Ramakongoana eyes glory at Mountain Marathon 21
NTHAKO MAJORO
QACHA’S NEK – Tebello Ramakongoana, the pride of Qacha’s Nek and a rising marathon star, is already deep in preparation for the inaugural Mountain Marathon 21. This highly anticipated race, which will be held in his hometown on October 26, promises to be a monumental event—not just for the local community, but for the entire nation.
Ramakongoana is no stranger to the spotlight, and his recent stellar performance at the Paris Olympic Games has only fuelled the excitement surrounding his participation. At 28, Ramakongoana made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Lesotho marathoner to finish in the top 10, placing seventh with a national record and personal best of 2:07:58. His achievement sent waves of pride across Lesotho and solidified his status as a national hero. But for the determined athlete, this is just the beginning.
“Competing on home soil brings both pride and pressure,” Ramakongoana said in an exclusive interview with Public Eye. “I have started my focused preparation for the Mountain Marathon 21 this week, and I am determined to make my mark in front of my people.” He added that while every athlete aims to win, there is something uniquely special about doing so in your own backyard. The Mountain Marathon 21 is not just another race; it is set to become the highest-paid marathon in Lesotho’s history.
The stakes are high, with the male and female winners each walking away with a whopping M150,000. This kind of prize money is unheard of in Lesotho, and it has already drawn attention from elite runners across the region. “Money makes competition,” Ramakongoana noted. “Without it, the stakes just are not the same. I am expecting this race to attract top talent.”
Beyond the allure of the prize, Ramakongoana’s preparation is also driven by the tremendous support he has received from his hometown. Following his Olympic feat, local business magnates Manti Sehloho Construction and Projects and Ramela and Associates pledged M50,000 to support him on his athletic journey.
The pledge was announced by Qacha’s Nek District Administrator, Habofanoe Pheko, during a ceremony that underscored the community’s pride in their star athlete. “I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Sehloho and Archbishop David Ramela for this generous support,” said Ramakongoana. “It means a lot to know that I have such strong backing from my people. It motivates me to push harder and achieve even more.” The Mountain Marathon 21 is also heavily sponsored by Manti Sehloho Construction and Projects, with the company pouring M1.2 million into the event.
The company’s owner, Sehloho, is another native of Qacha’s Nek, and his investment in both the race and Ramakongoana’s success underscores the deep-rooted pride and unity within the community. Despite his many accomplishments, Ramakongoana remains humble and focused on his ultimate dream: winning a medal on the world stage. “I will not rest until I have brought home a medal from the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or World Championships,” he declared.
His Olympic experience in Paris was bittersweet, as a nagging muscle injury prevented him from finishing in the top three. “I sustained a pulled muscle during my preparations in the U.S., and it affected my performance in Paris. But I know I have what it takes to win.”
For Ramakongoana, the Mountain Marathon 21 represents not only a chance to shine on home soil but also an opportunity to build momentum toward achieving his long-term goals. He believes that the challenging terrain of Qacha’s Nek, combined with the fierce competition, will push him to new heights. “This race will be tough,” he warned potential competitors. “Everyone needs to come prepared because I certainly will be.”
The race, which will start in Ha Noosi and finish at the Melele Ground, promises to be a spectacle. In addition to the full marathon, there will be a 5-kilometre race and a 25-kilometre cycling race, with generous prizes for top finishers in all categories. The prize breakdown for the marathon includes M150,000 for the winners, M100,000 for the runners-up, and M60,000, M30,000, and M20,000 for third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.
The cycling race and shorter running event also offer enticing rewards, making the Mountain Marathon 21 a truly inclusive celebration of athletic excellence. For the people of Qacha’s Nek, the event is more than just a race—it is a source of immense pride. They are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch their hometown hero, Ramakongoana, compete against some of the best athletes in the region.
As the race day approaches, all eyes will be on him, and the entire nation will be cheering him on. “I am ready,” Ramakongoana said with quiet confidence. “I have got my people behind me, and I am prepared to give it everything I have got. Let the best runner win.”
