Who would have thought that running, humour, and romance could all fit into a page-turning teen novel?

Local author Bernadine Lightfoot has just released just Run!, an English translation of the popular Afrikaans teen novel HOL!.

The novel follows young protagonist Evie, who desperately needs her life to change. Her options are slim: Stay stuck, bored, scared, and miserable, or try something drastic she’ll almost certainly regret.

After one mortifying incident with school heartthrob Joshua, she does something she never thought she’d actually do – she runs.

The book also serves as a guide, offering practical running tips, training plans, and recipes.

“It’s a humorous, emotional story about feeling stuck, craving change, and discovering that something seemingly small can change your life.”

She says the book is precisely for those who will never, ever be runners.

“Readers come along for the mystery and the romance, but through Evie’s journey they unexpectedly ‘get’ the peace, grit, escape, and euphoria that’s found in running.”

Bernadine says the original idea for the story came from her own teenage years, when she wished there had been a book like this for her.

“Running changed my entire life, but for decades I assumed running was something other people did – fit, sporty, and confident people. Once I discovered how wrong I was, I wanted to give young readers the starting point I never had: a story that inspires them to try, while quietly showing them how,” she says.

She explains that the book is not simply a direct translation of the Afrikaans version, but has been reimagined and expanded with extra chapters.

“I revisited the story in such a big way because I felt like I never finished the story. So many people told me they loved HOL!, but couldn’t share it with others who didn’t read Afrikaans.

“I also knew there was more to explore with the characters, and this version allowed me to take the story further and hopefully place it in the hands of readers who need it the most,” she expresses.

From her own personal experience, she says running beyond the track or road has taught her that we’re capable of far more than we think we are. She says it has taught her to endure discomfort and has given her the confidence that we can do what seems impossible.

“I have received feedback from the book, and one of my favourite messages came from a 57-year-old man who tracked me down to tell me that after reading HOL!, he transformed his garage by installing a treadmill.”

She concludes by saying the one message she hopes readers take away from just Run! is to … just run. If you are nervous about going alone, the book suggests parkrun as a brilliant place to start.

The book is available as an eBook on Amazon.com, with the hardcover edition available from Exclusive Books.