The Mountain Runners Athletics Club has confirmed that all preparations are complete for the inaugural Run MSU by Night Half Marathon, a unique night-time road race set for Friday, 23 January 2026, at Makoanyane Square in Maseru.
The organisers told Newsday Sports that everything is firmly in place to deliver a smooth, safe and memorable event that will combine fitness, community engagement and public safety, as runners and walkers take to the capital’s streets under floodlights.
The race will get underway just before midnight at 11:59pm and will feature three categories designed to accommodate both competitive athletes and recreational participants. These include a 5km walk/run, a 10km run and the flagship 21km half marathon.
Held under the theme “Let’s run together for safer streets,” the event aims to promote visibility and safety at night while encouraging broader participation in road running.
To support this objective, the organisers have ensured that all registered participants will receive reflective straps and hydration packs, underscoring their readiness and focus on runner welfare.
The organisers have also confirmed that logistical arrangements, including registration systems and payment platforms, are fully operational. Entry fees are set at M100 for Mountain Runners members and M120 for non-members, with payments accepted via M-Pesa (60358) and EcoCash (88117).
Registration closed on 21 January 2026, to allow organisers sufficient time to finalise race-day preparations.
The event has attracted strong support from partners and sponsors, further reinforcing its readiness. The marathon is powered by Mountain Kingdom Drops, Lehae Funerals, and Theo’s Body Massage and Foot Reflexology Spa, among others.
Speaking to this publication, event organiser Thabo Mosebekoa said preparations were well advanced and the response from the running community had been highly encouraging, signalling confidence in the organisers’ capacity to stage the race successfully.
“The marathon will have a positive impact on the country’s security, which in turn will contribute to economic growth by attracting more investment opportunities,” Mosebekoa said.
“It will also put Lesotho on the map as one of the countries engaging in developments such as night sporting activities.”
Mosebekoa revealed that more than 550 social runners have already registered for the event, with at least one participant travelling from Zimbabwe, highlighting the race’s growing regional appeal.
He also confirmed that a representative from the District Administrator’s (DA) office will be in attendance, adding official backing to the event.
Security arrangements have been finalised, with organisers assuring participants and the public that a strong security presence will be deployed along all race routes to guarantee safety for runners, volunteers and spectators alike.
Coordination with relevant authorities has been completed to ensure smooth traffic management and crowd control throughout the night.
Beyond the race itself, the organisers see the event as an opportunity to inspire wider community participation in sport.
Mosebekoa noted that one of the key objectives is to encourage social runners and young people to embrace athletics and other sporting codes, fostering a culture of healthy and active living, all under the night sky.
Summary
- The Mountain Runners Athletics Club has confirmed that all preparations are complete for the inaugural Run MSU by Night Half Marathon, a unique night-time road race set for Friday, 23 January 2026, at Makoanyane Square in Maseru.
- The organisers told Newsday Sports that everything is firmly in place to deliver a smooth, safe and memorable event that will combine fitness, community engagement and public safety, as runners and walkers take to the capital’s streets under floodlights.
- Mosebekoa noted that one of the key objectives is to encourage social runners and young people to embrace athletics and other sporting codes, fostering a culture of healthy and active living, all under the night sky.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
