The Kazungula Bridge Run company has announced the sponsors and partners for the second installation of the Kazungula Bridge Marathon, slated for Saturday 25 February 2023. Comprising four race categories (the 42.2km marathon, the 21 km and 10km races as well as the 5 km fun run) the event will be sponsored by leading financial services organisation, FNB Botswana (FNBB), for the second year in a row. FNBB has increased their commitment to the tune of P1.5m, with the event once again named the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon.
The brainchild of the Chief Executive Obert Morgan, the Marathon will take advantage of the iconic Kazungula Bridge which was officially opened on Monday 10 May 2021 by His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, together with His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, then President of the Republic of Zambia.
Officiating at the sponsors and partners unveiling held in Kasane on Friday 23 September 2022, the Minister of Justice and Area MP for Chobe Hon. Machani Ronald Shamukuni observed that the Kazungula Bridge Run company “has packaged sports and tourism as uniquely distinct like nowhere else in the world” accentuating the Chobe District as a sports tourism destination of choice. Speaking directly to the event organizers, Hon. Shamukuni further stated “the transformation agenda needs characters like you. People who see value in us and invest when government has created an enabling environment for such. The role of the private sector is never in doubt in the economic diversification drive.”
FNB Botswana CEO Steven Lefentse Bogatsu stated that “the partnership aligns with the Bank’s shared value philosophy that ensures that the Bank’s economic and community contribution provides collective value and upliftment to its stakeholders.” According to Bogatsu, further motivation for FNBB coming on board was “support for sports development is a priority at FNBB and the Bank welcomes opportunities to help advance the sports fraternity in Botswana through partnerships such as this one.”
Updating on the outcome of the 2022 edition of the race, Morgan shared that the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon directly contributed to the country’s GDP while facilitating the growth of athletics in Botswana. Mr. Morgan confirmed “the 2022 event attracted over 2, 900 runners, with P1.4million revenues generated over the race weekend for HATAB members alone. This does not take into account the contributions to the fuel, transport, retail sectors as well as non-HATAB members.” The FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon 2023 is “targeting 6, 000 participants which will turn Chobe into the marathon hub of the region” advised Morgan.
Sharing exciting new developments, Morgan announced that in line with international standards, “registration which opened on 14 July 2022, with the early bird registration expected to close on 30 September 2022, is now done through the event website www.kazungulabridgemarathon.com, a seamless process that allows participants to register and pay for the race of their choice. This will make it much efficient.”
Morgan also took the opportunity to announce that the event organisers have committed that “P50, 000.00 of the prize money will go towards prizes allocated to people living with disabilities who take part in the various races. The prize money will be handed over based on guidance from the Botswana Athletics Association and the Special Olympics Committee. In addition, they will enter the races for free. Mr. Morgan invited other sponsors to come on board to assist with travel and accommodation for those living with disabilities who would like to take part in the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon.
FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon 2023 Sponsors and Partners
• FNB Botswana – headline sponsor and major category sponsor for the 42.2km and 10km races, to the value of P1, 5000, 000.00
• Halfway Toyota – transport partner (provision of six brand new vehicles prior to and including race day) and major category sponsor for the 21km race, to the value of P2million
• Spar Botswana – refreshment partner and major category sponsor for the 5km race, to the value of P250, 000.00
• Kwa Nokeng Oil – fuel partner, to the value of P250, 000.00
• Blue Crystal – Executive Management committee, to the value of P100, 000.00
• Coca Cola – hydration partner
• HATAB – accommodation partner
• Botswana Tourism – technical, marketing and quality assurance partner
• Botswana Television – broadcast partner
Total sponsorship value for the 2023 FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon is in excess of P5m.
