Selebi-Phikwe — Bosele National Marathon has been accredited by the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF).

It is the only race in the country to get accreditation from the international athletics body.

The president of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) Moses Bantsi said this year's 23th Bosele Marathon is the first to have an international track measurer. 'Selebi-Phikwe holds this record and has impressed the track measurer as the best flat course he has ever seen in the world. Therefore we may in the near future attract international runners in this town.' Bantsi was speaking during this year's Bosele Marathon. He appealed to the authorities in the country to accord athletics the recognition it deserves like other sporting codes. He added that athletics has been performing extremely well in international competitions but little has been invested in it to make it a sport of repute like football.

Bantsi said that the BAA is very proud to have come such a long way with the Bosele Marathon in the quest to improve athletics in the country. Former Bosele official, Edna Mauco said the race started in 1985 as a community event but it has grown from strength to strength.

Minister of Lands and Housing, Nonofo Molefhi who was a guest at this year's marathon acknowledged the support of the Cresta Marakanelo Group in financing the event. He said the group's support has gone a long way in nurturing and developing talent. He urged the Cresta Group to popularise the marathon through its regional network of hotels and other collaborating partners in the hospitality industry. 'Flyers announcing the race could be distributed through these facilities and guests would be able to access information. The race should be put into the Cresta and Mascom websites.' Molefhi added that it should be possible as part of the promotion to have pictures of runners as screen savers for all Mascom customers during the month of June when the race takes place.

He pledged to support next year's marathon. 'We will facilitate the creation of a Phikwe committee for future marathons and mobilise the local business community to be part of building the future of the town. This marathon will become a significant highlight in the Selebi-Phikwe diversification strategy.'

Meanwhile, Keineetse Moswasi of Sports View defended his title in the 42.2km men's race by clocking 2:21:52. He went away with P1,000 and hampers from Mascom. He finished ahead of Omphile Montwedi and James John both from Gaborone Runners Club (GRC). In the women's race it was a 1-2 sweep by GRC after Tinah Mekgwe trailed Keamogetse Rancholo to the finishing line.

In the junior women's race Leungo Mukani emerged the champion followed by Tshambilusi Bigani and Gabaikangwe Olefile. In the junior men, Rapula Diphoko of Lefika Athletics Club won ahead of Emmanuel Ranntshwabi and Ditiro Ramagapu.

In the veterans' category John Tapela emerged tops. He was followed by Aaron Bafana and Amogelang Masugae.

All the winners got hampers and prize money ranging from P50 to P1,000 courtesy of BCL mine. They also got hampers, cellphones and trophies from Mascom. GRC was awarded a prize for emerging the best team while Masunga Junior Secondary was the top performer among schools.

Meanwhile, Bantsi said that he is hopeful that the BAA team to the Olympic Games will win medals. He stated that the Botswana athletics team has over the years been the envy of other countries because of its good performance. Bantsi noted that Amantle Montsho is one of the top runners in the women 400m in the world while Kabelo Kgosiemang is rated second internationally. He said people are still unaware that athletics can contribute to economic empowerment in the country.

The president highlighted that Botswana will host the Southern Region Africa Champions in May next year and also intends to host Youth Championships in 2011 and Africa Senior Championships in 2014. He said they have already started asking for sponsorships from local companies.