After hosting a successful four-team football tournament in Francistown back in August, the Carlos Sabina Charitable Group switch their attention from the soccer pitch to the second city’s roads.
The group are putting together a marathon – dubbed the Gubungano Marathon – set for the Northern capital on 15 July next year.
Updating the media this week, CS Challenge boss, Carlos Sebina, revealed the event has received the backing of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and will be divided into four categories: a 5km fun run, a 10km race, a half-marathon (21. km) as and a full 42.2km marathon.
“We want to communicate to the city leaders that not only mines and other industries can build the economy of this city, but also us as individuals by coming up with projects like this one,” declared the local businessman, adding the route will cover several landmarks in the city, including the new stadium, the airport and the Kenneth Nkhwa interchange.
Sebina explained the CS team are focused on sport tourism and are hopeful of attracting investors to the city through the marathon.
Running will not be the only activity on the day, as there will also be cycling, soccer and golf competitions.
Proceeds will go towards funding selected Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s), which CEDA and LEA will help the CS Group identify.
Saying a few words on behalf of the city, Deputy Mayor, Lesego Kwambala stressed the local authorities were fully behind the CS team, which he praised for upholding council’s vision ‘to transform Francistown’.
“I want all business operating in Francistown that whenever we talk reviving Francistown, they should jump into the ship without asking questions,” said Kwambala, urging the business community to get behind the event and take a leaf out of Duma FM’s book. The radio station have pledged coverage worth P85, 000 towards the Gubungano Marathon.
All three main races come with impressive prize money, with Gold in the marathon worth P30, 000, while second and third place valued at P20, 000 and P10, 000.
Top three in the 21.2km race comes in at P15, 000, then P10, 000 and finally P5, 000. The 10km event sees the reward drops to P10, 000 the P5, 000 and P2, 500 for third.
There will also be a veterans category, open to individuals over the age of 50. The fastest old timer walks away with P3 000, 2nd get P2, 000 and 3rd rakes in P1, 000.