Absa Summer Kids Marathon goes nationwide to Inspire active lifestyles

By Trust Ittai 

  

The Absa Summer Kids Marathon has grown beyond a single race day, evolving into a nationwide activation campaign aimed at promoting healthy living and strengthening community bonds through sport.

The 2025 edition of Botswana’s largest kids’ marathon will kick off its nationwide activation tour on Saturday, with activities scheduled to run from January 31 to April 4, before culminating in the main race on April 18 at the Gaborone Central Business District (CBD). 

The flagship event will also mark the fifth anniversary of the initiative.

Founder of the Absa Summer Kids Marathon, Moagi Madisa, said the programme was designed to inspire children to embrace physical activity while fostering values of wellness, discipline and social cohesion from an early age.

“This year’s activation tour runs from January 31 to April 04, culminating in the main race on April 18, 2025 in Gaborone CBD, marking the 5th anniversary of Botswana’s largest kids’ marathon,” Madisa said.

The initiative targets children aged between two and 16 years, focusing on fun and inclusivity while uniting communities through sport.

According to Madisa, the activation tour will cover several locations across the country, including Ghanzi, Maun, Palapye, Francistown, Gaborone and Jwaneng.

Now in its fifth year, the marathon has engaged more than 20,000 children through its main race and activation events.

Last year’s flagship run attracted about 2,000 participants at the iconic Three Dikgosi Monument in the CBD.

Madisa highlighted the growing importance of such initiatives in addressing modern health challenges among children.

“In an era where sedentary habits and lifestyle-related health issues are on the rise, the marathon offers a fun and engaging platform for children to move, play and embrace physical activity,” he said.

“Through age-appropriate races, wellness education and community events, sport becomes a tool for wellbeing rather than competition alone.”

Beyond health benefits, Madisa described the activation tour as a nation-building exercise, with each stop turning into a community celebration that brings together children, parents, schools, local authorities and volunteers.

He noted that sport serves as a universal language capable of breaking barriers, fostering inclusion and nurturing teamwork and respect, while also supporting youth development by teaching discipline, resilience, goal-setting and fair play.

“For many children, this marathon is their first taste of organised sport, sparking interest and opening pathways to future participation and talent development,” Madisa said.

As the initiative continues to expand nationwide, Madisa stressed the need for strong strategic partnerships to sustain its impact, calling on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to get involved.

“By partnering with the Absa Summer Kids Marathon, stakeholders align with a purpose-driven initiative that delivers measurable social impact, healthier children, stronger communities and a more united nation,” he said.

“Together, we can inspire a generation to live active, responsible and connected lives while building a healthier and more inclusive future.”