MINET INDEPENDENCE MARATHON  3rd EDITION

Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026

Location: Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village, Thaba- Bosiu, Maseru Lesotho.

Distances: 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.2km

Race pack collection

Wednesday 30th September 2026

Group Registrations (Corporates, Clubs and Organizations) 

Thursday 1st October and Friday 2nd October 2026

Local and International Runners

NO COLLECTION ON RACE DAY

Customer Services

Calls and Whatsapp

Tel: +266 2231 3540 / +266 5200 0278

WhatsApp: +266 6201 1022

Facebook: Minet Independence Marathon

Email: [email protected] 

RACE RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Participation at Own Risk

All athletes participate entirely at their own risk. By entering the event, athletes confirm that they are medically fit to participate and absolve Minet Lesotho (Pty) Ltd, the race organisers, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any liability arising from participation, including injury or death.

2. Liability for Organizers 

The race organisers shall not be liable for any actions of whatsoever nature arising out of individual athletes’ sponsorship by independent brands.

3. Medical Authority

Medical personnel have the authority to examine any participant displaying signs of distress. If, in their professional judgment, it is in the participant’s best interest, they may remove the participant from the event.

4. Next of Kin Details

All athletes must provide the name and contact details of their next of kin at registration.

5. Age Requirements

5km: Minimum age 16 years, 10km: Minimum age 18 years, 21.1km: Minimum age 18 years, 42.2km: Minimum age 20 years. No persons under 16 years is permitted to participate in any race distance.

 All participants under 18 years must provide written consent from a parent or guardian, who must sign the registration form prior to race day.

 Age must be verified using an authorized ID or passport.

6. Club Membership

42.2km marathon runners must be part of a club to participate.

Athletes are not required to belong to a club to participate.

Athletes under a club must indicate the club name on the registration form.

7. Professional and Social Runners

Both social and professional runners are permitted to participate. Only professional runners must obtain permits from their respective federations to qualify for prize money. Social runners are not required to obtain permits.

8. International Athletes

All international professional athletes must obtain permits from their respective athletic associations/federations.

9. Compliance with Governing Bodies

 All athletes shall comply with the rules of World Athletics and the Federation of Athletics Lesotho.

All protests shall be handled in accordance with these rules.

10. Protests and Complaints

All complaints must be lodged within 30 minutes of the official publication of results. A protest fee of M200.00 applies. Protests must be submitted in writing by a team leader, team captain, or the athlete.

11. Race Numbers

Athletes must wear the supplied and approved race number clearly visible on the front of their vest.  Athletes who duplicate or allow duplication of their race number will be disqualified.

12. Registration Requirement

No athlete will be allowed to participate without official registration.

An additional of M100.00 will be charged for any alteration made to the registered distance.

13. Cut-Off Time 

The cut-off time for all race distances is 12:00 hrs. No athlete will be allowed to finish after this time.

13. Prize Giving and Payment

Winners will be announced by the race organiser at the prize-giving ceremony. Prize money will be paid electronically within two weeks, provided no complaints have been lodged.  Winners must submit their ID/passport and banking details to the race organiser before payment.

14. Entry Fees

    Entry fees are non-refundable.

15. Prohibited Devices and Equipment

No blades, cyclists, or mechanically operated devices are permitted.

Wheelchair athletes are not permitted to participate.

The use of earphones, iPods, or similar devices during the race is strictly prohibited.

16. Animals

No animals or pets are permitted to participate in the race.

17. Conduct and Discipline

Race officials and marshals must be obeyed at all times.

The race organiser reserves the right to refuse entry or disqualify athletes under the influence of drugs or alcohol, those engaging in disorderly conduct, vandalism, inappropriate behaviour, or attempting to evade payment.

18. Littering

Littering is strictly prohibited. Athletes must dispose of waste in designated bins. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

19. Health and Safety Compliance

All athletes must adhere to all health and safety regulations in force at the time of the event.

DISCLAIMER & DATA CONSENT

By participating in this event, I acknowledge and agree that:

1. I am medically fit to participate and understand the risks involved in endurance sports.

2. I release and indemnify Minet Lesotho (Pty) Ltd, its sponsors, partners, officials, and representatives from any claims arising from my participation.

3. I authorize Minet Lesotho and its representatives to take, obtain, and use photographs, videos, and/or audio recordings of me for promotional and marketing purposes in electronic or print media without compensation or limitation.

4. I acknowledge that my provided entry data will be shared with the event organiser and possibly third-party service providers involved in the event.

    Third-party service providers may include, but are not limited to:

    * Timing service providers

    * Emergency and medical services

    * Photographers

    * Event planners

    * Insurance providers

5. I understand that the race organiser reserves the right to amend the rules where necessary for safety or regulatory compliance.