What began 10 years ago as an idea to bring the community together for a fun and healthy way to engage has evolved to become the largest running movement for impact in Botswana. The 10th edition of Diacore Gaborone Marathon (DGM) kicked off in the wee hours of Sunday 9th July, with a spectacular display of fireworks that painted the city red, green and gold to commemorate Diamond beneficiation as a decade of positive community upliftment, combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and cultivating a culture of healthy living.
The fireworks were a symbol of the spirit, passion, and dedication of all those who have supported and participated in the Diacore Gaborone Marathon over the years. At exactly 07:00 am, the starter whistle blared through the morning indicating the 42km and 21km runners to begin to showcase their resilience and tenacity on the track. Followed by the 10km runners at exactly 07:15 am. In true African spirit, Mafitlhakgosi traditional group serenaded the runners with rhythmic drumbeats as they took off to cheer and encourage them. Race master of ceremonies, Loungo Pitse captivated the audience with his incredible energy and infectious enthusiasm as he guided them through every exhilarating moment of the event accompanied by an electrifying lineup of DJs that elevated the celebratory mood.
This year, the Marathon attracted yet again the large registration and attendance comprising of over 10,600 runners from different parts of the world. “DGM was designed to unite and embrace diversity, it is a world-wide movement of runners seeking to make a difference and having fun while at it,” said Kfir Teichman, Diacore Gaborone Managing Director. It attracted six major sponsors, Mascom, Bomaid, Grand Palm Hotels, Blue Crystal, Yarona FM and GIA, allowing for a truly exceptional experience. Mascom sponsored the signature 10km run and Blue Crystal sponsored the 5km fun run/walk. Both have been long term partners to the Marathon to date.
Jeremiah Shaliaxwe in the men’s category became the champion of the 42km marathon after 2 hours, 19 minutes and 29 seconds followed by Sheila Saina in the women’s category with a record of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 18 seconds. The 21km was scooped by Sibusiso Nzima (men’s category) and Kefilwe Galeitsiwe (women’s category). Lastly, the Dawit Adebe and Patience Munowe won the 10km run for the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
“We look forward to another ten years of #RunRiseShine and we are committed to creating better versions of this memorable experience every single year going forth. We will continue to form meaningful collaborations with different organisations in Botswana in order to encourage the culture of healthy living and exercise, all this to achieve a nation free from Non-Communicable Diseases” said Teichman.
In keeping with the annual DGM concept, the beneficiary of funds raised from this year’s marathon will be announced soon. Previous beneficiaries have included Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind and Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre. This is aligned to Diacore Gaborone Marathon’s passion for sustainable community impact, committed to social upliftment, health, and education initiatives across Botswana for the last 10 years.