At a time when many people are slowing down, Lesley is still moving forward—one step at a time—walking around 40 kilometres every week.
Now in her early seventies, Lesley has been part of the Run Walk For Life community for an incredible 29 years. She first joined the Bryanston branch and later continued her journey at Fourways when Beth took over the branch in August 2010.
But Lesley didn’t start walking for fitness. She started because she had to.
After years of struggling with lower back pain that began in her twenties and worsened over time, her chiropractor gave her simple but powerful advice: walk. Not on a treadmill, but outside on real roads, with real variation, to truly strengthen her body.
That one decision changed everything.
Today, Lesley speaks confidently about how walking has helped her back and kept her feeling young and healthy. But what keeps her coming back, week after week, year after year, goes far beyond the physical benefits.
When asked what Run Walk For Life means to her, her answer is clear:
“It keeps me healthy. It keeps me young. And it keeps me connected.”
For Lesley, it’s about:
- Health — not just managing her back, but feeling strong and well every day
- Fitness — staying active and proving that age is no barrier
- Friendship — building lifelong connections and never having to walk alone
- Fresh air and routine — a reason to get up, get out, and keep moving
- Accessibility — a programme that is welcoming and affordable for everyone
And if you think she takes it easy, think again.
Lesley walks at an average pace of 9 minutes per kilometre, and during the Fourways branch’s monthly time trials, her competitive spirit shines as she pushes herself to an impressive 8.2 minutes per kilometre.
Her message to anyone thinking about joining?
“Absolutely do it. Get up out of your chair and get some fresh air and exercise. It doesn’t matter how slow or fast you are, whether you can walk 1 km or 5 km. Everyone is welcome, and everyone will benefit.”
And perhaps her most powerful words of all:
“Don’t sit on your own and be sad. Get up, get out, and do something.”
Lesley’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start, and that sometimes the smallest step can lead to a lifetime of strength, connection, and joy.
At Run Walk For Life Fourways, stories like Lesley’s are not the exception—they are the heartbeat of a community that supports, encourages, and celebrates every step forward.
Why not start your own journey today?