Selebi Phikwe National Marathon formerly known as Bosele Marathon, has been taking place in Selebi Phikwe since 1985 founded by the late Boet Kahts (MHSRIP) and Phill Roberts as a fun run. The marathon grew over the years and eventually became an annual event that is recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federation as one of the main athletics event and classified the route as one of the best in the world.
Selebi Phikwe National Marathon features not only as a sporting activity but also in the sport tourism calendar. The marathon has adequately attracted local and international athletes by virtue of its status of accreditation for qualifiers in the international arena of athletics. In view of the status of the marathon, the town of Selebi Phikwe, as a host of the marathon, can benefit handsomely from the event.
The marathon also plays a critical role in the economic activities of the town mainly trading in copper nickel. Over the years the economy of town increasingly became reliant on the mining and smelting activities of the BCL Mine, but with the threat of the mine closing and the fluctuation of copper prices in the markets, other ways of sustaining the economy of beyond the mining and smelting activities had to be sought. Economic diversification was therefore the new need for the town. The marathon therefore carries economic, athletics and community development significance. The marathon offers fundamental structure of developing lifelong abilities, skills and talent.