Kamohelo Mofolo sets his sights on breaking Lesotho national 10km record in Durban

The current record of 27:52 was set by Namakoe Nkhasi at the same event in 2022, when he shaved 36 seconds off his personal best. 

Mofolo, who turns 20 on 1 November, knows he’ll need a career-best performance to eclipse that mark.

In the Cape Town leg of the series in May, he finished second in 27:53—just one second shy of the record—improving on his previous personal best of 28:11 set in Gqeberha in April. 

Buoyed by his recent form, a confident Mofolo is hopeful he can rewrite Lesotho’s 10km record books next month.

 “In Cape Town, I was pleased with my performance and finishing second,” Mofolo told SABC Sport.

“This year, my goal has been to run under 27 minutes. I narrowly missed it in April in Gqeberha, but I believe Durban will be different. I can feel it in my blood—I’m confident I can run something around 27:40 in the upcoming race.

If I stick to my race plan and manage my pace well, I truly believe I can break the national 10km record. My mission for the year is clear: first break the 27-minute barrier, then go for the record.”

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In Cape Town, he traded the lead with eventual winner Kabelo Mulaudzi, and he's eager to renew their rivalry in another coastal showdown. 

The Tshwane Run Your City champion, who represents the Excel Running Club, regularly travels in and out of Lesotho for races.

He trains in the Mountain Kingdom and only visits KwaZulu-Natal when competing. “I’m still young and believe I can achieve great things for my country as I grow in the sport,” he said.

“I enjoy training in the mountains back home and I love my country. Over time, I’ll figure out what works best for me, but for now, I’m happy to come to South Africa to race in well-organized events with strong competition and good prize money.