Local runner dedicates 73km marathon to kidney patients
During the ceremony held at the B-Braun dialysis centre, Monyebodi officially handed over her hard-earned medal to a patient, Simon Bheki Malaza on March 13.
ERMELO – Marathon runner Motsa Monyebodi recently completed the grueling 73km Kosmos 3-in-1 race to raise awareness for renal failure, and donated her finisher’s medal to a local dialysis patient.
During the ceremony held at the B-Braun dialysis centre, Monyebodi officially handed over her hard-earned medal to a patient, Simon Bheki Malaza on March 13.
This served as a tribute to her late sister, Koena Monyebodi, who passed away from renal failure in 2024.
Monyebodi told the newspaper that Malaza and her sister underwent dialysis together, forging a bond through their shared struggle.
She told Malaza that the resilience required to live with chronic illness exceeds the effort of a 73km run.
The event was made possible through the support of local stakeholders. De Wit Motors provided transportation for Monyebodi and her family to the facility, while B-Braun manager Aneza Nkosi facilitated the visit, allowing the ‘I Run 4 U’ initiative to reach those currently undergoing treatment.
This latest milestone follows Monyebodi’s previous dedication to breast cancer awareness.
In February, she gifted her Sasol Secunda Marathon medal to colleague Noxolo Hlatshwayo, who recently completed intensive cancer treatment.
Monyebodi’s mission continues to bridge the gap between athletic endurance and medical advocacy.
Whether running for cancer survivors or those battling organ failure, her message remains clear: while she wears the shoes, no patient ever runs their race alone.
