Winning Male Runner of the Year at the inaugural Runner Awards Gauteng 2026 was an unexpected recognition of a journey built on perseverance for Fourways runner Lesedi Nchabeleng.
The awards ceremony was held at Hoyohoyo Chartwell Resort and Lodge in Fourways on August 22, where Nchabeleng was recognised alongside accomplished runners for his contribution to the sport. Nchabeleng admitted he was genuinely shocked when his name was announced, particularly because he was competing against runners whose achievements and careers he admired. “There were some incredibly accomplished runners in that category, athletes who have not only had outstanding seasons but have built impressive running careers over many years,” he said.
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Nchabeleng’s running journey began with occasional parkruns around 2018, after he acquired his first smartwatch. However, running became a more significant part of his life during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. His progress is reflected in his race times. He completed his first official marathon in 2021 in 04:08:00. At the Cape Town Marathon earlier this year, he recorded a personal best of 02:57:00, improving his marathon time by more than an hour in five years.
He has also completed four Comrades Marathons, with a personal best of 08:05:00, and two Two Oceans Ultra Marathons, achieving his best time of 04:27:00.
The journey, however, has not been without challenges. Balancing running with work, family commitments and studying remains one of his biggest obstacles. He relies on a structured training programme that includes strength training, interval sessions, longer runs and time trials, with Sundays reserved for rest and recovery. “Running might appear to be an individual sport, but behind every successful runner is usually a community of people who have helped them along the way,” he said.
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His ambitions extend beyond his own race results. Nchabeleng wants to help other runners improve through coaching and by sharing an approach that emphasises doing less when necessary rather than pushing beyond their limits. His message to aspiring runners is to be patient, set realistic goals, and avoid comparing their progress with that of others. “Every runner is on a different journey. We all have different starting points, different challenges, and different goals. Confidence is built through small wins repeated consistently over time,” he said.
As he enters the next chapter of his running journey, Nchabeleng hopes to use his experience to help others discover what they can achieve… One stride at a time.
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