Lehlohonolo Motšoari
In preparation for the much-anticipated Mountain Marathon21 on October 26, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the event organisers, recently led the press on an exclusive tour of the marathon route.
The tour offered a glimpse into the rich history and stunning tourist attractions that participants will encounter in Qacha’s Nek.
The half marathon, scheduled for October 26th, is expected to attract runners from across the globe. The course not only challenges participants but also celebrates the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Mountain Kingdom. This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Basotho Nation by King Moshoeshoe I.
The press tour began at the iconic starting point at Ha Noosi, where fossil remains measuring 6.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in height were discovered, indicating the presence of dinosaurs in Lesotho.
“We wanted to give the press a firsthand experience of what makes this marathon truly unique,” said ‘Mamolise Falatsa, the Ministry’s Public Relations Manager.
“The combination of challenging terrain and rich history makes this event more than just a race; it’s a journey through time, and our aim is to celebrate the bicentennial with a milestone.”
“From here in Qacha’s Nek, you can see two additional districts—Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba Tseka,” said Mosiuoa Nthako, one of the race organizers, during the tour at Ha Seforo. The mountains of these districts displayed a beautiful scenery along the Senqu River, its waters visibly green due to an abundance of algae.
The tour also explored Sehlabathebe National Park, located in the southeastern corner of Lesotho. This stunning natural sanctuary is renowned for its unique biodiversity and striking landscapes. The park is characterized by high-altitude grasslands, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and a rich array of flora and fauna, including several endemic species. Its cultural significance is equally remarkable, as it features ancient rock art that provides valuable insights into the region’s heritage.
Additionally, the event’s main sponsor, Manti Sehloho Construction and Projects, in collaboration with Ramela Associates, rewarded Qacha’s Nek marathon sensation Tebello Ramakongoana with M50,000 for his impressive performance in the Paris Olympics, where he secured 7th place.
Tebello expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “I’m aware of the support given by Basotho at large; I won’t rest until I bring home a medal from either the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or World Championships.”
