SPOTLIGHT: Pulenyane on the move

Pulenyane

SPOTLIGHT: Pulenyane on the move

In 2023 Lekhotla Pulenyane was ready to pull the plug on competitive running. Fast-forward a year and he’s one of several athletes to have signed Sub-Elite Contracts with Hollywood Athletics Club. Thathe Msimango shares his story.

In 2023, Lekhotla Pulenyane had already given up on his lifelong dream of becoming a professional athlete. All that changed when he met Prodigal Khumalo, who convinced him to make a return to competitive running. Khumalo is a Comrades Marathon gold medallist and carries over two decades of running experience. He also has an eye for the talent as he produced multiple top-class athletes including Comrades and Two Oceans gold medallist Nkosikhona Mhlakwana and Makhosi Mhlongo. Fast forward to 2024, a reinvigorated Pulenyane is one of the dangerous long-distance runners int eh country and has arguably enjoyed the best year in his running career.

His biggest accomplishment this year includes winning a tough and hilly Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi 52km race in an outstanding 03:01:00.

“Last year, I was working at the Hotel and had already given up on competitive running. At that time, I was running to keep myself fit,” explains Pulenyane

“All that changed when I met Prodigal Khumalo at a race in the Eastern Cape. He said to me, ‘ You’ve got talent and you can still go far.’ He then asked me to work together. At that time, I had approached so many clubs asking them to sign me but I wasn’t getting positive responses. In December (2023), I attended an Orcas Academy camp. That’s where it all started,” he said.

The 32-year-old who hails from Qacha Neck Village in Lesotho, won the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi race on his third attempt. In 2022, he obtained 8th position overall with a time of 03:05:48 then last year, he earned 12th place in 03:04:55. He says winning a race was the biggest highlight of his career.

“Twice I had tried to win the race but it was not happening. This year, I won the race with ease I could say. I was fit on the day,” he explained.

“Credit to my training partners Musawenkosi Mthalane, Thobani Chagwe and Mhlakwana who helped me to prepare well for it. When I told my parents about it they were so happy and they even promised to slaughter a cow for me. They might do it once I go to visit in December, but I don’t know. I was so happy that day, I’ll never forget it.”

Pulenyane, who came agonisingly close to finishing inside this year’s Soweto Marathon top 10, eventually ran a marathon PB of 02:22:48 on his way to an 11th-place finish. And he has been rewarded for his stellar showing on the road. The 32-year-old was given a sub-elite contract by Hollywood Athletics Club – the first contract of his career.

“This was the first time I was getting a running contract in my career. When I told my parents, they were so happy because they didn’t believe that I could make a career with running and had previously asked me to quit. Now, I can relax without worrying about using my money to buy certain things for running. Plus I can choose races without having to run every race for the sake of chasing the money. So this is big deal for me, ” he highlighted.

Pulenyane credits Mhlakwana for his rise. The pair have been training together since the start of this year with Mhlakwana assisting Pulenyane both on and off the road.
“I started to train with Mhlakwana in February this year. He is like a brother to me. He has taught me a lot of things. Besides running, he is a responsible person who wants me to be like him,” explains Pulenyane.

“He respects training. Plus he has told me that I have to be responsible when it comes to money. He even advised me to look after my family and be wise in terms of spending. And also stay away from bad things like alcohol which can destroy your career. So I respect him for that. “

Now Pulenyane has set sights on several big races next year and hopes for a top-five finish at Two Oceans.

“I now want to run big races like Two Oceans, the Comrades Marathon and the Soweto Marathon. I also want to improve my times and be more competitive. The race that closest to my heart is Two Oceans despite the fact I haven’t run it before. I dream of finishing inside the top five,” he concluded.

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