21/04/2026
🔵 BlueRibboner of the Week: Valentine Lusigi
Meet Val - a woman who quite literally carries her own sunshine.
A lover of Christ, a seasoned banker, a devoted mother, and a full-on fitness enthusiast, Val lives by one simple mantra: good vibes always. Whether she’s in the kitchen (where she swears her hosting is a solid 5 ⭐), on the road logging miles, or lighting up a room with her smile; she shows up fully, warmly, and unapologetically.
Her running journey? Purely accidental.
She laced up in February 2025…and somehow, within just six months, had already conquered three marathons and an ultra marathon. Casual. 😄
Val found her way into the Blue Ribbon community during the 2025 Easter Challenge - and like many of us, she never looked back. The vibes pulled her in…but she stayed for the purpose, the people, the organization (yes, she appreciates the order 👀), and of course…the medals.
But beyond the medals and miles lies something deeper.
Val runs because movement is life.
In 2021, she was bedridden due to illness. Today, every single step she takes is a declaration - a celebration of life, strength, and possibility. As a person living with a disability, she continues to redefine limits in the most powerful way: by simply showing up and doing the work.
Fresh off completing the Two Oceans 56km ultra, she casually followed it up with a half marathon the next day.
“They say I’m ungovernable…” she says.
We agree. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
For Val, running, walking, and yes - even enjoying those Blue Ribbon mandaas - is about honoring every healthy version of herself.
Val inspires us in ways that go beyond words. Her “limitations” are merely opinions and honestly, weak ones at that. There’s nothing she cannot attempt, and very little she won’t.
You’ll find her messaging the Race Director the night before a run like:
“Hear me out… if I come early enough, can I do two loops and make it 32km?” - on a 16km route!!!
😂 That’s Val. Relentless. Joyful. Unstoppable.
A walking (and running!) reminder to Don’t Quit. Do It.
And that smile? The real finish line prize.
🌸 Flowers for you, Val. Keep shining.
