Fifty local athletes including defending champions, Mpesela Ntlotšoeu and 'Mamokete Lechela have confirmed their participation in the High Altitude Summer Marathon to be run in Mokhotlong on December 10.

The race is expected to attract around 1000 athletes from the Southern African region.

Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation Mrs 'Mathabiso Lepono will officiate the start of the race and the prize giving ceremony. 

The Minister of Education and Training Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa, the Government Secretary Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane and the Principal Chief of Mokhotlong Chief Mathealira Seeiso are among those expected to be witness the race.

Farmers in the Bafali area have pledged a female cow to an athlete from the district winning, in a bid to motivate athletes from Mokhotlong.  Further, a Mokhotlong construction company, Sigma, has donated ten running shoes and vests to athletes in Mokhotlong.

Several companies are sponsoring the race, with Lets'eng Diamonds the main sponsor at M200 000; Econet Ezi cell has put in M20 000 and T shirts.

The race is an annual event and the biggest in terms of sponsorship.

08 December 2005