Nedbank Maseru City Run has reached a significant milestone following the successful World Athletics route measurement exercise conducted recently in the capital.
The development does not only seek to professionalise the event but also elevate it to the level of internationally recognised qualifiers.
The certification means the race’s flagship 42.2-kilometre marathon is now an official qualifying event for South Africa’s Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon. Both races are among the continent’s most prestigious long-distance events, attracting thousands of runners from across the world each year.
According to Comrades Marathon Association guidelines, athletes must qualify on a marathon measured and certified under World Athletics standards, which places the local event in esteemed company.
Thabo J. Tšoeute, the Marketing Director of the Maseru City Run, said the achievement reflects the organisers’ deliberate efforts to enhance the technical quality and competitiveness of the race.
“We are intentional about improving the status and standards of the race to deliver a world-class athletics event,” he said, noting that the certification was a major leap in that direction.
The certification process was overseen by Norrie Williamson, a highly respected Scottish-born endurance expert now based in South Africa. Williamson is renowned for his decades-long experience as an ultra-distance runner, coach, and author and course measurer.
With his guidance, all race categories from 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km and the 1.6km fun run, were measured to stringent international standards. Tšoeute said the organisers have since received formal certification.
“We engaged the services of renowned race measurer Norrie Willemsen, and we have since received the races certificates from the World Athletics, which confirms that our routes are now formally measured and certified.”
He added that the certification immediately positions local athletes seeking to enter the Comrades or Two Oceans marathons to qualify without having to travel outside Lesotho.
“This certification has helped our race to be the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons qualifier, meaning if one wants to participate in the two ultra marathons, they can qualify by running in our 42 kilometre marathon.”
Tšoeute further revealed that the organisers are in the process of applying to have the Maseru City Run included in the annual World Athletics calendar. Such a listing elevates a race’s visibility globally and attracts elite and recreational runners from multiple countries.
Being recognised as a qualifier and pursuing calendar inclusion, he explained, will boost international confidence in the event. The race aims to attract at least 400 international runners in its next edition, an ambitious yet attainable target given the growth of regional road-running tourism.
Earlier this month, Nedbank Lesotho renewed its commitment now as title sponsor, through signing a three-year deal worth M1 million. The bank’s continued support has been credited with helping to stabilise and expand the race’s operations.
Participation numbers continue to rise steadily. To date, over 1,256 runners have registered, closing in on last year’s total of just over 1,400. Organisers expect the 2026 edition to draw up to 4,000 participants overall, a reflection of growing public confidence on the annual showpiece.
Moreover, the next race comes with enhanced safety measures. For the first time, every registered runner will be covered by a race day accident insurance, while the medical team has been expanded to provide rapid response and on-site care throughout the course. Such measures mirror global best practices in major city marathons.
Monthly training sessions have also gained popularity, offering participants fitness guidance, wellness discussions and technical tips in preparation for race day.
Behind the scenes, a robust Local Organising Committee (LOC) that brings together stakeholders from the corporate sector, tourism industry, Maseru City Council, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, medical professionals, the Maseru Athletics Academy and the media has been set up.
This multi-sectoral approach ensures that the event upholds world-class standards while simultaneously boosting local business, hospitality and civic pride.
Summary
- “We are intentional about improving the status and standards of the race to deliver a world-class athletics event,” he said, noting that the certification was a major leap in that direction.
- “This certification has helped our race to be the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons qualifier, meaning if one wants to participate in the two ultra marathons, they can qualify by running in our 42 kilometre marathon.
- Tšoeute further revealed that the organisers are in the process of applying to have the Maseru City Run included in the annual World Athletics calendar.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
