Khatala set for Mangaung debut as Mulder encourages runners to experience the Free State’s rich culture

Image: Action Photo

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala is relishing the opportunity to compete in a world-class race so close to home. Meanwhile, local favourite Lizandre Mulder hopes the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K on Sunday, 25 October 2026, will inject fresh energy into athletics in the City of Roses and inspire a new generation of runners.

As one of the most consistent 10km performers on the South African road-running scene, Khatala is eager to put her best foot forward in front of her loyal travelling supporters when she lines up for her first race in a city just 150km from Maseru, the capital of her native Lesotho.

“I am really excited because Mangaung feels close to home. This will be my first time racing in Mangaung, so I am really looking forward to the experience. Being from Lesotho, having the opportunity to race so close to Maseru is special because I know there will be people from home who can come out and support me,” says Khatala, who runs in the colours of Hollywood Athletics Club and is in excellent 10km form this season.

The Mountain Kingdom’s fastest 10km athlete of all time (32:01) has run under 32:10 four times this season, while continuing to perform admirably over the ultra-marathon distance. Khatala, who recently joined American coach James McKirdy’s stable, took eighth position at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON in April, underlining her impressive range as a distance runner. She says her consistency stems from a holistic approach to running.

“I think consistency comes from staying disciplined and trusting the process. It has been a really positive new chapter for me. I am still learning and building with my coach. Every race is different, so I try not to put too much pressure on myself to chase a time every time I compete. I focus on executing my race well and giving my best on the day. I am looking forward to enjoying the atmosphere, representing Lesotho proudly and hopefully giving the people back home something to be proud of.”

Also aiming to take advantage of the local support is hometown favourite Lizandre Mulder. The 2025 University Sports South Africa 3000m Steeplechase champion and two-time ASA Senior Track & Field Championships silver medallist has made a strong transition to the 10km this season. She clocked a 35:18 personal best at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban in June before claiming bronze in the senior women’s 10km at the ASA Cross Country Championships last month. Mulder is now looking forward to racing on what appears to be a quick course.

“I haven’t seen the official race course, as it hasn’t been made publicly available yet, but considering that it starts at Grey College High School and ends close to our mall, athletes can expect fast times on the course,” says the Boxer Athletics Club runner.

More than simply chasing another personal best, the University of the Free State PhD student hopes the Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K will showcase the best of the Free State while creating new opportunities for runners in the province.

“The Bloemfontein road-running community is just different from any other place I’ve ever been. The whole of Bloemfontein is extremely excited to be hosting a race of this calibre because we’re not used to having such big races in the Free State. I’m sure the vibe will be phenomenal! I hope this race exceeds all expectations and that everyone travelling from far and wide gets to experience and enjoy the culture of the Free State.”

 With excitement building across Mangaung and beyond, Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, believes the inaugural event will bring together athletes and communities from across the region:

“Having athletes of Neheng and Lizandre’s calibre lining up for our inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is incredibly exciting. Neheng’s connection to Lesotho and the strong support she is expecting from across the border, together with Lizandre’s pride in representing her hometown, perfectly captures what this race is about. We want to create a world-class racing experience while giving athletes and communities from across the region an opportunity to come together and celebrate the sport.”