All set for Maseru City Run
NTHAKO MAJORO
MASERU – The second edition of the Maseru City Run is set to take place this Sunday, attracting a significantly larger number of participants compared to the inaugural race held last year. Tšoinyana Rapapa, one of the race organisers, announced that over 600 runners will be vying for the Maseru City Run title across various race categories. Last year’s event saw 350 participants, making this year’s competition even more substantial with approximately 630 registered athletes.
“This year’s edition of Maseru City Run has attracted a total of 630 athletes, a significant increase from last year’s 350 competitors,” Rapapa shared in an interview with Public Eye this week. Out of the 630 participants, 21 are foreign athletes hailing from countries such as Germany, France, England, and the neighbouring South Africa. The majority, numbering 609, will be local runners.
Despite the high turnout, the full marathon (42.2km) category has relatively few participants, with only 38 runners registering, comprising six females and 32 males. In contrast, the half marathon (21.1km) boasts 182 athletes, including 50 female runners, according to Rapapa.
Additionally, 258 athletes signed up for the 10km race and 119 for the 5km race. The 5-kilometre event is designated as a celebratory walk, catering to high-profile individuals, adults in general, and the hearing-impaired, among others. Children aged five and six years old have their own category, a 1.6km race, with 24 participants registered.
Registration for the 2024 Maseru City Run closed last Thursday, except for the special guests category, which will remain open until February 22. Special guests will not compete for titles but will be awarded medals. Rapapa expressed his ambition for the Maseru City Run to become a globally recognised event and a qualifying race for major international competitions in the future. The race route will wind through the capital city, starting at Moshoeshoe’s monument and concluding at Makoanyane Square.
The winners of the 42.2km race are set to receive M2,000, while the 21.1km winners will be awarded M1,500.