In 2024, Hollywood Athletics Club starlet Neheng Khatala delivered a series of remarkable performances on the road. Here she chats to Thathe Msimango about her outstanding season.
In July she landed a new Lesotho 10km national record with the lightning-fast 32:01 run during Absa Run Your City Durban 10k in which she took fifth position overall against a world-class field including East African runners.
At the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km, she battled against windy conditions to outclass the field assembled on the day to cross the finish first in a splendid 32:25.
Then on 3 November, Neheng claimed her biggest career win to date, the 2024 Soweto Marathon. Running a shrewdly tactical race, Neheng used her strength on the hills to break a quality field and claimed line honours in 2:43:07.
Neheng closed her 2024 season with a hard-fought second place at the inaugural Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km, crossing the line in 34:29. Looking back on her year which started with the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games, she is amazed at how her year turned around.
“Honestly, at the beginning of the year, I was optimistic and determined to do well, but I didn’t fully anticipate how incredible 2024 would turn out to be. Winning the Soweto Marathon was a dream come true, and it’s a reflection of all the hard work and support I’ve received from my coach, my support team and my club, Hollywood Athletics Club,” said the elated Khatala.
Neheng Khatala is rocking it on and off the road😏📖
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 3, 2024
📺 Stream #ABSM on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/5c0T54G6do
The turning point in the 32-year-old’s season was missing out the stringent Olympic qualification time of 2:26:50 over the marathon distance. She came close when she ran a spirited 2:28:37 to finish 10th overall in April at the Hamburg Marathon in Germany.
“The second half of the year felt like everything came together perfectly. Missing the Olympic mark was heartbreaking initially, but I used it as motivation to prove my abilities,” she highlighted.
“Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, I shifted my mindset to focus on what I could control—my training and future races. I used that as fuel to stay focused and disciplined. I also worked closely with my coach, fine-tuned my training, and stayed consistent with my nutrition and recovery. The belief from my team and supporters also gave me that extra push. It gave me the hunger to achieve even more and push past my limits,” she added.
Khatala who hails from Ketane Village in rural Lesotho, didn’t allow her underprivileged background to stand in the way of her running dreams. Now the holder of two national records (marathon – 2:28:06 and 10km – 32:01), she hopes her achievements will inspire athletes in her country to stay motivated and inspired.
“I grew up in Ketane, a rural village in Lesotho, where sport was part of our daily lives. I started running at school and realised I had a natural talent. It wasn’t easy due to limited resources and opportunities, but my love for running kept me going. Competing locally gave me the exposure I needed to reach the next level, “explains Khatala, who is coached by Andrew Booysen
“I am truly honoured to hold these records, and I hope that my achievements inspire young athletes in Lesotho to dream big and work hard. I don’t see myself as a legend, but I do hope to lead by example and show others that it is possible to overcome challenges and succeed on the world stage. My message to the youth is simple: Believe in yourself, work hard, and stay disciplined. Don’t let circumstances define your future—use them as stepping stones to success. And always remember, education is key; it will open doors for you beyond sports,” she said.
The NWU Sports Science student has revealed that she aims to go even faster next year.
“2025 will be an exciting year! I’m aiming to improve my personal bests and be on the podium in the big races. My focus is on staying healthy, building on the momentum from 2024, and representing the Hollywood Athletics Club with pride,” she concluded.
