Motimposo race lures top marathoners
NTHAKO MAJORO
MASERU – The inaugural Motimposo 10km Road Race, which took place last Saturday, showcased a remarkable level of competition, attracting a number of elite athletes despite being a newly introduced event. This debut edition not only set the stage for future races but also highlighted the growing enthusiasm for long-distance running within the community.
Among the elite marathoners in the men’s division were race winner Tšepo Ramashamole, runner-up Jobo Khatoane, and notable competitors such as Khoarahlane Seutloali who came on fourth position and Motlokoa Nkhabutlane who finished on position seven overall and position one in veterans’ category.
Ramashamole is the Soweto Marathon Gold medalist, having secured third place in the 2022 edition, while Khatoane is the champion of the Mpumalanga Marathon, which he won last year, taking home one million as the first prize.
Likewise, Seutloali is also the Soweto Marathon Gold medalist, having finished last year’s race as the runner-up.
Warinyane Lebopo, who is one of the country’s veteran runners, also competed in the first edition of the Motimposo 10km Race.
Ramashamole said despite this was the first edition of the Motimposo 10km race, the competition was intense, featuring many of Lesotho’s elite athletes vying for supremacy in the race.
“The competition was very tough, with some of Lesotho’s top athletes vying for victory in the race,” said Ramashamole in a post-race interview with Public Eye.
“Although one might perceive the race’s attendance as underwhelming, the presence of several elite runners competing in the event suggests that the race was, in fact, highly competitive.”
Testimony to the fact that the race was highly competitive, Ramashamole said this particular competition was essential for his preparation for the upcoming Two Oceans Ultra-Marathon, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa in April.
Ramashamole also said the race plays a vital role in nurturing and developing of young runners across the nation.
“This race plays a crucial role in the development of young athletes, providing them with the opportunity to be noticed by coaches who can refine their talent for the future. I sincerely hope that other races will follow suit,” he said.
Khatoane echoed Ramashamole’s sentiment, emphasizing the high level of competition in the race.
“Despite being newly introduced, the race featured intense competition, with elite runners participating,” said Khatoane.
Like Ramashamole, Khatoane said races like this are an essential part of their preparation for major events such as the upcoming Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
“Races like this are important to us in preparing for major events like the Two Oceans Marathon as they allow us to assess our performance level well ahead,” he said.
Ramashamole finished in 33 minutes, 15 seconds, and 81 mini-seconds to secure the inaugural victory of the Motimposo 10km Race, while Khatoane finished in 33:16:78 to claim second place.
Thabang Sekonyela secured third place with a time of 34:11.99, followed by Seutloali in fourth place at 34:57.06
Nthabiseng Letokoto claimed first place in the women’s category, followed by Ntebaleng Letsela in second and Adelina Mofolo in third.
Naleli Makara took first place in the Boys’ Street Mile, with Komaja Seseiyane and Katleho Moletsane securing second and third place respectively.
Khobohelo Lehana won the Girls’ Street Mile, with Palesa Rantso and Mpotso Maja finishing in second and third place, respectively.
Thabang Mafojane, a former Member of Parliament for Motimposo, expressed his gratitude to the race organizer, Mokete ‘Chaplin’ Mpomane, and the race’ sponsors.
“I would like to thank all the Motimposo businesspeople for sponsoring this race, including the organiser Chaplin Mpomane,” said Mafojane.
He further said: “What Mpomane has done is invaluable, as it will go a long way in inspiring young children to participate in athletics.”
The race was graced by the presence of former Soweto Marathon champions, Mabuthile Lebopo and Teboho Sello, who attended to witness the event.
The race was organized by expert athletics coach Mpomane and sponsored by the Motimposo-based company, TEBZA Construction and Plant Hire, as the main backer.
Supporting sponsors included ‘Manthatisi Catering and Mafojane, among others.
