Back-to-back Washie 100 winner Siyabonga Lele is gunning for a record third consecutive win in 2025 but cannot get there if funding for road running athletes continues to take a backseat.
At this year’s Washie, on July 20, Lele registered a comfortable win over second-placed Siphiwe Magubane from the University of Johannesburg, to finish in a time of 15:47:39, somewhat slower than his win in 2023 which saw him cross the finish line at 14:14:39.
Lele’s goal is to defend his title next year and to break the 13:07:05 race record, which will be impossible if he cannot find a sponsor soon to cover aspects of training including running shoes, clothes, nutrition, and a seconding team.
His win this year was emotional, as it came almost a year after the tragic passing of his decade-long teammate, Mcebisi Yose.
Though the Washie is the continent’s oldest ultramarathon, it remains largely self-funded for participation by the runners and does not include cash prizes for the winners because of the dearth of sponsorship for road running events and the steep costs involved in organising the event.
The Washie also encounters difficulty in attracting sponsors because it has less entrants than the 2 Oceans or the Comrades.
Without financial help, Lele’s capacity to run marathons is severely constrained.
All of these challenges spur him on, making him hungrier for the win and to break the record, which he plans to do before he turns 45, giving him only four more years to break Johan van der Merwe’s 12-year-old record.
Lele’s dedication to running is unparalleled, according to Scenery Park Athletics Club (SPAC). The club said he was a hardworking and humble athlete, with a passion for the sport that outweighs the difficulties he has had to find funding that has unfortunately cost him significant opportunities including missing this year’s Comrades Marathon.
Lele’s back-to-back victories in the Washie 100 have brought immense pride to SPAC. While his first win was a moment of celebration, the second victory was deeply emotional for the club, as they played a more active role in his preparation.
Lele’s tenacity and strength have become a source of inspiration for runners of all levels within the club, making him a respected figure and a fountain of knowledge on techniques and strategies.
SPAC is committed to supporting him, including seeking sponsorships and community donations to ensure he has the resources needed to continue competing at the highest levels. The club, which was formally registered in 2022 and consists mainly of unemployed adults and youth, and said they were determined to help Lele defend his title.
Border Athletics (BA) will be appealing to local institutions and individuals for support in ensuring Lele’s 2025 season will see him breaking the record.
BA president Sicelo Pongama said: “We are proud of his back-to-back wins, as Washie is a gruelling race and requires a lot of physical and mental strength.
“It was a great way to honour Yose, and it adds significance that the winner is from one of our affiliated clubs.
“We appeal to all institutions and individuals interested in supporting Siyabonga to contact his club chair and the federation so that we can ensure that the support reaches Siyabonga.
“He has a great attitude & physical strength, he wins it again next with an even greater time. The support will ensure he has an even better preparation in terms of running shoes, appropriate clothes, nutrition and seconding team.”
BA is working towards developing road running athletes with limited resources through their first athlete symposium last year and Athletics SA (ASA) level one coaches course in June and an ASA level one and two courses to be held later this year. The federation is also working towards a development squad that will improve depth and range among the athletes representing Border.
