In a rare moment in Lesotho’s sports fraternity, Maseru City Run (MCR) will, for the first time, introduce a sports insurance policy to cover athletes’ accidents during the 2026 edition.
According to the event organisers, Eventful Moments, they have a partnership with LNIG Hollard to provide the insurance cover for the one-day event.
The annual road race, which runs around Lesotho’s capital city, Maseru, has been growing in leaps and bounds over the past few years, drawing in both local and international participants, professionals and amateurs alike.
Initially starting with just over 350 participants for the inaugural event in 2023, the second instalment of the event saw over 800 athletes taking part in various activities, including the 42.2 km race, 21.1km race, 10km race, 5km race, and 1.6 km run for the children.
The 2025 event saw the race growing even bigger by attracting a record 1426 athletes, and also welcoming more sponsors on board. The edition was also honoured by Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and her son, Crown Prince Lerotholi Mohato Seeiso, both participating in the races.
Now, in anticipation of bringing together 4,000 people at the next race scheduled for February 22, 2026, the organisers have added a number of enhancements for the race, with the insurance policy as the highlight.
“The insurance policy premium is M55. This insurance policy is the first one in the history of athletics in Lesotho,” said Eventful Moments’ Director of Operations, Samuel Rapapa, in an interview.
Selala Bereng, the Marketing Consultant at LNIG Hollard, confirmed to this publication that they are involved in the race.
The introduction of insurance in MCR follows an unfortunate fatal accident where a 21-kilometre runner tragically perished during the 2025 race edition. Tšeliso Makana (36) collapsed mid-race before being rushed to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Other improvements to be seen in the race are the establishment of a 12-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) to help with the planning and execution of the race.
The LOC is made up of different stakeholders relevant to the race, such as sponsors, runners, media, station managers, corporates, race organisers representatives, Maseru City Council (MCC), Maseru Athletics Academy, and Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC).
The event also features an aerobics session at Maseru Club grounds and inclusivity-focused races, such as a category for people with disabilities and a tailored kids’ race, making it a family-friendly affair.
Rapapa indicated further that they would address the issue of water shortage in the race that has plagued the race in the past, by manufacturing their own drinking water for the race.
They are also engaging more medical service providers, like hospitals and surgeries, to increase the supply of ambulance services from four to ten in 2026.
Thabo John Tšoeute, the race manager, indicated that leading up to the race date, they are introducing regular training runs for non-athletes to ensure that they are fit to run on the big day.
The first of these trainings, dubbed Sunday Runs, which target 10km and 5km amateur or social runners, will commence on August 31.
“We are trying to encourage our participants to be in good physical condition to enjoy the experience of participating in our races. In particular, we encourage amateur runners to go for medical checks before running, and also refrain from counterproductive lifestyle habits leading up to the race day,” Tšoeute said.
Summary
- Now, in anticipation of bringing together 4,000 people at the next race scheduled for February 22, 2026, the organisers have added a number of enhancements for the race, with the insurance policy as the highlight.
- Other improvements to be seen in the race are the establishment of a 12-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) to help with the planning and execution of the race.
- Rapapa indicated further that they would address the issue of water shortage in the race that has plagued the race in the past, by manufacturing their own drinking water for the race.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
