As a follow up to the official launch of the My 5, 2013 Steinmetz Gaborone Marathon (SGM) in Gaborone last week, about 50 athletic enthusiasts took part in the Fit-for-Life-4km fun or run event hosted by the Grand Palm Hotel on Saturday January 26.
The 4km run or walk, the first field event held along the Grand Palm Hotel circuitous nature trail allowing unrestricted game viewing of the few animal species in the fenced off sanctuary from 8hr00 to 12hr00, kick started SGM about 100 days away.
There was no time limit, this being a purely muscle flexing and mind relaxing episode done at the incumbents’ preferences, lasting about three-quarters of an hour at the most.
Thola Magang, founder of the then Phakalane Gaborone Marathon (GPM) started in 2010 as a charity event and now the SGM patron, said the fun walk provided the opportunity for those interested in competing for the different race categories. On registration, intending athletes enjoy the option to choose 42.2 km, 21.1 km (half marathon), 10 km or 4 km races, depending on physique.
“Although 50 is a far cry from the tumultuous turnout on the Marathon day, we expect registration using either cash or credit card to gather momentum as the March 1 deadline approaches. Those who register before the deadline will receive significant discounts across the board. For instance for the full marathon, 42.2 km, the charge is P350 and P500 before and after the deadline, respectively,” Magang said.
SGM Race Manager Stellan Bengtsson, said: “We are encouraging corporate clients to register at least 5 athletes or more, to receive the special prizes for both the company and excelling athletes. As a follow on events; there will be the University of Botswana Auditorium Volunteer Gathering, Grand Palm Hotel Press Conference events update, Family Fun Day and SGM Registration, Mascom Pre-race Training Event, and Race No Pick-ups between now and May 4.”
