The annual FNB Nswazwi Half Marathon has been described as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent to gain exposure.
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) sanctioned event attracts top athletes in the country and is organised by the University of Botswana Athletics Club in partnership with the Domboshaba Cultural Trust.
“The half marathon gives schools kids and upcoming athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent. It also exposes them to greater chances to be registered by clubs,” said organising chairperson JacobTshube.
Tshube further said the other objective of the marathon is to promote healthy living. “The half marathon has an event to promote healthy living by giving competitors daily fitness sessions prior to the competition,” she said.
Tshube said for the first time since the inception of the marathon accommodation will be provided for athletes at Shangano Secondary School but meals will not be catered for.
“In the past we had been starting late because some of the athletes arrived late. We hope the accommodation will assist them to be on time as it will curtail their travelling time and afford them some time to rest,” she said.
FNBB Director of Marketing and Communications, Obonye Malope said they had partnered with the marathon for three years. “We have sponsored the event with P180 000 for three years and we are happy because it promotes healthy living as well as domestic tourism,” observed Malope. She said the other reason is that they wanted to see the sustainability of the event hence FNB came on board to be part of the marathon.
The half marathon is in its six year running since 2010. Registration is ongoing at P50 for half marathon while the 4km fun run is for free. The 2016 event is billed for October 2 in Nswazwi.
