All you need to know about the toughest of tests – a ‘bucket list’ event
● THE Roof has been run every year since 1967, except 1998 due to riots in Lesotho;
● Next year will see the 50th staging of the event;
● It is inscribed on the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) international calendar and attracts competitors from up to 20 different countries;
● It attracts nearly 400 competitors;
● The Roof is now considered a “bucket list event” in the same way that people do the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans, Cape Epic etc;
● The event has an enviable safety record with not a single death from competition in nearly 50 years. Medical support is of the highest available standard;
● The prize fund is equivalent or better than other extreme events worldwide;
● The Roof is a highly visible sport reaching not only the towns, but many people in rural areas as well;
● It injects millions into Lesotho’s economy during Roof of Africa week;
● The event has boosted the tourism industry in Lesotho probably more than any other platform;
● The Roof’s social responsibility initiatives include support for the “Riders for Health” project and various community initiatives;
● It creates local employment; and
● It employs a full-time liaison officer to interact with communities along the routes to minimise inconvenience, crop damage and environmental issues.