Top local runners set for Soweto Marathon

TOP local runners will this weekend be out in full force as they battle for honours in the 2023 edition of the annual Soweto Marathon in South Africa,

The race will start and finish at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, Gauteng on Sunday.

This publication has been informed that more than 19 local runners have registered for the big race and will compete in various categories being 42km race, 21km and 10km.

One of the marathoners, Jobo Khatoane, who will be competing in 42km men’s race, said all was set for him to fight for top positions and bring honours home.

Khatoane said he prepared well and that he was in good condition.

“I had good preparation, and the body is in good condition, I am ready to hit the road,” Khatoane told the Lesotho Times this week.

Last year, Khatoane finished in position seven with a time of 2:23:38 and this year he wants to improve and at least finish in the top three.

“I want to improve my last year’s performance and looking at how I have been performing this season, I am confident that I will do better,” said Khatoane.

On her part, Mathakane Letsie who will be participating in females’ 42km race said she was also hoping for an improved performance this year.

Last year Letsie settled for 11^th position clocking 2:59:13.

“I have been training well despite the unfriendly cold weather we have been enduring recently in the country. Like any other runner my intention is to win the race,” Letsie said.

Tšepo Ramashamole, who was Lesotho’s best performer last year finishing the 42km race in third position in 2:20:21, will not feature this year due to a knee injury.

Ramashamole confirmed to this publication on Tuesday that he was fresh from the injury and he didn’t have enough time to prepare.

“Despite having performed well last year, I am not going for the Soweto Marathon this year,” Ramashamole told the Lesotho Times.

“I have just recovered from a knee injury; thus, I did not have enough time to prepare for such a big race.”

The other Lesotho runners to compete in the men’s 42km race of the Soweto Marathon are Namakoe Nkhasi, Khoarahlane Seutloali, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, Bokang Lisene, Kito Pooe, Rebone Sello, Teboho Sello, Lebenya Nkoka, ‘Mopenyane Lebelo, Teboho Noosi, Monyele Monyele, Lebohang Lala, and Mohau Masoenyane.

In the women’s 42km race, Lesotho will also have Lineo Chaka, and Malineo Mahloko while Mokulubete Makatisi will be competing in the females’ 21km race.