Sport · Athletics
By Litšitso Letsunyane
Lesotho’s premier long-distance runner, Tebello Ramakongoana, has delivered yet another outstanding performance on the global stage, finishing sixth at the 2026 Boston Marathon and earning a prize of $13,500 (approximately M224,117). The race, held on Monday, 20 April, saw around 30,000 athletes tackle the iconic route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street in the United States.
This marked Ramakongoana’s second appearance at the prestigious event. Having placed eighth in 2025 with a time of 2:07:19, he returned stronger and more refined. In this year’s race he clocked an impressive 2:04:18, an improvement of three minutes over his previous appearance. While that margin may appear modest to casual observers, in elite marathon running it represents a significant leap. The time not only secured him sixth place but also established a new national record and personal best by two seconds.
“I really wanted to finish in the top three, and if that wasn’t possible, I’d at least aim to improve my personal best time, and I achieved that.”
Tebello Ramakongoana
Founded on 19 April 1897, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and is widely regarded as one of the most demanding road races in the sport. Its challenging course and deeply competitive field make it a benchmark for elite long-distance runners across the globe, while its prize structure ensures it remains among the most lucrative events on the calendar.
On Friday, 24 April, the Lesotho National Olympic Committee hosted a celebratory welcome for Ramakongoana upon his return from the United States. The event, held at the LNOC offices in Maseru West, brought together officials and members of the media to honour the national record holder’s achievement.
Speaking at the reception, Ramakongoana expressed pride in his performance, particularly given the gruelling nature of the race. He noted that the final three kilometres were the most difficult stretch, with exhaustion already setting in, but his determination never wavered.
His coach, James McKirdy, echoed the sentiment, praising Ramakongoana’s discipline and progress. McKirdy described the Boston Marathon as one of the hardest races to pace effectively and revealed that Ramakongoana’s finishing time ranks as the eighth fastest in the event’s 129-year history, underscoring the magnitude of the achievement.
For McKirdy, the result stands as a defining moment in his coaching career. For Lesotho, it is yet another indication that its athletes can compete, and excel, on the world stage.
