Organisers of the inaugural First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Kazungula Bridge Marathon can now
breathe a sigh of relief after putting together a marathon that attracted over 3 000 athletes from across the globe.

The Saturday activity transformed Chobe into a sport tourism and entertainment hub. FNBB Kazungula Bridge Marathon chief executive officer and founder, Obert Morgan, said though a few logistical challenges were registered, the organising team delivered on the project.

He said the marathon, anticipated to be an annual event, had potential to grow bigger and better.

The event, which was divided in four categories; 42.2 km marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race and 5km fun race was dominated by Zimbabwe athletes.

The 42.2km that attracted a prize money of P50 000 was won by Isaac Mpofu and Olivia Chitate both from Zimbabwe in the men and women categories respectively.

Second positions were scooped by Matius Jesaya of Namibia and Ethel Pangiso of Zimbabwe in the men’s and women’s category with each of them pocketing P22 000.

The 21km race was won by Paulos Ncube of Zimbabwe in the men’s category and Joeline Chematai of Kenya in the women’s category while the second positions went to Moses Tarakiwe of Zimbabwe and Kopo Koveya of Botswana.

The men’s veteran category went to Lucas Raseruthe and Calvin Phangiso got second position while the women’s category, Rosinah Kiboibo and Sarah Yano took position one and two respectively.

The 10km race was won by Gaone Bathoen in the women’s category and Sylvester Koko in the men’s category.

In the second positions were Karabelo Bakwadi and Tshepiso Masalela in the women’s and men’s category respectively.

Mpofu said he had his eye on the prize money, which would benefit his family.

He said besides the race being tough and the weather not favourable, everything else was fine.

Mpofu explained that while he kept pace with five other athletes who were in the leading positions, he managed to pick up just after the 30km mark and that won him the prize.

Jesaya reckoned the race was fine except after the 30km mark where the route became tough because it was hilly.

He said the route was properly marked and hoped to participate again next year.

He said he participated in the marathon in order to maximise his chances of qualifying for the Commonwealth and Olympics.

For her part, Chitate said she was happy that everything was well organised while area MP, Machana Shamukuni thanked orginsers for choosing Chobe. BOPA