Lerato Ntsele

I am 49 years old, a mother of three beautiful children. I started getting physically active after my second child because I wanted to lose the baby fat. I was at the gym in the mornings and afternoons. The more I lost the weight, the more I loved the gym and earned the “gym fanatic” name. In 2006 I was invited to the Deloitte 10km race, and I ran it effortlessly. I was so impressed that I started entering 5 & 10km races.

I soon graduated and did my first half marathons (21km) at Om Die Dam. My first marathon was the Vaal Marathon, and I received many applauses because I had qualified for the Comrades Marathon, but I did not understand what that meant then. I have since ran many half marathons and the following full marathons: Deloitte, Durban City, and Soweto Marathon. I love running, the running community, the camaraderie that comes along with it, and mostly that it keeps me healthy physically and mentally. I would also like to call myself a self-proclaimed running influencer.

I successfully rallied runners, motivated and cheered them through The World Running Cup 2021, which South Africa won. I run and volunteer at Parkruns, which is another way to socialise with a diverse group of runners and walkers. I still go to the gym for strength & core training which is important in making my running more efficient, improves my balance, and helps to prevent injuries. I also love hiking and anything that boosts my endorphins.