The Absa Summer Kids Marathon has evolved into more than a sporting event; it is a nationwide activation tour with a powerful mission to shape healthier lifestyles and strengthen nation building through sport. Designed specifically for children aged 2 – 16 years, the marathon is rolling out across the country, bringing communities together while instilling lifelong values of fitness, discipline and social cohesion. The next activations will be held in Gantsi, Maun, Palapye, Francistown, Gaborone and Jwaneng.
The activations will run from 31 January – 4 April in different destinations with the main race billed for 18 April 2025 in Gaboroe CBD, marking the 5th anniversary of the country’s biggest kids run.
At the heart of the Absa Summer Kids Marathon is the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle from an early age. In an Interview with one of the organisers Moagi Madisa said, “In an era where sedentary habits and lifestyle-related health challenges are on the rise, the initiative provides a practical and engaging platform to encourage children to move, play and embrace physical activity. Through fun runs, age-appropriate races and wellness education, the programme positions sport as an enjoyable and accessible tool for overall wellbeing rather than competition alone”.
Beyond health benefits, the activation tour plays a vital role in nation building. Each stop on the tour becomes a community celebration, uniting children, parents, schools, local authorities and volunteers around a shared purpose. Sport, in this context, becomes a universal language that breaks social and economic barriers, fostering inclusion, teamwork and mutual respect. By exposing children from diverse backgrounds to the same platform, the Absa Summer Kids Marathon nurtures social cohesion and a sense of belonging that extends beyond race day.
“The initiative also contributes to youth development by reinforcing positive values such as discipline, goal setting, resilience and fair play. These lessons, learned on the track, translate into everyday life and support the holistic growth of young participants. For many children, the marathon represents their first experience of an organised sporting event, sparking interest in sport and opening pathways to continued participation and talent development”, said Madisa.
As the Absa Summer Kids Marathon expands nationwide, strategic partnerships are key to amplifying its impact and sustainability. Absa invites partners across the public and private sectors, including health institutions, educational bodies, corporates and community organisations, to collaborate in scaling this transformative programme. “By partnering with the Absa Summer Kids Marathon, stakeholders align with a purpose-driven initiative that delivers measurable social impact—healthier children, stronger communities and a more united nation. Together, through sport, we can inspire a generation to live active, responsible and connected lives, while building a healthier and more inclusive future for the nation”
