George Sithole caught up with Mathews ‘the General’ Leeto. With a 02:09 Marathon PB and numerous 10km and Half Marathon victories under his belt, he’s remains Hollywood AC’s brightest Purple Stars.
Hailing from Zeerust in the Ikageleng region of the North West Province, Mathews Leeto is known on the running circuit as “Gipp” a nickname that translates to “General,” earned from his commanding presence on the football pitch. Before taking up running, Mathews had a strong background in soccer, but he eventually traded his boots for the road.
Now celebrated for his unorthodox running style which to the untrained eye, makes him appear as through he’s struggling. He is a seasoned athlete with an edge few can match.
He began running a decade ago, simply to stay fit. Little did he know that it would evolve into a deep passion and competitive career. Exactly 10 years from his first run, he marked his debut race by finishing 10th overall at the Bonjanala Half Marathon in Rustenburg. At 25, where most people start running just to stay active, Mathews found something deeper. “I started running to stay fit, but it quickly became a passion. I loved the challenge, the discipline, and the peace it brought me,” he shared.
Recognising his potential, Makadima Athletic Club in the North West was the first to recruit him. From there, he progressed to the Nedbank Running Club, where he spent the 2022 season. In 2023, Mathews made the move to the Hollywood Athletics Club, a team whose vision and elite program aligned perfectly with his goals.
“I was looking for a club that aligned with my goals and had a strong support system. Hollywood stood out with their elite program and dedication to athlete growth,” Mathews explained.
Hollywood Athletics Club continues to grow, bringing in elite talent like Mathews, who exemplifies our values of discipline, performance, and personal development.
Behind every great athlete is a support system, and Mathews attributes his success to his coach, family, and teammates, people who have stood by him in both triumph and adversity. A committed family man, he draws strength from his loved ones and his grounded upbringing. “We can’t do anything in life without support,” he says. “My family and teammates have been my biggest motivators.”
Balancing training, racing, and family life is no easy feat, but Mathews has mastered it.
“It’s all about time management and setting priorities. I schedule my training around family time, and I make sure to be fully present with them when I’m home.”
This balance has translated into real results. Mathews has claimed six victories in the 10km distance, five in the 21km, and secured numerous top 10 finishes in marathons. He boasts a personal best marathon time of 2:09, achieved at the 2024 Durban International Marathon, where he finished second overall an impressive improvement from his previous 2:15.
“Everything aligned that day my training, mindset, and race conditions. I also had great pacing and pushed myself beyond limits I thought I had,” he reflected.
Everything aligning on race day can be attributed to the routine Mathews follows the day before, such as eating clean meals like pasta or rice with lean protein. “I also prioritize hydration, rest, and mental preparation by reviewing my race strategy and visualizing the finish line,” he added.
Unlike many runners who specialize in a specific distance, Mathews embraces the full range 10km, 21km, and 42km. Each gives him a unique thrill, especially when crossing the finish line in the purple colours of the Hollywood Athletics Club. Every race finish, he says, is a standout moment.
Mathews Leeto is more than just a runner he’s a soldier on the road. When the starting gun fires, he gives everything for his family, his club, and his future. At 35, he remains a formidable force in South African long and short distance running, with many more victories yet to come.
