Fresh from clinching last weekend’s African Bank Soweto Marathon (42km), long-distance star Khoarahlane Seutloali says 2025 will go down as the most defining and successful season of his running career.
The Mafeteng-born athlete now has his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games, but says his journey remains focused on steady, disciplined growth rather than rushing qualification.
Speaking after wrapping up what he described as a season unlike any other, Seutloali reflected on a year marked by consistency, mental strength and some of the biggest victories of his life. He said his long-term dream is to see Lesotho strongly represented on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“The next Olympics do not form part of my priorities now, but I wish to see Lesotho being well represented at the Games. My focus is on personal development and improving my performance,” he said.
Seutloali capped his extraordinary season with Sunday’s Soweto Marathon triumph, crossing the line in 2:20:09 to beat compatriot Lebenya Nkoka, who finished in 2:22:47. It was the perfect ending to a year in which he dominated almost every major race he entered.
The Soweto victory added another shine to a stellar 2025, during which he also claimed:
- The 2025 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (April) in 3:11:04
- The 2025 Lesotho Minet Independence Marathon (October) in 2:22:35
- The 2025 OUTsurance Gun Run 21km (September) in 1:02:27
These achievements were not accidental for Seutloali. They were the product of what he says has been the most disciplined and spiritually grounded season of his career.
“It was not an easy season as it had its own challenges, but whenever I meet challenges, I give God a chance to take control. Training hard and maintaining discipline have been my major weapons.”
He credits much of his success to his long-time coach, South African mentor Andrew Booysen, with whom he has worked since 2018.
“The man behind these successes is my coach. He plays a vital role in my career. The support I get from my family, sponsor Under Armour, and teammates at Hollywood Club has also been a blessing,” he said.
Seutloali’s remarkable form has also highlighted Lesotho’s altitude advantage and deepened the belief that the country’s athletes can consistently excel internationally.
Lesotho’s women echoed the nation’s brilliance at the Soweto Marathon. Just a week after finishing second in the Kimberley Marathon, ’Neheng Khatala powered to victory in the 21km race, while ’Malineo Mahloko secured a gold medal after finishing in the top 10 with a time of 2:51:08.
The men’s 42km race saw dramatic shifts. Jobo Khatoane led at the 1:46:00 mark, with Seutloali staying patient in the chasing pack. But by 2:01:50, Seutloali, Khonkhobe and Phakade surged ahead, and Seutloali eventually broke away to seal the title, a finish symbolic of the tactical maturity that shaped his season.
The Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, praised the athletes for elevating the national flag.
“I congratulate Khoarahlane Seutloali for winning the 42km race. What an outstanding performance. I also congratulate ’Neheng Khatala for winning the 21.1km race, and further commend Lebenya Nkoka and Malineo Mahloko for finishing in the top 10,” he said.
He added that the athletes’ impressive earnings underline the importance of investing in athletics.
“Truly, we have exceptional talent in long-distance running, combined with the advantage of altitude.”
Summary
- Speaking after wrapping up what he described as a season unlike any other, Seutloali reflected on a year marked by consistency, mental strength and some of the biggest victories of his life.
- It was the perfect ending to a year in which he dominated almost every major race he entered.
- Just a week after finishing second in the Kimberley Marathon, ‘Neheng Khatala powered to victory in the 21km race, while ‘Malineo Mahloko secured a gold medal after finishing in the top 10 with a time of 2.
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.
