Trailblazers in the making - rural KZN runners step up at RMB UTD

Seven KwaZulu-Natal athletes from the life-changing LIV2Run Athletics Club are among the faces to watch at this year’s RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) taking place from 24 to 26 April 2026 amid the peaks and valleys of the majestic Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site.

Ranging from elite athletes to gifted novices, these young men and women are shining examples of how the LIV2Run initiative is transforming the lives of young people through sport.

Athletes to Watch

LIV2Run coach-athlete Sinovuyo Ngcobo (30) will be tackling the 34km route, while Tsielo Tsanyane (28) and Khulekani Mbuyazi (26) are aiming to conquer the 25km trail, with teammates Nolwazi Dlamini (26), Sesphelele Ntanzi (19), Sbahle Ndlovu (22) and Mhlengi Chilli (19) setting their sights on the new 14km route.

With trail running taking off in South Africa, driven by the long-term commitment by sponsors such as RMB, the new, shorter distance has been introduced to make the sport even more accessible so that beginner runners can test their grit and mettle.

Lindi Meyer, the driving force behind LIV2Run, will also be running the 25km race at RMB UTD.

Transforming Lives Through Sport

Founded by Meyer in 2018, LIV2Run has evolved into a professional running club devoted to giving hope and purpose to budding athletes from disadvantaged communities in rural areas. For her, the club has always been about more than just running – it’s about transforming lives through sport.

“We try to provide our runners with access to opportunities and life skills training,” says Meyer. “We expose these athletes to travelling to races – really just opening their eyes, minds and hearts to bigger things, and causing hope to rise up so they can dream big.”

From Rural Roots to Competitive Trails

Thanks to this tight-knit circle of support, trail runners such as Sinovuyo and Tsielo have not only been able to compete with the best in the world at races such as RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town and RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg but are also paying it forward as inspirational coaches to the younger athletes.

Many of the LIV2Run runners hail from the rural town of Ndwedwe, in the iLembe district north of Durban, with its scenic rolling hills offering an ideal training ground.

Sinovuyo came to the LIV Village in Durban shortly after finishing matric. Never could he have imagined that, with training, love and support from LIV2Run, he would blossom into an accomplished trail runner and coach with a string of impressive finishes to his name. He dreams of competing on the world stage with the very best, continually pushing himself to reach new levels of excellence.

Teammate and fellow coach Tsielo is guided by the values instilled by his beloved grandfather every time he laces up his running shoes. After coming second in RMB UTCT men’s Explorer 23km race in 2023, he topped the podium in the Drakensberg Rock Jumper 25km race at the 2024 RMB UTD. In 2025, Tsielo finished sixth overall in the Cape Town Trail 22km and has set his sights on bigger things – including global trail running events.

Khulekani is a driven and focused athlete whose passion for running is matched by his commitment to personal growth and community upliftment. For him, running is a way to clear the mind, challenge the body and unlock one’s potential. With his sights firmly set on the next level, Khulekani is a talented runner to watch.

Mhlengi is an inspiring young athlete who joined the LIV2Run Athletics Club in March 2022, finding a community that continues to nurture his talent and personal growth. At just 19 years old, he approaches his goals with focus and determination. His dream is to become one of South Africa’s top runners and to build a successful future through the sport he loves. He won the RMB UTCT 16km, his first trail race.

Nolwazi was raised by her grandmother and discovered her love for running at school. For her, running is both a physical and mental pursuit – a way to stay disciplined, focused and grounded. Her dream is to become a top runner, inspired by Caster Semenya’s strength and self-belief. She credits running for helping her build confidence and embrace her future.

Sbahle began his running journey in 2020, and what started as a way to stay active has since grown into a deep commitment to self-improvement and balance – both physically and mentally. Inspired by world champion Eliud Kipchoge, his goal is to complete a marathon in a good time, a milestone this determined young runner is steadily working towards.

Also inspired by Eliud Kipchoge, Sesphelele is a dedicated and disciplined young athlete whose passion for running is rooted in both personal growth and the pursuit of a better future. Having started running in Grade 9, he has developed a deep love for the discipline, using it as a tool to rise above challenges, with his mother being his biggest supporter.

Inspiring a New Generation

These seven rural athletes represent a new wave of pioneering trail runners who are steadily climbing the ranks, with the support, coaching and guidance from their LIV2Run community of running enthusiasts.

They are living proof of the saying, “If you can see it, you can dream it.” Backed by passionate people who believe in them, they are embracing the chance to run towards their dreams, giving hope and inspiration to a new generation of promising South African athletes.

Event Details

RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) 2026 takes place from 24 to 26 April 2026.

Race line-up:UTD Miler – 165kmUTD100 – 100kmGCU – 62kmSDR – 34kmDRJ – 25.5kmGXA – 14km

For more information, visit https://www.ultratraildrakensberg.com and follow RMB on social media for event updates.