• A platform that stimulates economic activity

The Orange Phikwe National Marathon has reached a major milestone, celebrating 10 years of growth as one of Botswana’s leading road races while cementing its role as a powerful driver of sports development, tourism and economic activity in Selebi-Phikwe.

Over the past decade, the marathon has evolved from a community sporting event into a national attraction, drawing thousands of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and spectators from across Botswana and the Southern African region.

The event has also become a key economic catalyst for Selebi-Phikwe, with race weekends creating significant business opportunities for local enterprises.

Orange Botswana Public Relations and Communication Manager Tebogo Nadisah said the company’s investment reflects a long-term commitment to using sport as a tool for economic growth and social transformation.

“The Orange Phikwe National Marathon has grown into much more than a sporting event. Over the last 10 years, it has become a platform that stimulates economic activity, supports local businesses and creates meaningful opportunities for communities in Selebi-Phikwe,” said Nadisah.

Hotels in Selebi-Phikwe are often fully booked during marathon weekends, while food vendors, transport operators, retailers and small businesses experience a surge in demand as visitors pour into the town.

Organisers say the event has successfully positioned Selebi-Phikwe as an emerging sports tourism destination.

Beyond economic impact, the marathon continues to play a significant role in athletic development by providing a competitive platform for runners under official athletics structures.

The race gives local athletes an opportunity to compete for prize money while also improving their rankings and qualification prospects for international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Nadisah said the marathon has become an important platform for nurturing talent and growing Botswana’s athletics pipeline.

“We have seen the marathon create real opportunities for athletes, from grassroots participation to elite competition. It provides a credible stage for talent identification and athlete development while inspiring the next generation of runners,” she said.

The event is delivered in partnership with the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council and the Botswana Athletics Association, with stakeholders working to identify and support promising young athletes through nutrition, equipment and travel assistance.

The marathon’s impact has also extended beyond sport through a range of community development initiatives.

As part of its corporate social investment efforts, Orange Botswana has used the marathon platform to drive educational and digital inclusion projects in Selebi-Phikwe, including donations of learning equipment and digital tools to local schools.

The company has also supported long-term initiatives such as digital classrooms and Women’s Digital Centres aimed at empowering youth with digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Community wellness has also remained central to the marathon’s mission, with pre-event activities such as fun runs and aerobics sessions encouraging healthy living and community engagement.

Nadisah said the 10-year milestone reflects the power of sport to create lasting change.

“As we celebrate 10 years of the Orange Phikwe National Marathon, we are proud of the impact this event has had not only in athletics but in transforming lives, empowering communities and contributing to the economic revival of Selebi-Phikwe,” she said.