Polokwane pacer helps set Guinness World Record at London Marathon
Polokwane Athletics Club member Bothwell Matewe helped set a Guinness World Record for 'Most Accurate Pacers' at the 2026 London Marathon.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Athletics Club (PAC) member Bothwell Matewe has helped put Limpopo on the global running map after playing a role in setting a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Accurate Pacers’ at the 2026 TCS London Marathon.
The South African Comrades Marathon bus driver and pacer represented the country in London from April 23 to 27 and only learned on June 16 that the pacing team had officially achieved the record.
“I feel incredibly happy with a huge sense of fulfilment,” he told Polokwane Observer.
A fifth year as official pacer
This was Matewe’s fifth year as an official pacer and his second appearance at the London Marathon.
“Running the TCS London Marathon is epic, and pacing is colossal. Being part of this race’s milestones is monumental. It’s simply mind-blowing,” he said.
Matewe, who is also a broadcaster at Energy FM and co-host of its Breakfast Show, was part of the Blue Wave pacing team for the sub-six-hour bus alongside David Goodwin.
“We had a collective responsibility to deliver, and we did deliver indeed,” he said.
At the time of the race, Matewe had no idea their performance would earn a place in the Guinness World Records.
“It was just business as usual,” he said.
Careful preparation key to accuracy
According to Matewe, careful preparation and experience were key to maintaining an accurate pace throughout the marathon.
“Pace bands and mile markers assisted, and the GPS always does the trick. I was privileged because I paced the same time in 2025, so I was familiar with the route,” he said.
Staying on target requires constant concentration. “The crowds can easily consume you as you run,” he explained.
His preparation included an early night and a healthy pre-race meal. Once the race begins, he briefs his “passengers” on race strategy, including when to walk and when to run, ensuring they are prepared for every stage of the course.
First Limpopo pacer at a World Marathon Major
Matewe said he is especially proud to be the first pacer from Limpopo to serve at a World Marathon Major.
“Having done TCS London two times feels extremely rewarding, I must emphasise,” he said.
For Matewe, pacing is about more than keeping time.
“It’s about helping others reach their goals,” he concluded.
