LIMPOPO – Long-distance runner Timothy Munzhelele says he is feeling well and preparing to return to training after being struck by a car during the Tshilamba 3-in-1 Half Marathon on October 17.

Munzhelele (39) from Makonde outside Thohoyandou was hit about 2km from the finish line while competing in the 21km race for Faranani Athletic Club.

Despite the incident, he managed to finish in fifth position before receiving medical attention from emergency teams.

‘I will be back.’

In an update to CV, Munzhelele said his recovery was progressing well and that he planned to resume training this week.

“I am now feeling well. I will be back,” he said.

Feared for his career

Following the incident, Munzhelele had expressed concern about his future in athletics, saying the initial pain prevented him from running even 500 metres.

He feared the incident could derail a career that has taken him from local road races to international competitions, including an elite 100km event in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2023.

The Venda Athletic Club confirmed that the motorist stopped after the incident and attended to Munzhelele.