Moorosi Tsiane
THE Lesotho Amateur Association (LAAA) will on Saturday hold a half marathon in Mafeteng in honour of the late Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
The road race will see athletes compete in the 21.1 kilometre and a five kilometre categories.
Born Princess Thabitha ‘Masentle Lerotholi Mojela on the 28 April, 1941 at Tebang in the district of Mafeteng, Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso died while at a Catholic retreat for the Catholic order of Saint Cecilia at the Paray Mission in Mantšonyane on 6 September, 2003.
LAAA Public Relations Officer, Sejanamane Maphathe, recently told this publication that the race is meant to celebrate the birthday of the late queen and show that she is still remembered hence the decision to stage the race in her home district.
He said the half marathon will start at Seeiso Leshoboro Stadium, through Van Roy, Tsakholo and return to Leshoboro. The five kilometre race will start at Matholeng and finish at Leshoboro Stadium.
“This race is meant to celebrate the life of the late Queen Mamohato and show that although she is gone, she is not forgotten,” Maphathe said.
The half marathon winners in the male and female categories will each walk away with M2000, the first runners up, M1000 and second runners up will pocket M800.
In the five kilometre race, the winners will get M2000, while the second and third placed will receive M1500 and M1000 respectively.
Maphathe also said that the race would be a good practice for the local athletes who are already preparing for the big races lined up in South Africa this year.
“We are expecting lot of top athletes to this race.
“As much as this race is meant to celebrate the life of the late queen, it also plays a big role in preparing our athletes for the coming marathons in South Africa.
“The prizes might look small but athletes know they can help them to even buy some of their supplements when preparing for other races. The event is bankrolled by the government through Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission to the tune of M34 000,” Maphathe said.