Moroke Sekoboto
METROPOLITAN Lesotho has pumped M800,000 into the second edition of the Miles of Hope Marathon, strengthening efforts to promote healthy living, support local businesses and celebrate Women’s Month.
The sponsorship, announced on Monday, makes the financial services company the title sponsor of the event, which will now be known as the Metropolitan Miles of Hope Marathon.
Organisers say the partnership is aimed at transforming the race into a world-class sporting event that leaves a lasting legacy for runners and the communities it serves.
Speaking at the launch at the Avani Lesotho Hotel, Miles of Hope Marathon founder, ‘Mathabang Molise, said the event represented far more than just a race.
“Every kilometre symbolises hope and inspires a healthy lifestyle. Our vision for this second edition is to create a growing movement for the foundation and the community. We listened to the feedback from our first edition, and we promise a better and even more exciting experience,” Ms Molise said.
She said the decision to stage this year’s event during Women’s Month was deliberate, as it seeks to raise awareness of issues affecting women while bringing communities together.
“Social issues affecting women affect the entire community. This marathon brings people together, celebrates women, boosts the tourism sector and directly supports local businesses,” she said.
Representing the title sponsor, Metropolitan Lesotho chief financial officer, Lehlomela Mokhati, said the company’s commitment to building futures extends beyond providing financial services.
“This journey represents a shared commitment to hope, investing in and creating stronger, healthier communities,” Mr Mokhati said.
He added that Lesotho’s mountainous terrain provides an ideal environment for developing elite runners, with this year’s #Boiketlo campaign highlighting the importance of wellness and community partnerships.
He said the M800,000 sponsorship has enabled organisers to significantly increase prize money, with a total of M54,000 set aside across all race categories.
The marathon will also feature children’s races for athletes aged six to 12, a youth category for runners aged 14 to 17, as well as divisions for athletes living with disabilities, veterans aged 40 to 49, and grandmasters aged 60 and above.
Speaking on behalf of the Berea Athletics Association, Chapeng Mokete welcomed the initiative, saying Lesotho needed more competitive local races to help its athletes compete successfully on the international stage.
Representing running clubs, Paul Machachamise thanked organisers for expanding the event and expressed hope that it would deliver lasting social and economic benefits to communities.
The Metropolitan Miles of Hope Marathon will be held on 29 August 2026 in Sehlabeng, Berea.
Organisers have encouraged professional athletes, recreational runners and families to register early, with entries closing on 31 July 2026.
