Botswana is preparing to host the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone on May 2-3, 2026. This international event will bring together top track athletes from around the globe to compete in various relay races.
Competition Structure and Events
The World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 will feature 24 teams per race across six distinct events. These include:
- Women’s 4x100m relay
- Women’s 4x400m relay
- Men’s 4x100m relay
- Men’s 4x400m relay
- Mixed 4x100m relay
- Mixed 4x400m relay
The competition schedule outlines heats for the mixed relays early on, with the event culminating in the women’s and men’s 4x400m finals.
Qualification Opportunities
Beyond winning titles and prize money, the Gaborone relays offer significant qualification pathways for future international competitions. Six teams from both the mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m events in Gaborone will qualify for the inaugural 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which boasts a substantial $10 million prize fund. Additionally, 12 teams in every event at the relays will secure spots for the 2027 World Championships.
World Athletics has also introduced a ‘road to’ tracking tool. This resource aims to provide athletes, media, and fans with real-time updates on the qualification process leading up to the global event.
Local Preparations Underway
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 is actively working to ensure the event’s success. Moses Bantsi, CEO of the LOC, confirmed that preparations are well underway to welcome participating teams to Botswana.
Efforts include securing accommodation for athletes and officials through collaborations with stakeholders. Security arrangements are also a priority, with assurances of a safe and high-quality international sporting environment.
Ticketing and Sponsorship
Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale in early January. Organizers emphasize the importance of a seamless ticketing system to prevent issues such as duplicate seat allocations. Early purchase is recommended for local spectators, as no specific ticket allocations will be reserved, meaning they will compete with international buyers.
While preparations advance, the LOC continues its efforts to secure additional sponsorships. Currently, three sponsors have committed: Halfway Toyota for transport, Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) for connectivity, and Diamond College as the medal sponsor. The LOC remains optimistic that more partners will join to meet the event’s budgetary needs.
Leave a Reply