There’s something special about local talent, and when that talent is wrapped up in a humble, high-achieving 18-year-old with a heart for others and a serious turn of speed, you know you’ve struck community gold.
Meet Leah Edwards, a Grade 12 learner at Curro Hillcrest High School, and one of the brightest rising stars on KZN’s youth running scene. Not only is she an A student tackling a tough subject combo of double science, maths, and history, but she’s also the head of sports custodian at school, a 1st team hockey player, a district-level athlete and, most recently, an ambassador for the Durban SPAR Women’s Challenge, where she’s flying the flag for young women in sport.
Oh, and did we mention she’s been representing KZN in cross-country for the past six years?
Leah’s journey into running wasn’t some carefully plotted path. It started at age 11, during what she describes as a fun, slightly random outing with her dad – the Nelson Mandela Trail Run.
“I didn’t think much of it at first,” she laughs. “But as soon as my feet hit that trail, I knew this was the beginning of something big. Actually, I can’t really remember my life before running.”
Since then, Leah’s stacked up some serious milestones. She placed Top 20 at the SA U17 Cross Country Champs, and her name has become a fixture in the Top 5 junior category of every SPAR Women’s Challenge she enters – Durban, Cape Town, Joburg, Pietermaritzburg. She ran her first 10km race at just 14, and by the end of that series, had placed joint third Junior overall.
But what really sets Leah apart is not just her pace, it’s her perspective.
“For me, running isn’t just a sport – it’s how I spread God’s love,” she says simply. “It’s a gift from Him and I get to use it to inspire others, especially young women.”
This is what drew her to the SPAR Women’s Challenge, a race series rooted in empowerment, unity and social upliftment. “Running empowers. Running encourages. Running unites. That’s what fuels my passion.”
As the youngest ambassador for the Durban leg of the race, Leah doesn’t just wear the title – she lives it. She’s constantly encouraging schoolmates to join her for runs, shares tips with nervous newcomers and uses her growing platform to shine a light on the positive mental and emotional benefits of running.
Her proudest moment so far? “Seeing my friends start running because of me nagging them to come on just one jog. Now, they run regularly. That makes me emotional – it really feels like I’m sharing something sacred.”
With a schedule that reads more like a corporate executive’s than a teenager’s, Leah has had to master the art of balancing it all. Between AP Maths, hockey, studying for major exams and school events, she still finds time to train six days a week, often running at sparrows or between school and extra-murals.
“Google Calendar is my best friend,” she admits. “I literally feel like a girl boss when I see my colour-coded week.”
Her top tip for staying motivated on tough days? “I remind myself who I’m running for. I’m running to bring glory to God. And I think about the people around the world who would love to be able to run, but can’t. So I run for them too.”
And when all else fails? “A banana – even though I hate them – settles my stomach before a race. It’s gross, but it works.”
Beyond the accolades, Leah is wonderfully down-to-earth.
“My ultimate hype squad has to be my running playlist – a juicy mix of pop, country, worship and slow music. I live for my music. Not only does it hype me up, it also calms my nerves.”
Her favourite race-day song is “Go” by The Chemical Brothers, her go-to recovery snack is a chocolate Super M, and her dream post-race meal is always sushi because …“any celebration calls for sushi!”
Despite her packed schedule, Leah makes time for her friends and admits to the occasional guilty pleasure: “I love running, but I don’t let it consume me, because my friends and academics are equally as important to me; and although I’ve definitely caught myself doomscrolling on Instagram when I should’ve been studying, I remind myself that balance means putting effort into everything that matters.”
When asked what she’d say to girls who want to start running but feel intimidated, Leah doesn’t miss a beat: “Just start. Everyone’s journey is different. You don’t have to be fast or fit – you just need the courage to take the first step. Run for you, not anyone else. That’s how you’ll fall in love with it.”
And if the SPAR Women’s Challenge had a themed dress-up run?
“I’d totally go as Taylor Swift. She represents empowerment, resilience and staying true to yourself. Plus, her outfits are iconic – and I already run to her music!”
With her heart set on inspiring more young women to hit the road, and her faith guiding each step, Leah is a shining example of what Youth Day is all about: passion, purpose and potential.
So, whether you’re lacing up for your first 5km, planning to cheer from the sidelines or just need a little motivation, remember Leah’s words: “Do it happy. Do it sad. Do it tired. Do it scared. Just do it.”
