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If your idea of a Monday morning usually involves hitting snooze on repeat, you might need something to boost you out of bed… and the uMhlanga Runners might be it!
Every Monday, while most of Durban is still fast asleep, a growing community of early risers is gathering at Park Square Umhlanga for a 5am run that’s as much about connection as it is about fitness.
Founded by local social entrepreneur Siyanda Ntenga, these weekly runs have quickly become a feel-good ritual for locals looking to start their week on a high note. Open to all fitness levels, the sessions offer 5km and 10km routes through the scenic streets of Umhlanga. You can run, jog, or just walk.
Best of all, it’s completely free. No sign-up fees, no pressure… just a welcoming community.
“The idea was to create something consistent and positive,” says Ntenga. “It’s about bringing people together, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and creating a space where people can connect beyond their daily routines.”
From personal journey to community impact
For Ntenga, running is more than a hobby. After taking up the sport during a challenging time in his life, he went on to complete multiple Comrades Marathon races and international marathons, transforming both his fitness and his outlook on life.
“Running has completely transformed my life for the better, not just physically, but in my work, my health, and my family life. It has given me discipline. I now apply that same level of discipline and endurance in everything I do,” says.
Today, that same passion fuels initiatives under his NPO, Ntenga Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment, community upliftment, and access to essentials like clean water.
In 2015, he started the first Ntenga Foundation Race. Now in its 12th year, they’re expecting 10 000 participants to the event that supports healthy living and tourism – with all proceeds going towards providing clean water through the installation of boreholes.
What you need to know
The Monday runs are just one part of that bigger picture, and for many participants, they’ve become a weekly highlight. Beyond the obvious fitness benefits, there’s something special about starting your day alongside like-minded people, watching the sun rise over the coast, and setting the tone for the week ahead.
- When: Every Monday at 5am
- Where: Park Square Umhlanga
- Distances: 5km and 10km
- Cost: Free
- Who can join: Everyone - all fitness levels welcome
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