Runners are getting ready for the annual Diacore Gaborone Marathon on 22nd March 2015 – the longest running and largest marathon for charity in Botswana.

With a 42.2km full marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km race and 4km fun run, participants will be making their way through the city of Gaborone with all proceeds from the event to be donated to charity. Not only this, but the event is also an official IAAF certified comrades marathon, and an Olympics and Commonwealth Games qualifier.

The race began at 6am from the Grand Palm Hotel and Casino resort in Gaborone.

Chairman of Diacore, Nir Livnat says, “We are excited to once again sponsor this fantastic event. All the proceeds will be donated to charity and we are proud to be support Botswana through sport, education and charity. Last year we raised a record breaking P615, 000 (R755, 328). This year we aim to break our own record.”

Ever since Diacore adopted the race in 2012, the event has gone from strength-to-strength growing over 30% every year. This year close to 6000 participants are expected to compete with runners from across the globe. Previously, runners from 38 different countries have attended the event, with some from as far as London, Cuba, Canada and China.

The Diacore Gaborone Marathon gives thanks to its proud and loyal sponsors Diacore, Stanbic Bank, Mascom, Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), O3 and Grand Palm.

To find out more, visit www.diacoregaboronemarathon.com as well as the Diacore Facebook page.