The Plus-Size Runner Who’s Inspiring Thousands [Video]

As a devoted mother, Lerato Mokhaneli decided she needed to create a healthy example for her ten-year-old daughter to follow. The importance of her influence as a role model for her child was the spark that started her running. 

To her surprise, she became a role model for others too: in a short space of time, she inspired thousands on social media. Just six months later, Lerato is one of South Africa’s most popular running influencers. 

Runner’s World: You only began running and posting on social media in December, and now you have over 65 000 followers on Instagram. That was fast. Was this the plan?

Lerato Mokhaneli: It was never the plan! It had never even been in my thoughts. I just started sharing on social media to inspire and motivate others like me, and to keep myself accountable. 

RW: Did you have any previous experience in running, or in digital content creation? 

LM:…