Vodacom Lesotho Partners with Mountain Runners Athletics Club to Boost Sports, Tourism and Community Development

Vodacom Lesotho has joined forces with the Mountain Runners Athletics Club to sponsor this year’s marathon as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, marking an important investment in sport, community development and youth empowerment. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while creating opportunities that extend beyond race day. Organisers believe the event will encourage more Basotho to embrace physical fitness while showcasing Lesotho as a destination for athletics and tourism. By combining corporate support with local sporting talent, the marathon is expected to deliver social and economic benefits for communities along the race route. The event also highlights the growing role that partnerships between businesses and sporting organisations can play in driving national development.

Speaking during the official launch in Maseru on Tuesday, Mountain Runners Athletics Club representative Mr. Rorisang Mabusela outlined the club’s long-term vision for the event. He explained that the organisers want to transform the marathon into an internationally recognised race capable of attracting elite and recreational athletes from across the region and beyond. According to Mr. Mabusela, greater international participation would increase Lesotho’s visibility on the global athletics calendar while strengthening the country’s tourism industry. Visiting athletes and supporters would create demand for accommodation, transport, restaurants and other local services, providing valuable income for businesses. He added that successful sporting events have the potential to demonstrate how athletics can contribute to economic growth and national development.

Mr. Mabusela also encouraged political leaders and policymakers to recognise sport as an important driver of economic activity. He said major sporting events do far more than promote competition because they also generate employment opportunities, encourage investment and strengthen local communities. As more visitors travel to Lesotho to participate in or watch sporting events, businesses across multiple sectors stand to benefit from increased spending. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs while raising the country’s profile as a destination for sports tourism. By investing in athletics, Lesotho can develop a sustainable sporting industry that contributes to both economic growth and improved public health.

The marathon is scheduled to take place on September 5 and will cater for runners of different ages and fitness levels. Organisers have planned three race categories consisting of 5 kilometre, 10 kilometre and 21 kilometre distances, giving both experienced athletes and first-time participants the opportunity to compete. The race will begin at St. Michael’s and finish at Lekhalong la Baroa, offering participants a scenic route through parts of Lesotho. By providing multiple race options, the organisers hope to encourage wider community participation and inspire more people to become involved in recreational running. The event is expected to attract athletes from across the country while laying the foundation for future international participation.

The partnership has also been welcomed by leaders within Lesotho’s athletics community. Vice President of the Maseru Athletics Academy, Mr. Teboho Sello, praised Vodacom Lesotho for supporting local sport and investing in the country’s athletes. He said corporate sponsorship provides athletes with confidence by showing that local businesses believe in their talent and are willing to contribute to their development. According to Mr. Sello, consistent private sector investment is essential if Lesotho hopes to produce more competitive athletes capable of succeeding on regional and international stages. He expressed optimism that other companies would follow Vodacom’s example and become active partners in strengthening athletics throughout the country.

Mr. Sello noted that local sponsorship has benefits that extend beyond financial support. When businesses invest in sporting events and athletes, they help create opportunities for young people who may aspire to build careers in athletics. Such partnerships also encourage sports organisations to improve training programmes, organise more competitions and develop future talent. Increased corporate involvement can strengthen sports administration while creating a more sustainable environment for athletes to grow and compete. He believes these partnerships will ultimately contribute to the long-term success of athletics in Lesotho.

Representing the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, Mr. Tsepo Ntaopane explained that the sponsorship forms part of the company’s “Mabo Mocha-O-Chele” campaign celebrating 30 years of operations in Lesotho. He said the anniversary provides an opportunity for the company to give back to communities that have supported its growth over the past three decades. Rather than limiting the celebration to corporate events, Vodacom chose to invest in initiatives that deliver lasting social value. Supporting the marathon reflects the company’s belief that sport can inspire positive change while bringing communities together. The partnership demonstrates Vodacom’s broader commitment to improving lives through meaningful community engagement.

Mr. Ntaopane emphasized that sport has the power to transform individuals and strengthen communities by encouraging discipline, teamwork and healthy living. He explained that the company’s involvement extends beyond sponsoring the race itself. As part of the anniversary campaign, Vodacom Lesotho will also implement a community development project along the marathon route to create additional benefits for residents. The company intends to work closely with communities before and after the event through education and empowerment initiatives that leave a lasting impact. These efforts are designed to ensure that the partnership continues delivering value long after the runners have crossed the finish line.

The organisers have also placed significant emphasis on ensuring that participants enjoy a safe and well-managed event. Comprehensive safety measures have been planned to support runners throughout the marathon. Ambulances and emergency medical personnel will be positioned along the route to respond quickly if assistance is required. Transport arrangements and security services have also been organised to help ensure that both participants and spectators enjoy a smooth and secure experience. These preparations reflect the organisers’ commitment to delivering a professional event that meets high standards while protecting everyone involved.

This year’s marathon represents more than just a sporting competition because it combines health promotion, community development, tourism and economic opportunity into a single national event. Through the partnership between Vodacom Lesotho and the Mountain Runners Athletics Club, organisers hope to establish a race that grows in stature each year while attracting participants from across the region and beyond. The event also demonstrates how collaboration between the private sector and sporting organisations can create lasting benefits for communities and inspire the next generation of athletes. With strong corporate support, careful planning and a clear long-term vision, the marathon has the potential to become one of Lesotho’s flagship sporting events. As the country prepares for the September race, the partnership stands as an example of how investment in sport can strengthen communities, promote healthy living and contribute to sustainable economic development.