PHALABORWA – Present Mongwe, an avid runner with a bright future in running, is requesting assistance with shoes to run the Comrades Marathon next month.

Forced to run barefoot during Giyani marathon

The Namakgale and SANDF runner is currently unemployed and as a result is unable to get himself quality running shoes, which can run long distances.

In April during the Gazamed Marathon in Giyani, he was forced to run 12km of the 42km race without shoes, as the shoes he wore were worn out. Being a determined runner, he finished the race.

Speaking to the Herald he says his dream shoes are the Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoes.

Dream for proper running shoes to continue training

“The proper shoes will help keep my Comrades Marathon dream alive. It will also help me train better and this is not only for me it will help other youngsters to never give up on their dreams.” he said.

In recent years he has improved so much with his running and has had several podium finishes which include the Shikhumba Marathon 42km race in 2025. Speaking to the Herald he says his love for running started at a young age, but he only started taking it seriously in 2018.

He was also part of the Phalaborwa Road Runners, before moving to SANDF this year, He is currently trained by Hitekani Shikwambana one of the fastest marathon runners in Phalaborwa.

From Phalaborwa Road Runners to SANDF athlete

Mongwe’s dream is to become one of the top runners in the country and one day see his name among the top 10 finishers of the Comrades Marathon.

To assist with raising money for Mongwe’s perfect shoes contact him on 071 4850 320.