Qacha’s Nek, May. 22 — Lesotho’s elite marathoner, Olympian Tebello Ramakongoana, says he may not return to defend his title at the Mountain Marathon 21km race this October, following months of unpaid prize money from last year’s event.Olympian Ramakongoana won the men’s division of the inaugural race, held on October 26, 2024, clocking an impressive 1:10:04.
He was promised M150,000 but says he hasn’t received a cent nearly seven months later.
“Every time I asked, they said, ‘next week.’ Then they claimed I wasn’t home, so I’d be paid once I returned from the U.S. But when I got back last month, it was still the same story,” said the 29-year-old from Ha-Mohlapiso, Qacha’s Nek.
“I’m sad and discouraged. I don’t see myself running again unless things change.
”The women’s winners are also unpaid due to delays caused by a doping scandal involving Olympian Mokulubete Makatisi, who tested positive for trenbolone. Her suspension has reshuffled placements, but no revised prizes have been disbursed. . .
