Africa-Press – Botswana. A 77-year-old completing the 10km race, an expectant mother pushing a stroller, and a runner finishing on crutches were just some of the extraordinary stories that captured the essence of the day, as observed by the 12th edition of the Diacore Gaborone Marathon chief runner, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, Sunday.
“This event is more than just a race, the marathon stands as a celebration of resilience, unity and the transformative power of community wellness,” Chombo said when addressing thousands of participants and spectators who braved the crispy chilly morning and gathered in Gaborone to take part in annual event, whose deeper meaning, she added was a public commitment to physical health, national pride and social impact.
“Today, we are not only chasing medals or records, we are choosing a lifestyle that reduces the burden of non-communicable diseases, lowers healthcare costs, and allows for a healthier, more productive nation,” she said, further highlighting that this year’s marathon arrived at a historic moment for the country as in just a year’s time, Botswana would host the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
“Local events like the Diacore Marathon are helping sharpen national capabilities in logistics, planning, and global engagement,” she said.
The minister further stated that since its inception in 2012 with just 2 000 runners, the Diacore Gaborone Marathon had grown into one of the region’s premier athletic gatherings, boasting over 11 700 participants from different countries in 2025.
She said this year’s theme; Dreamers Become Diamonds, also served as a beacon of inspiration for the participants to keep dreaming and focus on achieving the ‘diamond’ status.
Moreover, she said such events as the Diacore Marathon were platforms for growth, resilience and unity as they brought together people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among Batswana.
“I must address a challenge that continues to face our society, gender-based violence (GBV).
Events like the Diacore Marathon provide an important platform to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and promote zero tolerance for GBV,” she stated.
“ Let us use these spaces to drive real change, and to build a safer Botswana,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lazarus Too and Rholex Kogo, male and female from Kenya won the Diacore Gaborone marathon, clocking a time of 2:14:47 and 2:43:29 respectively.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
