Johannesburg – Ashinthwela Announces Official Move to Bella’s Athletic Club, Marking a Powerful New Chapter in His Ultra-Marathon Journey
In an exciting and meaningful step forward in his running journey, Maphuti William Monyamane, affectionately known in the running community as Ashinthwela, has officially joined Bella’s Athletics Club.
The decision comes as a natural alignment with his values, as the club is known for its strong family-oriented culture, its commitment to members’ health, well-being, and happiness, and its active involvement in charity initiatives.
The welcoming spirit and unity within the club made an immediate impact on him, reinforcing his passion to grow, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to a community that prioritises both performance and people.
Ashinthwela continues to emerge as a powerful symbol of resilience, discipline, and unity within South Africa’s long-distance running fraternity.
An ultra-marathon runner with a deep passion for endurance sport, his journey is one defined not only by personal achievement but by service, inspiration, and a commitment to uplifting others.
“I’m excited to continue my journey with Bella’s and look forward to continuing to promote sports and wellness under the purple team”, said Ashinthwela.
Having begun his running journey in 2010 as a seasonal and recreational runner, Monyamane transformed a simple pursuit of fitness into a life mission.
Before discovering running, soccer was his first love.
However, frequent injuries from the contact nature of the sport led him to seek a healthier, more sustainable path.
Running quickly became more than exercise; it became purpose, therapy, and a calling.
His natural upright running posture, relaxed shoulders, and forward lean reflect the discipline and intentionality that characterize his approach to the sport.
Guided by his training philosophy, “Effort Changes Everything, Stay Committed and Give It Your All Always,” he continues to push the limits of endurance while inspiring those around him.
From the early days, Monyamane found joy not only in competing but in supporting others.
He became known for coordinating pace groups commonly referred to as “buses,” ensuring runners finished safely and achieved their target times. “
Witnessing the happiness and relief on fellow athletes’ faces at the finish line sparked a lifelong passion for selflessness and leadership.
He later began organising training runs across Gauteng, fostering unity, building endurance, and strengthening the collective spirit of the running community.
Determined to grow, he stepped outside his comfort zone by training with more experienced runners, learning from their discipline and performance, and steadily elevating his own capabilities.
Notable Achievements
Ashinthwela’s journey is marked by remarkable endurance feats and consistent performance, including:
• Icon’s Journey Challenge 2021 – 400km in seven days
• Fear Of Unknown School Uniform Charity Initiative 2021 – 1 500km in 31 days
• Washie 100 Miler 2022 – 18:00:47
• Two Oceans Marathon 2023 – 04:02:57
• Kaapsehoop Marathon 2024 – 2:53:47
• Comrades Marathon 2025 – 07:37:23
• Inkamana Half Marathon 2025 – 1:22:58
Reacting to the news, Club Chairperson Bobo Zitha said: “As Bella’s AC, we are super proud to be associated with such a big brand and an ambassador in the running fraternity.
“The club welcomes Ashi with open arms and we believe that this is the start of great things, especially for our growth ambitions in Gauteng.
“We feel invincible and believe that the sky is indeed the limit, as we jointly Aspire2inspire.”
Club Captain, Pat Ntimane, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have Ashinthwela join the Club, and it is a significant milestone in the journey of the Club as we continue to pursue our mission of inspiring thousands on fitness and family values.”
Gauteng Chairperson, Thabisa Makhubela, added: “We are super excited to welcome this icon to the Purple Family. Together we will jointly continue to pursue the mission of promoting fitness and overall wellbeing, whilst deepening family-oriented values.”
Ashinthwela’s current goal is to complete 10 Two Oceans and 10 Comrades Marathons, securing his permanent Blue and Green numbers, respectively, a milestone that represents dedication, consistency, and excellence.
Beyond personal success, his long-term vision is to transition into sports administration, where he can continue giving back and shaping the future of the running fraternity.
A Philosophy Rooted in Growth and Impact
Running has taught Ashinthwela that mental strength often outweighs physical ability.
“I believe that consistency builds results, discomfort fuels growth, and endurance creates clarity not only on the road but in life itself,” he adds.
Through every kilometre, he carries the message that the mind can push the body far beyond perceived limits.
His love for community and service is reflected in his deep appreciation for being part of a supportive running family that nurtures unity, encourages wellness, and actively participates in charitable causes, values that resonate strongly with his personal mission to #AspireToInspire.
As Ashinthwela ZA continues to pursue excellence in ultra-distance running, his mission remains clear: to inspire, to uplift, and to eventually plough back into the running community that shaped him.
His journey stands as a testament to perseverance, unity, and the powerful belief that with commitment and heart, anything is possible.
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