Bright future for Bright at Nedbank Running Club

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) has paid tribute to Bright Mikolongwe after the long-distance runner left the club to join Nedbank Running Club.

“Bright, who has flown the BNAC colours high since 2018, has graduated to professional road running. His story is not just about athletic prowess. It’s about the spirit of perseverance and dedication,” said BNAC media liaison Kerry Webb.

“As he transitions to professional running, his journey from the local tracks of Benoni to national and potentially international circuits will be an inspiring one to watch.”

Mikolongwe, who is considered one of the most gifted runners in the club, joined the BNAC in 2017. After establishing himself as a fierce competitor, he won many races including the Qhubeka 10km and 21.1km while earning podium places at the Johnson Crane Marathon and Colgate Race.

His incredible performance in the colours of Northerns came at the TRACN4 Elands Marathon in March, where he clocked 02:19:31 in his debut at the distance.

At Nedbank, he joins a star-studded roster that includes Comrades Marathon winners Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi, as well as Two Oceans Marathon winner Onalenna Khonkhobe.

Reflecting on Mikolongwe’s time with the BNAC, Webb hailed the runner for his determination, adding after the Malawian joined the club’s development team in 2018, he quickly established himself as a formidable runner in local races.

“The BNAC has been home to many promising athletes but a few have shown a meteoric rise like Bright. His remarkable journey is a testament to his determination and raw talent,” said Webb.

“Over the years, Bright has consistently finished on the podium in numerous 10km and 21.1km races, showcasing his endurance and speed. His marathon debut in 2022 was nothing short of impressive, completing it in 02:19:31, entrenching him further as an elite runner.”

Webb admitted this is a big loss but said the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive in the club, adding they could only take him as far as they could as an amateur club.

“He is always welcome at the club and to be part of our activities. Still very much part of our family, he joined over 180 members of the club who marshalled at the BNAC Marathon on April 21. We will him and wish him every success. We will all be watching his progress,” Webb said.

Mikolongwe described the BNAC as the best club in the country, saying the past six years were magical.

“I’m very grateful for what the club did for me. They helped my career grow and now big clubs can see what I’m capable of because of Northerns. It’s the best club in SA. The club members don’t see colour. We are all treated the same. Even though I’m part of Nedbank, the BNAC is still my home,” he said.

The runner also thanked the Benoni City Times for “raising my profile”.

“People now know me because of all the stories you wrote”.

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