By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-28-year-old Tebello Ramakongoana made Lesotho proud with an outstanding second-place finish at the Xiamen Marathon in China. Known for his relentless racing style, Ramakongoana broke the national marathon record with a time of 2:06:18. This achievement is a significant milestone for Lesotho’s athletics, establishing him as a rising star in the global marathon scene.
The Xiamen Marathon, renowned for its fast and scenic course, attracted a competitive field of elite runners. Ramakongoana, unfazed by the caliber of competition, approached the race with a strategic mindset. From the starting gun, he settled into a comfortable rhythm, maintaining a pace that put him in contention for a podium finish. As the race unfolded, Ramakongoana displayed remarkable composure, navigating the challenges of the course with focus and determination.
He mentions that he is grateful and excited to start the year 2025, with the national record and personal best. He is proud of his sponsor, coach, teammates and family for the support which lead to this achievement.
His unwavering commitment to his training and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. With each passing kilometer, Ramakongoana chipped away at the national record, inching closer to a historic achievement. As he crossed the finish line in second place, the elation on his face was a testament to the immense effort and sacrifice he had poured into his preparation.
Ramakongoana’s new national record of 2:06:18 represents a significant leap forward for Lesotho’s marathon running. The previous record, which stood for several years, has been eclipsed by a remarkable margin, showcasing Ramakongoana’s exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of excellence. This achievement is not only a personal victory for Ramakongoana, but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring runners across Lesotho, demonstrating the extraordinary potential that lies within the nation’s athletic community.
Beyond the national record, Ramakongoana’s performance at the Xiamen Marathon signifies his emergence as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. His second-place finish in a highly competitive field underscores his ability to compete with the world’s best marathoners. This accomplishment is likely to propel him into the spotlight, attracting the attention of major races and sponsors across the globe.
Looking ahead, Ramakongoana’s future in the marathon world appears bright. His dedication to his sport, combined with his unwavering mental fortitude and ever-evolving skillset, position him for further success. With continued training and strategic race selection, Ramakongoana has the potential to not only challenge for podium finishes in major marathons, but also to rewrite the national record books once again.
Ramakongoana’s success is more than just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Lesotho’s athletic community. His achievement serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, even athletes from smaller nations can compete and excel on the global stage. This victory is likely to ignite a renewed passion for distance running in Lesotho, attracting more young athletes to the sport and fostering a culture of excellence within the nation’s athletic landscape.
Tebello Eliud Ramakongoana’s performance at the Xiamen Marathon is a landmark achievement for Lesotho athletics. His national record-breaking run and well-deserved podium finish represent the culmination of years of dedication and unwavering commitment. This victory serves as a source of immense national pride and paves the way for a bright future for distance running in Lesotho. As Ramakongoana sets his sights on even greater challenges, the entire nation stands behind him, eager to witness his continued rise as a world-class marathoner.