Marathon to finish on iconic Senqu Bridge

All the five races of the Mokhotlong Highlands Marathon are scheduled to finish at the iconic Senqu Bridge, blending in sports and tourism on the recently launched landmark.

The rare highlands sporting activity has been revived through the support of Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) which pumped in M300,000.

The LHDA has partnered with Eventful Moments to stage the 2026 LHDA Mokhotlong Highlands Marathon. The race is part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

The organisers are targeting at least 650 runners for the race on 6 December, 2026. The event is expected to attract local and international athletes. It has five races: the flagship 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half marathon, the 10km, the 5km and a 1.6km race for children under 12.

The majestic Senqu Bridge, is a major structure built under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and officially opened in April this year.

The marathon returns after Eventful Moments staged a similar race in 2024. It was not held in 2025, partly because of financial challenges.

In an exclusive interview, Thabo J. Tšoeute, speaking for the organisers, said the LHDA sponsorship will help cover major running costs, including prize money. He stressed that the prize money will be shared between male and female athletes.

Tšoeute said 336 runners have registered so far, including 21 international athletes. Organisers want to reach 650 before registration closes on November 26, 2026.

“The race starts at different locations, with the 42.2km beginning at Sani Curve, the 21.1km at Ha-Mphere, the 10km at Ha-Mojakisane, the 5km at Khalong la Phokoane and the 1.6km children’s race at Senqu Bridge,” Tšoeute said.

To boost numbers, organisers have introduced easy online registration through eTicketing. They have also invited running clubs and companies to enter.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt, medal, cap and goodie bag. Tšoeute warned that no entries will be accepted on race day.

The marathon is also expected to boost Mokhotlong District’s economy, creating business for local service providers, especially transport operators and accommodation facilities. Local businesses will get free stalls at the event to sell their goods and services. Organisers will also pay a tourism levy to the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) for every ticket sold.

Tšoeute said preparations are under way with key stakeholders. Organisers have engaged the District Administrator (DA), the District Health Management Team (DHMT), the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and others, and a Local Organising Committee has been set up to oversee preparations.

The Senqu Bridge is set to be a major drawcard for runners and spectators. Organisers describe the race as the first marathon in Lesotho to include a run across an iconic bridge of this size.

“The iconic Senqu Bridge is the biggest bridge among all LHDA infrastructure. This will bring an ultimate experience of running on a 900-metre-long bridge, which stands 800 metres high,” Tšoeute explained.

He added that the high-altitude course will test athletes’ endurance and help them prepare for demanding international races such as the Comrades Marathon.

Eventful Moments plans to make the race an annual fixture on the first Sunday of every December.

Organisers say the revival will boost sports tourism in the district and position the mountainous region as a destination for local and international endurance athletes.

Seabata Mahao

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