Zinhle Shabalala (31) from Xcel Running Club, who is fondly known as ‘Mini Cooper’, is still leaving her opposition in the dust in road-running events around the country.
Over the years, Zinhle has built and maintained a strong reputation for pushing herself to the limit, all the way from the start until she crosses the finish line.
She has claimed many first and second places in full marathons and half-marathons, and even travelled abroad to compete in England back in 2005.
The Covid-19 pandemic put a damper on Zinhle’s training and running achievements, but when it was again time for her to be on the road, she took the opportunity with open arms and hasn’t looked back… She has since taken part in numerous events and claimed many first places.
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This year, she has already conquered the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and the SA Championships. To add to the long medal list that Mini Cooper has amassed, she and her coach, Vumo Ngubane, travelled to Durban recently to take on the Hollywood Bet Durban Summer 10km event.
Zinhle once again showed her class to claim first place in the women’s category. She finished the race in a blistering time of 34 minutes and 38 seconds.
Her coach is very pleased with her achievements over the last few months and with the work Zinhle has put in. “I can see her growing from strength to strength in each and every race,” said Ngubane. Well done, Mini Cooper, on your latest accolade on the road! You are certainly making Ladysmith prouder and prouder!
