Leemisa Thuseho
INSURANCE broker, Minet Lesotho, has increased its sponsorship for the annual Minet Independence Marathon, from M450,000 to M500,000.
The marathon, now in its second year, is scheduled for October 4, 2025, coinciding with Lesotho’s Independence Day.
The event, which aims to celebrate national unity and promote healthy lifestyles, will feature races spanning 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, and 5km categories for both men and women, including international participants.
The start and finish points will be at ‘Melesi Lodge.
One of the marathon’s lead sponsors, Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB), has also increased its contribution from M90,000 to M150,000 for this year’s edition.
Speaking at this year’s edition launch on Tuesday, Minet Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lehlomela Mokhathi, who doubles as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), said the first edition was a success as it attracted 700 particates.
Mokhathi said he expected this year’s edition to attract even more participants compared to last year.
This is because the Federation of Athletics Lesotho (FAL) and Comrades Marathon organizers have approved a plan that will accredit qualifying runners of the Minet marathon to also participate in South Africa’s prestigious Comrades Marathon.
“The first edition of the Minet Independence Marathon was a great success, attracting 700 participants,”Mokhathi said.
“We are proud to announce that this year’s race has been approved as a qualifying event for the renowned Comrades Marathon in South Africa,” Mokhathi said.
The registration for the 2025 Minet Independence Marathon is now open and closes on August 30th.
Mokhathi said the prize money per category would be announced at a later stage, though it’s likely to increase compared to last year.
Mokhati said the first edition of the marathon was a learning experience. This year’s will see them enhance their operational logistics, medical and safety coordination, communication systems, and medical presence on the routes.
SLB Marketing Officer, Tšepo Monyatsi, said the sponsorship was their contribution to Lesotho’s independence celebrations.
He explained that it was an easy decision to sponsor the event, given that sports, especially athletics, is close to their hearts and an area where Basotho excel on the international stage.
“The sponsorship is a contribution to the wider national celebrations planned for this year as the country celebrates 59 years of independence,” Monyatsi said.
“Sports is one of the pillars of our corporate social responsibility.
FAL president, Tšeliso Pheta, said “having this race as qualifier for Comrades Marathon is a huge score to local athletes as they will no longer have to travel to South Africa or other countries to earn qualifications”
