Many may recognise Lungelo Ndlovu from his job at the Palm Court BP Garage, but he is no ordinary petrol attendant.
Lungelo is a talented runner, who believes he is champion material. He is currently a regular at the Park Run in Florida where he completes the 5km run in 17 minutes. He trains six days a week, running 30km a day. He runs in the afternoons between Florida and Honeydew before his night shifts at the petrol station. He occasionally also runs to Fourways from his home in Florida.
He started competing in competitions last year and has since completed 11 races, ranging from 5km to 32km. He recently competed in the King’s School West Rand/ Clearwater race where he ran the 10km race in 35 minutes.
He started running around five years ago. Once he realised he was a gifted runner, he started to take his training and diet seriously. At first he felt he could not take part in events as he did not have the proper running kit but he continued to train and now feels he is almost ready to compete in larger races.
A fellow runner, Ellah Ndlovu, took to Facebook to spread awareness about Lungelo’s achievements and ask for sponsors. So far, R800 has been raised to get him a pair of running shoes and hopefully there will be money left over to enter him into races. Kim Gray, owner of KG Designs, really stepped up to the plate and donated personalised running clothes to Lungelo. Other members of the community also donated second-hand running shoes and clothing.
The Facebook ‘campaign’ has made Lungelo feel he must carry on pushing to become a champion. “I want it so bad. I know now that not having fancy clothes does not stop you from running, and my time has only improved as I feel the support and have hope,” Lungelo said.
He now aims to bring his time down to completing 5km in 15 minutes and 10km in 30 minutes. He also wishes to take part in the FNB Joburg 10km City Run at the end of September.
To donate or sponsor Lungelo, contact Ellah Ndlovu on 072 774 5170.
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