Trail running is great for many reasons that extend far beyond fresh air and a brand new PB. Here, two UTCT runners, Nontuthuko Mgabhi and Michelle Mojela, detail why they love the sport – and the amazing benefits of trail running they reap every day.
Meet The Athletes
Michelle Mojela
Avid runner Michelle Mojela has racked up nine Comrades Marathon finishes and completed the RMB Ultra-trail® Drakensberg (UTD), a 100-mile race along the Drakensberg mountain range. Michelle has a passion for giving back to their communities and growing the participation of local SA runners in ultra trail running events.
Nontuthuko Mgabhi
Nontuthuko’s story combines athletic achievement with remarkable social impact. Having accumulated an astounding 70 000 km in trail running since 2014, she has distinguished herself in a sport demanding extreme physical and mental fortitude through her resilience and unique approach to running as a form of moving meditation.
1. Trail Running Fosters Consistency
While Nontuthuko has accumulated over 70 000 km in trail running since 2014, the entire endeavour began with nothing more than a fun walk. “The key was consistency. I did not even focus much on distance or speed; I just focused on doing that which I said I would do,” she recalls. Through regular practice, Nontuthuko progressed from a walk to 5km and 10km fun runs like Spar Ladies and Totalsport Women’s Race, then to half-marathons and marathons. The essence of each achievement, for Nontuthuko, is consistency. “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of taking action. You get better with doing, not talking. Consistent efforts are critical for progress,” she says. Now, she holds the title as the first female from Africa to have run seven marathons on seven continents within seven consecutive days.
2. You Feel Good
“Trail running has fundamentally changed my perspective on physical activity,” reflects Michelle. “Initially, moving my body was often a chore. However, trail running has transformed it into a joyful and fulfilling activity.” Nontuthuko echoes this. “Trail running provides a lasting feel-good emotion,” she says. “Because of the technical nature of most trail runs, the race is usually long hours out – I get to spend a full day (sometimes night) out in the woods. What a joy!”
3. Trail Running Changes How You View Exercise
Like Michelle said above, trail running made exercise fun for her, encouraging her to work out. “It is a passion rather than just a workout,” she says. For Nontuthuko, it’s a much-needed break from everyday life – and renews her vitality. “It also provides me with an opportunity to fellowship with myself and appreciate the gift of good health and life,” she says. “We sometimes sleepwalk through life and take a lot for granted. I do not want to sleepwalk through my life. I want to be awake and be fully here on earth.”
4. You Get To Travel
Not every city has a ton of outdoor trails, so often, big races are dotted throughout the country, allowing for travel. Plus, as Nontuthuko points out, it allows the opportunity to find different terrain, different altitude and ultimately, different challenges. Increasingly, trail running travel is becoming more mainstream, with iconic races taking place in scenic locations like Japan, Switzerland, Vietnam and the USA.
5. Trail Running Helps Your Mental Health
“Running, especially trail running, is about fostering a sense of community, giving also fosters a sense of community, strengthens relationships, and can lead to improved mental and physical health for the giver,” says Nontuthuko. According to runners, the benefits of trail running include stress reduction, improved mood and well-being and increased resilience and confidence. Studies also show that trail running helps enhance cognition.
6. It’s A Way Of Giving Back
Nontuthuko notes that “most races involve local people and create opportunities of economic growth,” which means that your participation helps that area economically. More than that, both Nontuthuko and Michelle are involved in giving back along with running. For Michelle, giving back not only helps promote the sport and local trails but in her mentorship, she can help others. “Sharing my experiences, especially the challenges I faced as a beginner, can inspire and guide others in the community,” she says.
7. Trail Running Helps Longevity
Nontuthuko notes that by running regularly, she is investing not only in her longevity, but the quality of life, too. “We talk a lot about lifespan and not so much about ‘health span’,” she says. “I am not too concerned about lifespan but mostly health span; quality of life. To live well. Exercise in my view is a cornerstone to improved quality of life at any age.”
