s 42.2km in 2:20:30, with Gaone Bathoeng winning the women’s race in 2:56:55. Philemon Koskey claimed the men’s 21.1km title in 1:05:23, while Mosadikwena Gotswakgosi won the women’s category in 1:16:36. In the 10km, Karabo Bosele took the men’s title in 30:39, while Kefilwe Galeitsiwe won the women’s race in 36:05. The marathon also extends its impact beyond sport by supporting the UB Foundation Graduate Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides post-graduate scholarships to academically deserving students, while promoting sport and cultural tourism in Gaborone. ends