Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) successfully hosted and delivered its 4th Francistown Marathon at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon, which is deemed a significant pivotal event in the local sporting calendar, brings together thousands of athletes, enthusiastic participants, spectators and other key stakeholders into the City of Francistown. This year, BTC hosted over 4000 runners, who competed across distances such as: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.2km and wheelchair athletes. A total of 183 athletes have qualified for the Comrade Marathon from this year’s 4th edition of the BTC Marathon. Additionally, this year’s marathon registered international athletes from 17 countries such as United States, Japan, Kenya, South Africa, India, Uganda etc.
Welcoming athletes and runners at the marathon price giving ceremony, the Mayor of the city of Francistown, His Worship Gaone Majere stated that as the leadership of the city, they are proud to be the host of the annual events. He encouraged all stakeholders to keep supporting this initiative that is such a great boost to the economy of the city and thanked all participants who took part in the marathon.
Giving the overview of the marathon, the BTC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Boitumelo Paya stated that BTC has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities they operate in, stating that over the years BTC has donated proceeds from the annual BTC Francistown Marathon to entities based in the North as follows; from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon 2023, proceeds amounting to P298,218 were donated. Last year, BTC announced and donated a total of P379,792.88 to the beneficiaries of proceeds from the 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon 2024. “In the past two years, 2023 and 2024, BTC has donated over P600,000 to beneficiaries in the Northeast, Tonota, Tutume districts, and our technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club”, she said. She further announced that this year “we have committed to donating an additional P500,000, bringing the total donation to over P1 million for the three years since the return of the BTC Francistown Marathon”, she said.
The 42.2km seniors race category female was won by Nancy Ropafadzo Madzima of Zimbabwe who walked away with P35,000 and a Huawei watch, followed by Oratile Mhlauli who won P25,000 and a watch, while Kago Tladi walked away with P15,000 and a watch on position 3. The male category was won by Moses Tarakinyu of Nedbank Zimbabwe Club who pocketed P35,000 and a Huawei watch. On second position is Israel Mudimba who won P25,000 and a watch while Tawanda Bvunzawabaya took third position and won P15,000 and a watch.
The 42.2km masters category female was won by Ethel Pangiso of Eagles Runners Club pocketing P7,500 and a Huawei watch. The second position went to Rosina Kiboino who pocketed P5,000 and a watch, while the third position was taken by Elizabeth Chimweno with a prize money of P2,500 and a watch. On the males’ side, the first position was clinched by Israel Mudimba of Whiteline Club walking away with the prize money of P7,500 and a Huawei watch and followed by Nkosiyazi Sibanda on second position who scooped P5,000 and a watch while position three was clinched by Lucky Munsaka, walking away with P2,500 and a watch.
The 10km women’s wheelchair category, Thandiwez Ndhlovu of ZRP PPU Club clinched position one, worth P5,000 and a watch, Boitumelo Ditshupo Tshotlego took position two, receiving P4,000 and a watch while Moleen Majoni took position three and won herself P2,500. On the 10km men’s wheelchair category, Samson Muroyiwa of ZRP PPU took position one and clinched P5,000 and a watch, followed by Gofaone Lesetedi on position two who received P4,000 and a watch. Position three went to Godknows Dziripi who won P2,000 and a watch. The full marathon results are accessible on the link https://bit.ly/4izr9Ft
The success and growth of the 4th BTC Francistown Marathon 2025 continue to reaffirm the marathon’s status as a cornerstone of community unity, athletic prowess and social progress. The number of runners continues to grow on an annual basis. The year 2023, the target registration of athletes was set at 2248, in 2024 the target was 3295 participants and this year 2025, the target registration was 4000 runners across the country and the region. The following are key notable milestones of the marathon namely; In 2023 the marathon routes, which cover 5km, 10km, 21.1 km and 42.2 kilometers, were certified by World Athletics and became a Comrade Marathon qualifier.
In 2024, BTC included the wheelchair category for 5km and 10km for inclusivity. In 2025, we introduced the 3km Peace Run for children from the ages of 7 to 14 years. As the marathon continues to grow in stature and impact, sponsors and organisers remain committed to fostering a culture of health, wellness and inclusivity for all.
