Kamohelo Mofolo's performance in the 2026 NYC Marathon was extraordinary. Despite finishing third, his time of 2:06:26 was remarkable, especially considering it was his second marathon. Mofolo, from Lesotho, outpaced seasoned marathoner Benson Kipruto.

Mofolo's achievement is even more impressive given his previous marathon result. He finished 11th in Cape Town last May. His performance in New York came on his 21st birthday. His shoe sponsor, Xtep, is a lesser-known Chinese brand. Read more culture coverage.

Mofolo is coached by McKirdy Trained, an online coaching platform founded by James McKirdy. McKirdy Trained has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, coaching athletes globally. The platform emphasizes personalized coaching and has helped numerous runners achieve significant milestones. Related: Celebrity Finish Times Revealed at 2026 New York City Marathon.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.