Botswana proudly joined the global movement to run for those who can’t as it participated for the first time in the Wings for Life World Run 2025 on Sunday, May 4. This global race, unique in its format and purpose, saw over 400 participants across Botswana contribute to the cause of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
The heart of Botswana’s race day was at Township Rollers Football Club in Gaborone, where a vibrant, community-driven joint club run took place. Elsewhere across the country, individuals and groups joined virtually via the Wings for Life World Run App, demonstrating Botswana’s unity and commitment to this global cause.
With a perfect running temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and clear skies, participants walked, ran, and rolled for those who can’t—helping fund cutting-edge spinal cord research through every step they took.
Top runners in Botswana’s inaugural event were:
- Female Top Runner: Botho Morris – 9.07 km
- Male Top Runner: Muvia Lucas Tjikuto – 21.6 km
Botswana’s effort contributed to a record-breaking global total of over 310, 719 registered participants across 170 countries, where every cent raised goes directly to research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries.
South African Wings for Life ambassador and motorcycle accident survivor, Sandile Mkhize, who participated from Centurion in South Africa, offered a heartfelt message of encouragement to Botswana: “To see Botswana join this incredible global cause is truly inspiring. Every step you ran yesterday brings us all closer to a cure. Welcome to the Wings for Life family!” – Sandile Mkhize
Botswana’s debut not only marked a significant moment in the country’s fitness and social impact calendar but also aligned it with a worldwide wave of hope, resilience, and scientific progress.
Bongi Sikelo 