Kempton Park’s Runners of Hope mark seven years of running success
The Runners of Hope club celebrated its seventh anniversary with awards honouring members’ perseverance, progress and passion for the sport.
Runners of Hope (ROH) members reflected on their journey as they celebrated the club’s seventh anniversary at the Hope Restoration Ministries in Kempton Park on November 8.
The event marked seven years of running achievements and honoured members who had demonstrated dedication, resilience and outstanding performance throughout 2025.
The anniversary celebrated the club’s commitment and the transformative power of running and the hope found along the way.
Among the award recipients was Wandy Jele, who walked away with most improved runner and most tenacious runner.
Photo by: Masego Mashilo
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“I was a bit surprised, but it made sense when I looked at the categories I was nominated in,” said Jele.
“For the past two years, I’ve struggled with injuries and couldn’t run, but this year, I made a comeback. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of myself for not giving up.”
Jele said she overcame several challenges, including injuries, dietary changes and allergies that impacted her performance.
After reassessing her training and equipment, she made a stellar comeback and looks forward to another successful year of running in 2026.
Photo by: Masego Mashilo
The ceremony featured motivational talks by renowned athletes and leaders, who understood the perseverance behind the sport.
Comrades gold medallist and former Soweto Marathon ladies’ winner, Nobuhle Tshuma, shared her story to inspire the runners, while SARS deputy commissioner Johnstone Makhubu and coach Benzi Mnyamezeli, the founder of Qhubeka Athletic Club, encouraged athletes to believe in themselves and never give up.
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Another standout winner, Gina Ngoetjana, received multiple honours, including first runner home Comrades female, runner of the year and a paid membership for 2026.
“I’m emotional because the runner of the year award is close to my heart,” said Ngoetjana.
“I trained the whole year and set my goals early. Even when my husband, also my training partner, couldn’t run the Comrades Marathon, I told myself I would run for both of us. Making it to the provincials in cross-country made this year even more special.”
Other award categories included most consistent runner, best team player, best supporter non-runner, best support team, most consistent midweek group, best event organising group, and most improved Comrades runner (male and female).
George Simango was named best newcomer, and Lesiba Maja won first runner home Comrades male, and received a paid membership for 2026.
Runners of Hope vice-chairperson Sihle Nzimande presented the awards.
Tshepo Molema received the best supporter runner and chairperson’s spirit award.
“It brings me joy to see other runners succeed. Winning these awards shows that I’m on the right path, inspiring others to give their best and to never stop supporting one another,” he said.
