The 2026 Nedbank Maseru City Run is seeing a surge in athlete participation, with registration figures shooting from 1400 in 2025 to 2358 this year with three weeks left before the end of registration.
The steady rise in numbers signals growing confidence in the annual race, scheduled for Februarry 22 this year, and also highlights its expanding appeal among both recreational and elite runners.
Of the total registrations this year, 348 athletes are international competitors, mainly from South Africa, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This growing foreign presence reflects the race’s strengthening regional profile and its emergence as a preferred destination for road running enthusiasts beyond Lesotho’s borders.
The elite and professional field has also grown, with 35 professional runners confirmed so far, further enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the event.
A strong contingent of top local athletes is expected, including Kamohelo Mofolo, Khoarahlana Seutloali, Teboho Sello, Teboho Noosi, Nthabiseng Lekotoko, Reitumetse Thethana, ‘Mopenyane Lebelo and Tsepo Mathibelle, among others.
Adding to the profile of the race, Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Lerotholi have once again confirmed their participation this time in the 21-kilometre half marathon, while Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, has registered for the 10km race.
The involvement of high-profile figures continues to draw public interest and further boosts athlete registrations.
The growth in participation has been matched by strengthened corporate and financial backing. The 2026 edition is headlined by Nedbank Lesotho as title sponsor, alongside key sponsors Maseru Toyota, Maluti Mountain Cement, Stanlib Lesotho and Lehakoe Club. In total, organisers have secured 22 sponsors to date, reflecting increased confidence from the corporate sector.
Among the major milestones for this year’s race is Nedbank’s elevation to title sponsor, while Maseru Toyota has stepped up to Gold Sponsor. This enhanced sponsorship support has provided financial and logistical stability, enabling organisers to accommodate the rising number of participants and improve overall race delivery.
Another significant boost to the race’s growth followed the successful World Athletics route measurement and certification exercise conducted in Maseru in October. As a result, the flagship 42.2km marathon is now an official Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier, placing the Maseru City Run among a select group of internationally recognised races.
Marketing Director of the Maseru City Run, Thabo Tšoeute, said the certification reflects the organisers’ long-term vision of professionalising the event.
“We are intentional about improving the status and standards of the race to deliver a world-class athletics event,” Tšoeute said.
The certification process was overseen by renowned international course measurer Norrie Williamson, a Scottish-born endurance expert based in South Africa. All race categories, 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km and the 1.6km fun run, were measured and certified to stringent international standards.
“This certification means local athletes can now qualify for Comrades and Two Oceans right here at home, without having to travel outside Lesotho,” Tšoeute added.
Organisers are also pursuing inclusion of the Maseru City Run on the World Athletics annual calendar, a move expected to further drive international participation. The long-term target is to attract at least 400 international runners in future editions.
Despite the positive growth, organisers have acknowledged challenges, including late entry fee payments, with many runners settling on the final day. However, in response to overwhelming demand, the registration deadline has been extended to January 31, 2026.
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Summary
- The 2026 Nedbank Maseru City Run is seeing a surge in athlete participation, with registration figures shooting from 1400 in 2025 to 2358 this year with three weeks left before the end of registration.
- Adding to the profile of the race, Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Lerotholi have once again confirmed their participation this time in the 21-kilometre half marathon, while Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, has registered for the 10km race.
- Organisers are also pursuing inclusion of the Maseru City Run on the World Athletics annual calendar, a move expected to further drive international participation.
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.
