What began as a personal mission to lose weight and improve her health has grown into a movement inspiring women across South Africa to lace up their running shoes and believe in themselves.

For Refilwe Dzonzie, running was never about being an elite. Instead, it was about reclaiming her life and proving that determination can take a person further than they ever imagined.

She started her running journey in August, when she decided enough was enough.

“I started running because I was tired of being overweight and always being exhausted for nothing. I was a person who didn’t like exercise. I was living, but dead.”

Before taking up running, Dzonzie began attending spinning classes and walking, a decision she says changed her life.

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“That’s where my life started, and something shifted,” she said.

Her story captured national attention during the 2025 SPAR Women’s Race when a video of her crossing the finish line in last place in the 10km race went viral on social media. While many may have seen a runner finishing at the back of the field, countless women saw something far more powerful.

Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1499882064467244

“While running this race, I refused to give up. I wanted to fulfil something I had started,” she said. “I didn’t know that many women would find inspiration and soon start their own journeys.”

Since then, Dzonzie has become a source of motivation for women from all walks of life. She credits running with helping her navigate life’s challenges, manage stress and develop a healthier lifestyle.

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She began documenting her training sessions and race experiences on social media, where her authentic approach quickly resonated with many. Her Facebook page has since grown to more than 19 000 followers.

To further support newcomers to the sport, she started an online community called the ‘runners show’, where beginners can share advice, encourage one another and celebrate their progress.

Dzonzie said women travel from as far as the Eastern Cape to meet her and participate in races together.

“This is a humbling experience for me because this was not my goal. I simply wanted to grow, learn and become a better version of myself,” she said.

She ran her first 21km race at the N12 Ultra Marathon and said she is proud to have completed the race.

Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/845445984629699

“Strength training became my fighter,” she said. “Even though I received criticism on social media, with many saying I wasn’t ready for it, I managed to complete it in under four hours.”

Now, Dzonzie has set her sights on an even bigger challenge and is training for her first full marathon, scheduled to take place in Potchefstroom in October. Her training programme currently includes two days of strength training and three days of running each week.

Looking ahead, she hopes to use her experiences to motivate even more women through public speaking and advocacy in the running community.

“My advice to other women out there is for them to pour into themselves and start loving themselves,” she said.