The Mokhotlong High Altitude Summer Marathon

By Nkoate Thamae 

In a first for the country, the Lets'eng Diamonds sponsored High Altitude Summer Marathon , run at 2500 metres above sea level in the Mokhotlong district, attracted about 279 athletics from Lesotho and South Africa.

The race started from the Seate River, north west of Mapholaneng and meandered eastwards following the main road to Mokhotlong, crossing the two giant rivers of Khubelu and Senqu, and ended at the Mokhotlong Sports Centre.

The race dubbed “the toughest of the toughest”, was run in three divisions:  the 42.2 kilometres marathon, the half marathon which started at Ha Bulara about five kilometres from the official marathon starting point and, the 10km run from Ha Phokoana to the Sport Centre. 

Mpesela Ntlo-T’soeu (27) of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Club won the 42.2KM race in 2hrs. 31min. and 45 sec. and was awarded a gold medal and a cash prize of M12, 000.00.

First runner up Lebenya Nkoka of the Mr. Price Club clocked in at 2hrs 35 minutes and 8 seconds. He went home with a silver medal, M10, 000.00 richer. Tsotang Phaila received bronze and M8, 0000.00 at third position. 

In the women’s category, South African runners swept the field with Sara Mahlangu of the Liberty Club taking first position at 3hrs. 23min. and 19 sec.; Paulina Phaho and Angelina Molaba both from the Harmony Club were second and third respectively and shared the same amount of takings with their male counterparts.  

Moeketsi Mosuhli of the Mohale’s Hoek Club won the 21km run, winning M4, 000.00 and a gold metal. Matirita 'Mota of Maseru was first in the female category.  

‘Manngali Khatoane of Mokhotlong won the 10KM race and was awarded a gold medal and  M2,400.00 while ‘Mamohlabi Tsunyane of Qacha’s Neck came first in the female category. 

There were also some prizes for both veteran and masters’ in men and women divisions ranging from M300.00 to M600.00. Junior teams were also awarded prizes ranging from M200.00 to M400.00. 

Letšeng Diamonds sponsored the marathon to the tune of M200, 000.00 while Econet Ezi-Cell donated M20, 000.00 worth of air time vouchers and some t-shirts. The Maseru medical doctor’s council provided the athletes with fruits.

Comrades Marathon champion Fusi Nhlapo was outclassed this time around, reportedly because he was nursing an injury. Nhlapo won the 56km Two Oceans Marathon in 1998 in Cape Town and was fifth in the Macau International marathon in 1998.

20 December 2004