…says running has transformed his life
Leemisa Thuseho
OLYMPIAN, Khoarahlane Seutloali, has reflected on what he describes as one of the most successful seasons of his career, highlighted by two major victories in South Africa.
Seutloali’s remarkable run this season included winning the 2025 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in April in Cape Town, completing the 56km race in the time of 3:10:46.
Adding another prestigious title to round off the season in style, he clinched the Soweto Marathon (42km) over the weekend, stopping the clock at 2:20:09.
He is also the reigning champion of the 2025 Lesotho Minet Independence Marathon, held in Thaba-Bosiu in October, which he won in 2:26:35.
In September, Seutloali claimed victory in the OUTsurance Gun Run 21km race in Cape Town, clocking 1:02:27.
Before that, in August, he finished fourth in the Absa Run Your City 10km race in Pretoria with a time of 29:13.
While the season was not without challenges, Seutloali said he was extremely proud of his achievements, which he attributes to rigorous discipline, relentless hard work, and the advantage of training in Lesotho’s high-altitude environment.
“This year has been a successful one in my career,” Seutloali told the Lesotho Times.
“It was not an easy season as it had its own challenges like any other career, but whenever I meet challenges, I give God a chance to take control.
“When the season started, I was in good shape and what I had to do was maintain that status throughout, hence the achievements… and praise must be given to God because, if it was not for Him, I could not have reached these feats.
“Training hard and maintaining discipline have been my major weapons in my career.”
Seutloali also said it was a blessing to work with his coach, South Africa’s Andrew Booysen, who he teamed up with in 2018.
“The man behind all these successes is my coach. He plays a very vital role in my career… the support I get from my family, sponsor Under Armour, and teammates from Hollywood Club has also been a blessing,” he said.
The 33-year-old runner began his athletics journey during his primary school days in Matelile, Mafeteng, and never looked back — eventually qualifying for the world’s biggest sporting event, the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
He started out as a track athlete, running 1500m, 3000m and 5000m races, before moving into road racing in 2011.
“From track racing I moved to road racing where I started with 5km, then 10km, 21km, 42km, and now I am also doing 56km.”
His potential became evident in 2012 when he began receiving call-ups to the national team.
He registered his first road race win in 2015 at the Kloppers 10km in Bloemfontein, followed by victory in the Southern Region Half Marathon in Lesotho.
In 2016, he went on to win the Lesotho High Altitude Summer Half Marathon.
After meeting Booysen, Seutloali said he began approaching his career more professionally, eventually clocking his marathon personal best of 2:11:04 at the Cape Town Marathon — a landmark that qualified him for the Tokyo Olympics.
Coming from a humble background, qualifying for the Olympics was a life-changing milestone for Seutloali who did not have the same educational opportunities as many of his peers.
He said running opened the doors to a brighter future and transformed his life.
“Through running I was able to earn a living… running has changed my life significantly.
“Through running I was able to have my own house, car and even bought cattle.
“Not only that, the sport has also built me holistically.”
With the next Olympic Games set for 2028 in Los Angeles, United States, Seutloali said he is not putting himself under pressure to qualify. Rather, his focus is on personal development and improving his performance.
“The next Olympics does not form part of my priorities now… but I wish to see Lesotho being well represented at the Games,” he said.
The Matelile-born star urged young athletes to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to training.
He confirmed that the Soweto Marathon was his final race for the year.
