Lesotho will host its first ever international marathon dubbed ‘The Mountain Marathon 21’ which aligns with bicentennial anniversary of the Basotho nation’s rich heritage.
Sponsored to the tune of M1.2 million by Manti Sehloho Construction and Projects (MSCP), the Mountain Marathon 21 is scheduled for October 26. This will be a 21.1km marathon, also known as a half marathon.
The race from Ha Noosi village to Melele Stadium will take place in Qacha’s Nek as part of the 200 years’ anniversary celebration of King Moshoeshoe I’s founding of the Basotho nation.
The top five winners, male and female, will receive M150,000, M100,000, M60,000, M30,000, and M20,000 respectively in prizes. Winners in the young people and veterans’ categories will receive M10,000 each.
Speaking on behalf of the Mountain Marathon 21 organising committee, Mosiuoa Nthakong emphasised that in addition to the race, there will be additional leisurely short marathons. These include a 5km race for veterans 35 years of age and older, as well as young people under 16.
“The aim of the Mountain Marathon 21 is to empower Basotho through sports. Apart from that, we always see our athletes failing to take part in marathon competitions outside the country because of lack of funds.
“This marathon will reveal the talent in Qacha’s Nek district. The aim is to make this an international race, following all the international protocols in order to attract the best athletes in the world.
“We therefore expect athletes from across the world running alongside Basotho youth in order for the latter to learn from their international counterparts and ultimately increase the number of Basotho athletes participating in international races,” Nthakong said.
He indicated that the race is also a celebration of 200 years of the Basotho nation, hence the presence of partners such as the 200 years organising committee, Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation and the ministry of tourism, sports, arts and culture.
“This race made us realise that Lesotho needs experts, so we had to import experts from other countries to work hand in hand with Basotho to enhance their skills so that in future we can organise things on our own,” he added.
In his remarks, the president of the Federation of Athletics Lesotho (FAL), Tṧeliso Pheta, stated that the Mountain Marathon 21 is different from other marathons which have been held in the country and it is recognised as an international race.
He said there are different categories of marathons, from A-F; and the Mountain Marathon 21 is categorised as category F, which is the entry point. However, the organisers asked that this marathon be upgraded and it was aptly promoted to category D. That means whatever is won under category F will be different from category D, that is bigger cash prizes.
Pheta also pointed out that besides the Mountain Marathon, there is also a 5km marathon which is meant for veterans aged 35 and above and youth aged under 16, as well as individuals who are not registered under any marathon clubs in the country.
“The entry fee for the 5km race is M 150, and five winners will receive prize money ranging from M1000 to M3000 for both men and women. There will also be a 25 km bike race,” he concluded.
Entries close on October 17, and runners from Lesotho will pay a registration fee of M1000. Those from the rest of African will pay M2500, while contestants from overseas will pay M4500. For more details people can contact + 266 58075563, + 266 68360009 or email at: info@mmarathon21.com
