Qacha’s Nek, Feb. 22 – Frustration is mounting among Lesotho’s elite athletes over delayed prize payments from the inaugural Mountain Marathon 21 event, held on October 26, 2024, in Qacha’s Nek.
Despite promises of substantial rewards, ranging from M150,000 for first place to M20,000 for fifth, the winners remain unpaid nearly four months later.
Olympian Tebello Ramakongoana dominated the men’s race with an impressive 1:10:04, followed by Olympian Nkoka Lebenya (1:14:22), Kamohelo Mofolo (1:15:18), Tsietsi Sello (1:15:52), and Thabang Sekonyela (1:17:25).
In the women’s division, Olympian Mokulubete Makatisi led with 1:27:46, trailed by Olympian Neheng Khatala (1:30:20), ‘Malineo Mahloko (1:31:09), Likeleli Majara (1:31:35), and Ntebaleng Lets’ela (1:36:09).
Athletes were initially assured payments by December 24, but delays pushed the date to February 14, 2025. However, that deadline also passed without resolution, leaving athletes in financial distress.
In an interview with the Agency, Sekonyela expressed his frustration with the payment delay.
“We were told on the 14th to go to Ladybrand for our payments, but as of now, we still have no idea what’s going on. It’s sad because some of us borrowed money to register for the race, and now we can’t afford to participate in other races. There has been no communication since the 14th, and I even contacted the FAL president with no luck,” Sekonyela said.
