The 2025 edition of Maseru City Run experienced an unfortunate anticlimax when one of its runners, Tšeliso Makana (36), collapsed mid-race before being rushed to hospital where he was later confirmed dead.

Before tragedy struck on Sunday, the event was a bustling hive of activity with fanfare and excitement as the Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and her son, Crown Prince Lerotholi Seeiso, joined the athletics spectacle to participate in the 10 km race.

The unfortunate passing of Makana, who participated in the 21km race, has undoubtedly dampened the mood around the rapidly growing event, which attracted over 1,400 domestic and international runners, up from 800 in 2024.

“We received the sad news that Tšeliso Makana, a Mosotho adult, race No 304 aged 36 years and running a 21km distance, collapsed at Maseru West, 1.5km away from a 21km finish,” a statement from Maseru City Run organisers said.

It indicated that Makana was rushed to Maseru District Hospital, where he met his demise.

The organisers said there were four ambulances on standby for any medical emergency, which were called into action at least five times, including the Makana incident.

“The event was supported by four ambulances which had nine paramedics manning them. These ambulances attended to reported incidents during the race where runners were provided medical attention in different routes and distances.”

The statement said details about Makana’s medical emergency were still unknown following his immediate passing, but a postmortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of his death.

“We wish to thank the medical staff and volunteers who assisted and quickly provided medical assistance needed by the athletes. We also wish to thank Vitality Health, Maluti Mountain Cement, and Lesotho Defence Force who sponsored the event with the four ambulances and nine medical staff who attended to the health needs of the runners,” the statement added.

Apart from the tragedy, this year’s edition showcased a great competitive spirit throughout, especially during the 42km race. In the male category, Teboho Noosi claimed first place while Refiloe Khechane emerged as the winner in the female category.

Both top finishers received M10 000 in prize money, with the overall prize pool for the event amounting to an impressive M60 000 to be distributed among winners across various categories.

Addressing the media after the event, Tšoinyana Rapapa, the Chairperson of the organising team, highlighted the race’s dual purpose: to serve as a pre-qualification for major competitions and to promote a healthy lifestyle among the Basotho people.

“I urge all Basotho to participate in races like this as they prepare us for international competitions and improve our athletes’ performance. The race’s challenging terrain routes provided a unique advantage for local runners,” Rapapa said.

“The presence of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, added an extra layer of significance to the occasion,” Rapapa added.

Rapapa mentioned that with a budget of approximately M410 000 allocated to organising the event, the success of the race stands as a testament to the collaboration between local and international stakeholders.

Furthermore, runners from around the world participated, with athletes hailing from countries such as the Philippines, South Africa, and Kenya, making the Maseru City Run 2025 a truly international event.

A total of 1,421 runners registered across various categories, including the 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, and 1.6km, catering for athletes of all levels and ages.

Maseru City Run Results:

42km Men

1. Teboho Noosi
2. Tšeliso Matseke
3. Motšepi Thabo
4. Jobo Khatoane
5. Bokang Lisene

42km Women

1. Refiloe Khechane
2. Masoabi Tšoeu
3. ‘Maneheng Raphuthing
4. Lineo Lebotha
5. Thakane Tšepe

21km Men

1. ‘Mopenyanе Lebelo
2. Tsietsi Sello
3. Tšepo Mathibelle

21km Women

1. Reitumetse Thetana
2. Tšooana Moshoeshoe
3. Rethabile Kanono

10km Men

1. Thabo Lebakeng
2. Malefane Ramosebetsi
3. Rethabile Khomari

10km Women

1. Matšeliso Lekarapa
2. Libuseng Sematle
3. Rapelang Maselela

The event sponsors included Maluti Mountain Cement, Nedbank, Lehakoe Club, Shared Water Systems, Basotho Car Rental, Letseng Diamond Mine, Letseka Plant Hire, KST Enterprises, Healthy By Choice, Herbalife Independent Distributors, and Newsday Media among others.

Seabata Mahao

Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.

Started working at Newsday in 2021.

has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.