In a tragic turn of events at the Maseru City Run, local runner Ts’eliso Makana, a 36-year-old from Maseru, collapsed during the half-marathon event. The race, held on February 23, 2025, saw thousands of participants from across the region, but the day was overshadowed by the heartbreaking incident.
Mr. Makana was tackling the 21 km course and was approximately 1.5 km from the finish line when he collapsed near Maseru West. Despite the immediate response from emergency medical services, which included four ambulances and nine trained paramedics on standby, he was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Maseru District Hospital.
The Maseru City Run organizers, including Maluti Mountain Cement, Nedbank, Lehakoe Club, Let’seng Diamonds Mine, and other sponsors, expressed their deepest condolences to Mr. Makana’s family, friends, and fellow runners.
In an official statement, the organizers acknowledged the crucial role played by medical teams present at the event. They extended their gratitude to Vitality Health, the Lesotho Defense Force, and Maluti Mountain Cement for their provision of ambulances and support during the race.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the physical demands of endurance sports and the importance of medical preparedness at sporting events. The running community in Maseru and beyond mourns the loss of an athlete who was passionate about the sport, and tributes continue to pour in for Mr. Makana and his loved ones.
