Lehlohonolo Motsoari
Qacha’s Nek is set to host its inaugural half marathon, named the Mountain Marathon21, on October 26 this year.
Sponsored by MS Construction, which has committed M1.1 million, the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will each take home massive M150,000 cash prizes.
The 21.1km marathon is also part of the celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Basotho nation.
“We aim to invite top athletes from across the world to come and compete in the country,” said Mosiuoa Nthako, one of the race organisers, earlier this week.
“The race is also in collaboration with the 200-year celebration of Basotho, and all stakeholders are working together to host a memorable event,” Nthako added.
Nthako also indicated that they will deploy foreign experts to ensure that the race meets international standards. “These experts are going to work with Basotho with the aim of capacity building so that we will have our very own people with expertise to work in other races,” he affirmed.
In addition to the main marathon, the event will include a 5km race catering to veterans, youth, and locals, as well as a cycling race.
The Federation of Athletics Lesotho’s president, Tšeliso Pheta, said they worked tirelessly to ensure registration and certification under World Athletics.
“There were hurdles that we had to pass through to register this race under World Athletics because it was our first time to register and finances were also needed in the process,” Pheta recalled.
He also explained that there were six marathon categories from A to F, with A being the top category.
“The Mountain Marathon21 is at category F, which is the entry point, but since it is a national championship, it is now considered under category D,” Pheta explained, highlighting that if it were a regional championship, the race would have been considered under B.
“After 2 or 3 years, we are going to apply for upper categories – we are not there yet because it involves money to register (M300,000),” Pheta added.
On behalf of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), Leqaphela Liphoto called for all Basotho to support the event to ensure its success.
“I urge Basotho to prepare a good reception for our visitors and take this as an opportunity to show the world our rich heritage,” Liphoto emphasised. “Ha Noosi (where the marathon begins) is the place where the first skeleton of a dinosaur was unearthed; so this will bring sports, arts, and culture in one place,” he said.
Tšeliso Motloheloa from the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission implored the government to lead the race in funding sports development in the country.
“Sports are not just for fun but a profession, which is why we are thankful for this initiative by MS to ensure that athletics are being sponsored,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director of Sports Sibusiso Keketsi said: “Events such as this one are going to help us address the challenges of youth engaging in illegal activities, and it is my belief that other investors have taken note and will contribute towards enhancing sports in the country.”
Registration for the marathon is open until October 17, with online applications available at www.mmarathon21.com.
