Veteran long distance runner, Omphile Dintwe will be aiming to make it three titles in a row when she competes at the upcoming Orange Phikwe marathon.
The annual marathon is scheduled to take place this coming weekend in the mining town of Selibi Phikwe.
Dintwe revealed that her preparations to defend the ladies 42.2km race title are going well.
The veteran runner said she will be going into the race with no pressure as she understands what it takes to do well.
“I will be going into the track to do my best and compete against my time to do better than previous races,” said Dintwe.
She does not fear anyone and is ready for anyone who will be competing in the marathon.
Dintwe said though she did not start the year well because of financial challenges, she is however optimistic that the previous races she has competed in have fine tuned her preparations and fitness towards Phikwe marathon.
“Before Diacore Gaborone marathon and Up Kgale races, i had challenges of acquiring training equipment, supplements and proper food that have been recommended by dietician because of lack of finances,” she explained.
The runner took position four in the Diacore marathon and won the up Kgale race.
The prize money from the two races helped her to buy all what she needed to train and prepare for the coming competitions.
Onneile occasionally trains with Gaborone Striders social club that runs in local and international marathons.
She observed that monthly expenses for preparations run around P20 000: “you need money to buy training equipment, supplements, do weekly full body massage and buy proper food.” Dintwe, who has been invited to run in Mexico, Guadalajara marathon, has revealed that she will use the weekend event to gauge her preparedness for the Mexican event.
“I will accept or excuse myself after seeing my performance at Orange Phikwe marathon. I cannot go there and compete for nothing. If i am in fine tune and finances are available, i will be able to go,” said Dintwe.
She observed that for the three months before the marathon, she will need minimum of P60 000. Phikwe marathon local Organising Committee chairperson, Omphemetse Makwape is of the view that the marathon has grown big. He said they have invited president, Mokgweetsi Masisi to officiate during the marathon.
Makwape expects residents of Phikwe and surrounding areas to grace the marathon. “The marathon has helped informal and formal sectors to grow their business. The informal sector businesses on the day sell their fast food and other small items and they make a killing. The hospitality industry is also benefiting a lot. All hotels have been fully booked by the people who will be coming to the marathon,” said Makwape.
The three year Orange sponsorship is on its final year this year. “We value Orange sponsorship hence we thrived to our best for the marathon to attract patronage from Batswana,” said Makwape.
He expects the relationship to continue as both parties have worked cordially to improve sports in Botswana.
