This weekend we went up to Maliba Lodge, about a 2,5 hr drive from Maseru. We have been doing so on this weekend for the last 2 years. This is our third. And we do it because I ran the Lesotho Ultra trail run. It’s a 50km mountain trail run through the mountains of Tsehlanyane National Park in Lesotho.

This year was fun, because we brought our friend, Sello, with us to run. He is a very talented runner, and has done well in a number of road races in 2018 and 2019. As a way to end off his racing calendar for the year, I thought we would enter him into the 38km Mountain Challenge, which is the shorter distance run at the same time as the ultra marathon.

We have been supporting and helping Sello for about 18 months. We love his attitude, his humility, and his passion for running fast. He can talk about it all day long. With help from many of you, we have been able to get him some gear, nutrition, and race entries over the last year.

Both races kicked off at 5:30am on Saturday. Sello shot off the mark, and from what I hear thats about the last anyone saw of him until he crossed the 38km finish line in 1st position, 20 minutes ahead of the course record, and 50 minutes ahead of number 2!

Hearing the news via text from Emily while I has not even halfway on my route did encourage me to push on and push hard. The route is very technical and tough, and I was expecting that. My goal was to have a fun day in the mountains, and I did! I finished in 8 hrs and 40 minutes.

Me on the final stretch, joined by Jane.

What a fun weekend. A good time camping with friends, seeing a young star like Sello do so well was an unexpected bonus.