By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-In a thrilling debut performance, Kamohelo Mofolo from Lesotho not only clinches covet but also obliterated the men’s race course record, crossing the finish line in a blistering 28:40 at Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K. Mofolo’s astonishing run shattered the previous mark of 29:12 set by Kabelo Mulaudzi last year, setting a new standard of excellence and cementing his place as one of the most exciting talents in the field.
“The course worked in my favour because I train on hilly routes in Lesotho. So, my body is used to going up and down which is why I could run well. I did not struggle at all,” Mofolo comments.
In a stunning display of endurance and resilience, Blandina Makatisi of Lesotho proves her worth, taking home a well-deserved second place finish (32:58) at the race, just two weeks after completing the grueling Olympic Marathon. Sharing the podium with her fellow country woman Khathala clinched the third position in a remarkable 33:35, earning a well-earned spot in the competition’s illustrious history.
Mofolo’s impressive victory at the race was not just a matter of raw talent, but a testament to his grit and determination. The Lesotho runner started the race with a nine second gap between himself and the early leader, Kenyan Gideon Kipgnetich. However, Mofolo’s relentless pace and unwavering focus allowed him to claw back the deficit, eventually surging ahead of Kipgnetich and crossing the finish line two seconds ahead of the runner-up.
Mofolo’s stunning performance is a master-class in endurance and strategy, showcasing his ability to maintain a relentless pace and capitalize on any opportunity to close the gap. What made his victory even more remarkable was the fact that he not only surpassed the defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, who came in third in 28:52, but also shattered the course record, setting a new benchmark for future competitors to aspire to.
The secret to Mofolo’s success? The challenging training routes of Lesotho’s rugged mountain terrain.
It is clear that Mofolo is a force to be reckoned with on the South African running scene. His victory at the race was not just a matter of chance, but a result of his skill, persistence, and perhaps most importantly, his preparation.
The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, with its challenging and unforgiving terrain, proved to be the ideal training ground for Mofolo, molding him into a fierce competitor who is more than capable of handling the pressure and intensity of a high-profile race.
Blandina Makatisi’s performance at the race was nothing short of remarkable. To have completed the grueling Olympic Marathon only two weeks prior, and still manage to secure a second-place finish is a testament to her incredible stamina and mental fortitude. It is clear that she is not simply participating in the race, but competing with every ounce of energy she had left after her Olympic run.
Her dedication and perseverance paid off, as she finished just behind the first-place finisher in 32:58, demonstrating that she has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
She is clearly a force to be reckoned with in the world of running. To compete in not one, but two major races in such close succession is a staggering feat that few athletes could hope to match. Yet, not only did she compete, she dominates the competition and places second, even after having pushed her body to its limits in the Olympic Marathon.
Her performance at the race serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through sheer determination and grit, proving that even the most difficult challenges can be conquered with enough willpower and resilience.
Glenrose Xaba are clearly formidable contenders in the Tshwane 10K race, bringing her unique strengths to the competition through the remarkable record of 31:51.
For Khatala, her experience as a long-distance runner, having competed in the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K, undoubtedly plays a role in her impressive performance. Her stamina and endurance, honed from years of training, helped her to hang onto the lead until the 7km mark.
However, it was Xaba’s blistering speed that ultimately secured her the victory.
His triumph at the race was more than just a victory for himself. It was a triumph for Lesotho and a showcase of the untapped talent that the Mountain Kingdom has to offer. With his record-breaking performance, Mofolo has put Lesotho on the map as a serious contender in the world of competitive running.
Again, his win is also a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, even the most daunting of challenges can be overcome.