By: Puseletso Maqoaelane
Maseru – The Mountain Marathon 21 is an exhilarating event marking a significant milestone in Basotho history. The Marathon will take place at Qacha’s Nek on the 26th of October 2024.
As the people of Lesotho celebrate 200 years of Basotho culture and heritage, the Mountain Marathon 21 provides an opportunity for runners from all walks of life to test their endurance and determination against the challenging terrain of the mountains.
The event invites participants from around the world to come together in a shared passion for adventure and culture, to immerse themselves in the majestic beauty of mountains, and to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. It is a chance for runners to their limits, to explore their own capabilities and discover the beauty and strength within themselves.
According to Mosiuoa Nthakong[U1], being one of the event organizers, MS Construction has sponsored the 21-kilometer marathon with M1.2 million in an initiative to get youth away from the streets through sports.
He says this is also to give hope for Lesotho athletes who usually cross to other countries to run marathons, to have one in their own country.
He also indicates that this marathon is intended to be international hence the organizing body has outsourced experts who will work hand in hand with Basotho for the best preparation of the marathon.
Ts’eliso Sylvester Pheko, the president of the Federation of Athletics Lesotho (FAL) outlines a new registration and reward system for upcoming races. This initiative is designed to enhance participation and recognize excellence among local athletes.
This new system aims to streamline the registration process, making it more accessible while ensuring that participants who show exceptional performance are duly recognized and rewarded. The closing date for registrations is 17th October 2024.
The new registration and reward system announced by the FAL President marks a significant step forward in the promotion of athletics in Lesotho. By categorizing participants into platinum, gold, elite and entry point levels, the system ensures a structured and organized approach to competitions.
To be eligible, participants must not be members of any officially registered clubs under athletic organizations.
He also explains that a maximum of five participants can register under the monetary category, and eight participants under the point’s category. The registration fee for the race is set at M150. The race is open for both males and females.
The top finishers in the race will receive cash rewards as follows: the first one will receive M3000, the second one will receive M2500, the third one will receive M2000, the fourth one will receive M1500 and the firth one will receive M1000.
The FAL President emphasizes the importance of this new system in fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment for athletes across Lesotho. He says their goal is to encourage more people to participate in athletics and provide substantial rewards for those who excel.
The limitation on participants-five under monetary registration and eight under points-maintains a competitive yet manageable field, fostering a more intimate and focused racing environment.
The emphasis on inclusivity, particularly the stipulation that participants should not belong to any registered athletic clubs, opens the door for a broader range of athletes to showcase their talents. This move is likely to unearth hidden talent and give opportunities to those who may not have access to formal training facilities or clubs.
The dual age categories, catering to adults and the youth, ensure that the competition is fair and encourages participation across different age groups.
Financial accessibility is a key component, with a registration fee of M150, making the event attainable for a wide audience. The substantial prizes ranging from M1000 for the fifth place to M3000 for the first place serve as a significant incentive for athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence. This may not only rewards their hard work, but also motivates them to continue improving their performance.
The FAL President’s initiative is poised to significantly enhance the landscape of athletics in Lesotho. By providing a well-structured, inclusive, and rewarding system, it encourages greater participation, uncovers new talent, and promotes a healthy competitive spirit.
This forward-thinking approach is expected to elevate the standard of athletics in the country and inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their passion with vigor and determination.
With its history and stunning scenery, the Mountain Marathon 21 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants.
[U1]Who is this?