An Incredible South African runner who took on the Two Oceans Marathon on crutches has gone viral for all the right reasons.
This year was going to be his first attempt at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to run in Cape Town, albeit with a greater cause than just his own.
On 31 March Ipeleng Khunou lined up alongside thousands of other runners who had entered into the Old Mutual Two Oceans Half Marathon.
What makes him different from the rest, however, is that he tackled the 21.1km distance using crutches.
Khunou was born with a brain deformity called Septo Optic Dysplasia, meaning that he was born without balance. Amazingly, he took on the country’s biggest half marathon event.
Cameron Dugmore shared a post about him which has had thousands of shares.
“I had a tough but eventually awesome Two Oceans . I clearly did not train enough and was battling from the start . Had to walk most of Southern Cross Drive.
While running (very slowly!) near Kirstenbosch , I bumped into a member of Gugs Running Club, who was helping Ipeleng Khunou by clearing the path in front for him.
He needed help. I then covered the back to keep runners from bumping his crutches.
Between there and the finish he cramped up a few times very badly and had to lie down while we found salt, energy drinks and water. At one point a doctor actually helped to deal with the cramp and straighten his leg.
We all reached the finish together just before the cut off time.
I have never witnessed such courage and determination.
He collapsed at finish line. Myself and Nyaniso Qwesha from Gugs RC then took him to the first aid tent where he received massage treatment. Roger Sedres took this photo and shared.
This is a Two Oceans I will never forget. Faith. Discipline. Perseverance. The words of Ds Anthony from VGK Uniondale ring true. Salute Ipeleng Khunou – you are an incredible example to us all.”
The 31-year-old says he has always looked for any excuse to get moving on his feet, and his journey as a runner started during his childhood.
“I’ve always tried to run, especially as a child where we would play games that involved chasing each other. For me, it’s not about speed, I just love to move.”
Khunou started running seriously 12 years ago when he decided he needed to lose weight. “I came in at about 120kg and I decided that I needed to change my life and running was the easiest way to do that.”
Through age and experience, Khunou’s running escapades have seen him excel, having completed several half marathons including Old Mutual Om Die Dam Half Marathon. This year is going to be his first attempt at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to run in Cape Town, albeit with a greater cause than just his own.
“I’m was really excited about this run. What makes it special for me is that I’m raising money for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. A lot of people tell me that I am an inspirational person because I run on crutches but I haven’t felt the same. Now I actually had a purpose to run, and I was driven to finish with a medal. I couldn’t let the children down,” says Khunou.
by 
Mr Khunou
I read this story to my children this morning.
We think you are remarkable!
Thank you too for thinking of others even above your own needs.
We are very admiring.
You inspire!
Kay Horn and family
Ipeleng is a hero for running and showing disabled is abled. I bumped into Nyaniso Qwesha after the race and was catching up with him, as we know each other. When I asked how his run was, he, in his modest way smiles and says, he wasn’t meant to run because he hadn’t done much training, but then because this guy(Ipeleng) needed help, he ran with him all the way. So there is another hero…