Lesotho High Altitude Summer Marathon

The High Altitude Summer Marathon (HASM) is a road running event held annually in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The first race was run in 2003, under the name of the “Mokhotlong City Marathon”. It started as a 32.2km race initiated by Mr Kokolia Mokonyana, the Secretary General of the Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association (LAAA).

The event name has since changed to “High Altitude Summer Marathon” as has the races format, stretching the distances from 32.2km to 42.2km and the 21.1km and 10km races were added as developmental races.

The HASM is a very challenging sporting competition, even for the most seasoned marathon runner, and yet at the same time affords an invigorating course for the keen athlete.

The course, which runs through the district of Mokhotlong, takes the runners through picturesque villages and amazing mountain views, at an altitude of about 2400m above sea level and is marked by steep ascents and descents.

The route will be from point to point for all the races with the 42,2km finishing at Mofolaneng, 21.1km at Ha- Khatleli and 10 km race finishing at Ha-Bulara.

The well-prepared runners should be able to complete the Marathon in 3 hours and this requires careful planning as every part of the course requires a different strategy because of the topography.

Even though the race starts early, 06h00, most runners will experience both sun and heat on their way to the finish. The greatest challenge is the altitude as this will affect your breathing if you aren’t acclimatized to it.

Letšeng Diamonds Mine has appointed MoRa Events to plan, organize and run the 8th Edition of the HASM in 2010 and are very opportunistic that this year’s event is going to be the most thrilling edition in the history of the race.

According to the company Director Moeketsi Ramakatane said that they are planning to break the record by attracting 1000 athletes this year. “We want to do a quality standard race”.

Tšepo Hlojeng (Letšeng Diamonds), revealed that his company as part of their sponsorship of the event invested more than M1’000’000 in this event. The money will cover money prizes for the winners, medals to all finishers, transport, accommodation and meals.

Mora Events Management Team has been to Mokhotlong twice to meet with the District Administrator and other stakeholders for the purposes of introducing race administrators. The trips were also used to compile data on the facilities available and the capacity of such hospitality places in Mokhotlong.

Hotels:

• Senqu hotel
• Mokhotlong hotel
• Crow BB
• ‘Maletšabisa BB
• Boikhethelo BB
• Farmers Training Centre
• Tumahole BB
• Louis Gregory BB
• Fika Le Motho BB
• St. James guest house
• Molumong guest house
• plus the 3 high schools of Mapholaneng, Seeiso and Mokhotlong

MoRa has organized for 5 buses (on a first come first served basis) with a transport fee of M20.00.

Event Date:

The High Altitude Summer Marathon will be held on the 3rd December 2011.

Event Entries:

For more info & accommodation bookings please contact:

Letseng Diamonds

+266 58758618 / +266 58495492 / +266 58468414

Website: www.highaltitudemarathon.org.ls