By Matṧeliso Phulane
Alliance Insurance has invested M100,000 in the 65km Alliance Hillbusterz Last Long Run Training Marathon that was launched on Tuesday this week.
The marathon is set to be held on Saturday May 4, 2024 in Maseru.
In an interview with theReporter this week, Alliance Insurance public relations and corporate communication manager, Limakatso Mokobocho said the sole purpose for Alliance’s collaboration with the Hillbusterz Running Club is to support Basotho athletes who have qualified to compete in the 85.61km Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in June this year.
Hillbusterz, a club for running enthusiasts, had approached Alliance Insurance on several occasions until their plea was heard.
The reason was to make Alliance aware of the need for local runners intending to participate in the Comrades marathon to have proper training before the prestigious event. This helps to avoid a host of complications that come with lack of preparation, such as risk of injury that may even lead to death.
“As a country we have seen how well our athletes perform at international long races. In most cases we cheer them on as if we have done something to support them, so Alliance has decided to help them.
“This training is very important in the sense that athletes will be able to see their capabilities, and gauge whether their fitness will enable them to run for Comrades marathon or not.
“Apart from that, we are also using that opportunity for those who have already qualified, considering the time they have been running in order for them to train as a group so that they can support each other, give each other tips, and see how best they can compete in this upcoming marathon,” Mokobocho said.
She noted that the marathon would also help improve tourism in the country through Alliance’s ‘Ke Lapeng’ campaign.
International athletes who may wish to be part of the competition will get to experience Lesotho’s hospitality through accommodation and food.
“So, our 65km marathon affords athletes the training necessary in order to give their muscles enough time to heal because they are not supposed to do serious running a month before the Comrades Marathon,” she added.
The marathon will be from Masowe 3 Ha Thetsane Maseru to Ha Teko, through Ha Mantṧebo, Ha Mafoka to Mahlabatheng, Masianokeng, Bypass and back to Masowe 3.
Basotho runners who feel they have this kind of fitness levels for such a marathon can register and participate. Registration costs only M100.
