Botha-Bothe, Mar. 11 — Hundreds of parents, community members, teachers and children gathered early Wednesday morning to participate in a marathon organised by Sofia International School in celebration of King Moshoeshoe I Day.
As early as 6:00 a.m., participants assembled at the school grounds ready to begin the race. While runners set off in groups and individually, others stood along the roadside to cheer them on and offer water as they braved the cool morning air.
In an interview, the school principal, Mr. Vijayakumar Bhaskaran, said the initiative began last year and aims to help the younger generation understand the importance of commemorating the day through positive activities.
He noted that many young people do not fully appreciate the history of the nation.
“This is an important day that needs to be celebrated by everyone in this country. Celebrating it with a marathon is a way to connect with the community while also promoting fitness and healthy living,” he said.
Bhaskaran added that the school places strong emphasis on sports as part of its curriculum.
“Today, when we look at the lives of our children, we realise that they are more attached to their gadgets. Our school therefore ensures that sports play an important role in the curriculum so that learners keep fit, while some may even build future careers in sports,” he said.
One of the top three finishers in the 5km race, eight-year-old Senate Molapo, said she enjoys exercising and was excited to take part in the marathon.
She explained that she exercises daily to keep her body fit, sometimes alone and at other times with her mother.
Meanwhile, 68-year-old Mants’eiseng Kome, who completed the 10km race, said she has been passionate about running since childhood when she used to represent both her village and school in competitions.
“When I became a mother, I stopped running due to lack of motivation. However, during a visit to South Africa I saw elderly people jogging in the mornings. That inspired me to start running again,” she said.
Kome added that last month she finished second in the over-60 category during the Nedbank Maseru City Run.
“I would like to encourage everyone to become active because exercise helps keep our bodies free from diseases. Many of my age mates cannot even run a kilometre, but I can run 10 kilometres,” she said.
Another participant, 62-year-old Mamachene Nhlapho, said she gained weight after becoming a mother but later decided to change her lifestyle.
She explained that she began eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, and encouraged others to adopt similar habits to improve their health.
The event was sponsored by several organisations including Vitality Health, First National Bank, Qhanolla Guest House, Driver’s Training Centre, Docta Sphere, Anwary Supermarket, and Life Savers and First Aid Training.
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