Arthur Pounds Join UB Marathon: Persevering through the finish line

Authored by: Ruby Pitinyane

On October 13, 2024, Arthur Pounds (AJ) took part in the University of Botswana (UB) marathon at the UB Stadium, marking a significant milestone for him and all the participants involved. The marathon, which kicked off at 5:30 AM, brought together students as well as runners from different backgrounds, all eager to push their limits and enjoy a day of athleticism together with companionship. AJ was no different, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as he prepared for the big day. 

“I had to wake up super early to get there because the race started at 5:30 AM, but I was so excited that I was up and out of bed,” AJ shared, reflecting on the early start. As they say, the early bird catches the fattest worm! The cool morning air and the sight of fellow runners gathering at the stadium created an electric atmosphere.  

The will to keep going 

A marathon is both a physical and mental challenge. It requires training in both aspects. Furthermore, this prepares for the sense of accomplishment at the end, making it all worth it, in which AJ explains, he could have practiced a bit more. Despite the tough course, the encouragement from fellow participants and spectators helped him push through. 

Crossing the finish line is a moment of triumph. The post-race atmosphere was filled with positivity as runners celebrated their achievements together. For AJ, the UB marathon wasn’t just about the race itself, but the sense of community it fostered. “The marathon had an awesome atmosphere to be a part of. Overall, I am very glad that I ran the race. It was a great event and was it really cool to see everyone come together.” 

A celebration, finishing what was started 

The 2024 UB marathon was an opportunity for AJ to connect, challenge oneself, and enjoy team spirit. It’s moments like these that highlight the power of fitness plus community events in bringing people closer and fostering a sense of togetherness. 

The beauty of a marathon is in realizing you had the strength to get there. You don’t have to win to feel victorious, you just need to finish. Not only finishing but also having the courage to have started the race.