…after impressive outing in the USA
Leemisa Thuseho
LESOTHO’s leading marathoner, Tebello Ramakongoana, has pocketed US $13,500 (M221,110) after finishing sixth at the Boston Marathon.
The race was held on Monday, starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street in the United States. Established on 19 April 1897, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and remains among the most lucrative road races.
The Qacha’s Nek-born sensation proudly hoisted the Lesotho flag, completing the prestigious race in 2:04:18 — a significant improvement on last year’s performance, when he finished eighth in 2:07:19.
On Monday, Ramakongoana not only achieved a personal best but also set a new national record, eclipsing his previous mark of 2:06:18.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times after the race, Ramakongoana’s coach, James McKirdy, said he was pleased with how the athlete executed his race plan.
“This performance is exactly what we knew Tebello was capable of,” McKirdy said.
“His time of 2:04:18 is astonishing, but also something we felt was fully achievable given his training and development.”
McKirdy added that this year’s Boston Marathon was among the most competitive editions in history, making Ramakongoana’s performance even more remarkable.
With the Boston Marathon being one of the highlights of Ramakongoana’s calendar, McKirdy said the athlete will now take a well-earned rest while plans for his next race are finalised.
“I will worry about the future in a few weeks — the man deserves some rest,” he said.
The race was won by Kenyan runners, John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, on 20 April 2026, both successfully defending their 2025 titles. Korir clinched the men’s race in a course-record time of 2:01:52, while Lokedi won the women’s race in 2:18:51.
