{
  "id": 1215654,
  "title": "From Ndwedwe to the Alps: KZN trail duo set for European dream at Mont-Blanc",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/from-ndwedwe-to-the-alps-kzn-trail-duo-set-for-european-dream-at-mont",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T06:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/athletics/teamsa/2026-08-16-from-ndwedwe-to-the-alps-kzn-trail-duo-set-for-european-dream-at-mont-blanc/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In late April, Tsielo Tsanyane shared his aspirations of competing internationally in the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc week. Despite just completing a challenging 25km race in the Drakensberg, Tsanyane expressed his desire to challenge top runners on the world-renowned Mont-Blanc mountains. As a member of LIV2Run in Durban, Tsanyane has grown immensely since joining the trail running development program supported by RMB during the Covid-19 years. Now, Tsanyane and his fellow athlete Sinovoyu Ndlovu (30) will showcase their talent at the ETC (Experience Trail Courmayeur) on August 25 in Courmayeur, Italy, as part of HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc week. While their race is a shorter, 15km course with 1,200m of elevation gain, it is still a significant test of their abilities. RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead Michael Edwards is pleased with the progress made by Tsanyane and Ndlovu, stating that RMB's efforts in supporting trail running in South Africa are paying off. This participation in the ETC is a result of the fundraising efforts of James Miller, a South African living in London, who has provided financial support for the two runners to compete in Europe for the first time. Ndlovu, who joined LIV2Run after high school, feels fortunate to have the opportunity to mentor younger runners and share her experience in Europe. Tsanyane, who finds coaching challenging, acknowledges the importance of developing both his running skills and mental strength. He intends to use this opportunity to gain valuable experience that will help him become a better runner, person, and mentor. LIV2Run, founded by Lindi Meyer ten years ago, aims to provide runners with access to opportunities and life skills training, opening their eyes to bigger dreams and fostering hope for their futures.",
  "summary": "From humble beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal to the towering peaks of the European Alps, LIV2Run athletes Tsielo Tsanyane and Sinovuyo Ndlovu are set to make their international debut at the prestigious HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc festival in Courmayeur, Italy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tsielo Tsanyane aims to compete internationally at Mont-Blanc.",
    "Sinovoyu Ndlovu joins Tsanyane for ETC race on August 25.",
    "RMB sponsorship enables Tsanyane and Ndlovu's European debut."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This breakthrough for Tsielo Tsanyane and Sinovuyu Ndlovu validates the impact of RMB's investment in South Africa's trail running talent through the LIV2Run program they support.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}