Int’l cross continental tour

durance of these young athletes was truly impressive and is a testament to the bright future of Botswana’s track events. The girls’ race was especially impressive, with Batsile Gofiwa crossing the finish line in first place with a time of 22:36. Segolame Olebogeng followed in second place with a time of 22:50, and Kethomphile Diteko won position three with a time of 24:45.

Galeboe Thapelo crossed the finish line first in the men’s 8km under-20 race with a time of 24:33, followed closely by Bahile Edward in second place with a time of 25:58. It was an exciting race, with spectators shouting to encourage the leader to increase his pace as the second-place runner was closing in. Kotosi Onkabetse finished third with a time of 26:01, making it a very tight race. Alessia Zarbo from France took first place in the women’s 8km race, finishing with an impressive time of 35:05. Joseph Ketsiso, a promising young Botswana runner, came in second place with a time of 36:21, followed closely by Galeitsiwe Kefilwe in third place with a time of 37:39. The senior ladies put on a great show, even beating some of the men in the race. Matlapeng Sesebo, one of Botswana’s most accomplished longdistance runners, took first place in the men’s senior category with an outstanding time of 29:35. Close behind him, Gabolwele Othusitse finished in second place with a time of 29:35, followed by Kebatshwaretse Kagiso in third with a time of 29:57. The senior men’s race was full of excitement and close finishes, with only seconds separating the top three runners. This was a real showcase of Botswana’s long-distance running.

According to one of the event organizers, Glody Dube, they were very pleased with the turnout of local runners and how the event went overall. He believes that this is just the beginning, and that the growth of the cross-country race is in their hands. They will continue to provide opportunities like this for athletes in the future.