- A single-legged runner competing in the Nelson Mandela Marathon on one crutch has gone viral across South Africa
- The man filmed racing through closed city streets is a former South African cross-country champion, Bonakele Ntshangase
- Viewers are now calling on sponsors to step in, with one suggesting a GoFundMe page to get him an artificial leg
A video from the Nelson Mandela Marathon, held on 19 October, has captured the hearts of South Africans. Footage of a one-legged runner competing on a single crutch spread rapidly across social media.
Source: TikTok
The clip shows the athlete powering through closed city streets lined with barrier banners, keeping pace with the field in a scene that has left viewers both humbled and inspired. The text overlaid on the video reads simply: "What's your excuse?"
What makes the story even more remarkable is the runner's background. The man is a former South African cross-country champion, suggesting this is no ordinary recreational participant but a seasoned competitor. The video posted by TikTok user @kappilinho gained nationwide praise. Watch the one-legged runner take on the Nelson Mandela Marathon:
SA discusses athlete
The response online to Bonakele Ntshangase was overwhelming.
@Sinovuyo wrote:
"All the way from Cradock oh super proud of him 🥰💃"
The reaction that resonated most widely, however, came from @Life with Fadzie:
"Where are the sponsors! This man deserves an artificial leg to continue with his dream of running."
The comment sparked further conversation, with @kappilinho_runs responding directly:
"You know that he is a former SA cross country champion? Do you think runners would contribute to a GoFundMe page for him?"
Briefly News stories about marathon competitions
- The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) issued a formal public statement addressing widespread rumours within the running community alleging that novice runners were given preferential treatment during entry allocations.
- Zimbabwean athletes dominated the headline 42.2km divisions at the Two Countries Marathon, an event that started in Musina, Limpopo, crossed the border, and concluded at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
- A South African certified financial planner (@finplan.southafrica) went viral on Instagram after publishing a financial breakdown estimating the entry fee revenue generated by the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
Source: Briefly News
Authors:
Hot: