Orange Phikwe Marathon’s 36th edition launched
Long-distance runners will set their stopwatches for 29 July and their sights on Selibe Phikwe as the Orange Phikwe Marathon once again looks to breathe new life into the ghost town.
The mobile giant’s have splashed out P350, 000 for what will be the 36th edition of the famous race.
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch in Gaborone, Acting Orange CEO, Maano Masisi said the great thing about the four-tiered event – which includes distances of: 5km, 10km, 21.1 km and the full 42.2km – is that it appeals to runners of all abilities.
“The marathon is expected to attract a global community of national, regional and international runners, from the social, amateur and professional ranges. We take great pride in the partnerships we have developed with various stakeholders over the years and hope that through the revenue generated from the marathon, there will be more community development and investments for the community of Selebi Phikwe and beyond,” said Masisi.
For his part Selibe Phikwe Mayor, Lucas Modimana revealed the marathon is a source of great hope and pride to the town’s residents, who have endured tough times since the BCL Mine’s closure in 2016.
“This boost in economy should be felt by the informal sector; the Taxi industry thrives on this Marathon as well. Just last week I hosted a meeting with the Taxi & Bus Associations, among other issues touching on presentation and reliability. This goes a long way in attracting an athlete who has visited Phikwe for the first time and doesn’t know their way around, obviously the taxi man is his/her first point of contact,” noted Modimana.
Just like last year, winners of the main marathon will run away with P25, 000 – cash prizes that were claimed by Namibian duo, Matheus Jesaya and Mweshange Kange in the men’s and ladies sections in 2022.
In total, the organising committee’s Chairperson, Omphemetse Makwape revealed P216, 000 has been set aside as prize money to be spread out over three of the four categories (there’s no cash up for grabs in the 5km fun-run).
REGISTRATION FEES
5km = P200
10km = P250
21.1km = P300
42.2km = P350
