Epic runner Pfano Ungedzani, 26, completed a 448 km run from Pretoria to Thohoyandou in just 13 days in June 2025 and now has his sights on the international stage.
The 400-metre runner from Tshidzini, outside Thohoyandou, undertook the run to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide, as well as to tackle bullying.
He was due to compete in the Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) U16, U18, U20, and senior track and field event at Pilditch Stadium on 21 February but withdrew at the last minute following the death of his sister.
“My pulling out was a setback, but I am using long-distance runs to train for Olympic qualification. I aim to compete in future Olympic Games and other international tracks,” he said.
Ungedzani is training day and night for the qualifying races starting in April 2026. “I last ran in the ABSA Run Your City in Cape Town in May 2025. With a personal best of 48.73 seconds, nothing will stop me from [going to] the Olympics. I am fully prepared,” he said.
He also mentors eight local youngsters, preparing them for national competitions. “They are very talented and take training seriously. Exposure to national tracks will open doors to sponsors, and they will soon be shining with the best,” Ungedzani said.
Youngsters wishing to train with him can contact him on 069 827 3897.