The death of runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo hit close to home for Sunninghill Striders Running Club after she was found dead following her disappearance during an afternoon run in Kempton Park.
Moselakgomo (38) left her Rhodesfield home on September 9 for a routine exercise session. Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm when she failed to return.

Although members of the club did not know Moselakgomo personally, club spokesperson Mariska Venter said her death deeply affected the running community. “As runners, we share the same roads, and we understand the vulnerability that can come with simply going out for a run, especially for women running alone.”

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She said the incident reminded runners how quickly something could happen to someone doing an activity they enjoy. “It makes us think how easily it could happen to any of our club members, or anyone you know.”

The club has organised a 4km run to show solidarity with Moselakgomo’s family and friends. The event takes place on September 15 at St Stephen’s Anglican Church from 18:00. The event aims to highlight safety concerns faced by runners, particularly women running alone.

For Venter, running is supposed to be about freedom, health and enjoyment, but the incident has also highlighted the need for runners to remain aware of their surroundings and look out for one another. “It reminds us that life is precious and should not be taken for granted.”

Despite the circumstances that prompted the run, Venter said the response from the running and wider community had been positive. She believes bringing people together is one way the community can show that it cares while encouraging runners to think about their safety. “It is good to see people coming together to create awareness, to stay safe and look out for each other.”

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The club hopes those who take part leave with a simple message: that every life matters and that people should not take those around them for granted. “By coming together for our run tonight, we want to show respect for Moselakgomo and her family, and simply create awareness that every life matters,” she said.

She encouraged people to join the run, saying every participant adds to the message that runner safety matters. “This is an opportunity for the running and wider community to come together, show support, create awareness and demonstrate that no one should accept that people should feel unsafe when they are out running.”

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