South African Ultra Runner Lodelia Kombrink Taking On 166km Challenge for Abused Children

Every kilometre of Lodelia Kombrink’s 166km mountain challenge will support Matla A Bana’s work protecting vulnerable children across South Africa.

George, South Africa (19 May 2026) – South African ultra-endurance runner Lodelia Kombrink is preparing to take on one of the toughest races of her career. From 29 to 31 May, she will tackle the 100-mile MUT Miler by UTMB, covering around 166 kilometres through the demanding terrain of the Outeniqua Mountains as part of the 2026 Mountain Ultra-Trail event.

But every kilometre of the race is tied to a bigger mission. Lodelia has partnered with child protection organisation Matla A Bana as part of its Xtreme for Kids initiative, using the ultra-distance challenge to raise awareness and funds for children affected by sexual abuse in South Africa.

The campaign hopes to support the building of child-friendly reporting facilities and the distribution of comfort packs for young victims navigating the reporting process.

Known in trail running circles for both her resilience and trademark bush hat, Lodelia has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s top female ultra-distance runners, collecting multiple podium finishes and ultra-trail victories over the past few years.

Her own journey has been marked by serious setbacks and comebacks. Before entering trail running, she survived a major car accident, underwent spinal surgeries and was told she might never compete in sport again.

She is now a mother of three, elite athlete and advocate. Her work in public healthcare has shown her first hand the emotional trauma many abused children face, something that made partnering with Matla A Bana deeply personal.

The organisation works to reduce secondary trauma for child victims of abuse by helping create safer and more supportive reporting spaces in police stations, courts and hospitals. It also provides comfort packs filled with essentials for children during the lengthy reporting and medical examination process, while offering specialised training for officials working on these sensitive cases.

The MUT Miler is one of South Africa’s toughest ultra-distance events, with runners facing freezing mountain conditions, steep climbs, sleep deprivation and long hours on the trails. But she believes having a meaningful purpose behind every step will help carry her through the toughest moments of the race.

The campaign has also launched a fundraising drive with a goal of raising R100 000 to support Matla A Bana’s projects across the country.

The bigger hope is that it sparks conversation, awareness and support for vulnerable children who need it most.

To get more information or donate to Lodelia’s crowdfund, follow the link here.

Sources: Supplied 

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