By Adnaan Mohamed
In the fast lane of Durban’s Suncoast promenade, where pounding feet paint a picture of power and purpose, the queen of last year’s race, Christine Njoki, is back—and this time, she’s not just chasing a title, but perhaps history itself.
The Kenyan dynamo, who scorched the tarmac in 2024 with a blistering 31-minute victory in the Totalsports Women’s Race, is returning to defend her crown on Sunday, 3 August 2025.
Last year, she cut through the humid coastal air like a hot blade through butter, leaving a world-class field in her slipstream. But this year, the stakes are higher—a R1 million carrot dangles ahead for the first woman to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record of 29:27.
Christine, already a two-city champion after conquering both Durban and Cape Town, is striding back into familiar territory with the graceful ferocity of a cheetah returning to its hunting ground.
“My experience at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban was amazing—there was incredible energy from both the runners and the organisers,” she says.
“I’m coming back because of the love and support from the fans, the race organisers, and of course, the opportunity to defend my title.”
But for Christine, this race is more than just a victory lap—it’s a celebration of resilience, femininity, and the everyday battles women overcome.
“Not only does the event celebrate women’s passion and hard work, but it also acknowledges the unique challenges we face. It’s truly an honour to compete in such an empowering race.”
Durban’s beachfront will become a battleground where elite feet fly and hearts race. Among the top contenders are fellow Kenyan Jane Ghati Chacha, who’s fresh off a win in Gqeberha, Lesotho’s ever-tenacious Neheng Khatala, and South Africa’s own Tayla Kavanagh, each of them sharpening their spikes for a shot at glory—and gold.
The million-rand world record incentive has added an electric charge to the starting line, turning a race into a revolution.
“It’s an incredibly motivating incentive,” Christine admits.
“Every woman lining up in Durban will give her best to challenge the world record. It’s a powerful statement that women are valued and celebrated in society through the Totalsports Women’s Race.
“My primary goal will be to improve on my previous time. If I feel strong after the halfway mark, I’ll definitely push to challenge the world record.”
For Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, Christine’s return is like bringing fire back to the flame.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christine Njoki, the reigning Totalsports Women’s Race Champion in both Durban and Cape Town, back to Durban for what promises to be an electrifying day of world-class women’s racing. Christine’s return adds incredible excitement to this year’s event, and we can’t wait to see her in action.”
But the Totalsports Women’s Race isn’t just a fast-footed showdown. It’s a moving tribute to women across South Africa and beyond, from Olympians to everyday heroines. The race supports PinkDrive, a non-profit fighting breast cancer through awareness, education, and mobile screening for the medically uninsured.
And as if the day wasn’t already humming with energy, South African songbird Lady Zamar will lift spirits even higher with her soulful, empowering performance, providing the perfect soundtrack for a day where strength, unity, and speed collide.
From the rhythmic drumbeat of thousands of running shoes to the emotional resonance of solidarity, the Totalsports Women’s Race is more than a competition—it’s a celebration, a movement, and maybe this year, the scene of a world record.
So, as the sun rises over Snell Parade, all eyes will be on Christine Njoki—the defending champion, ready to blaze another unforgettable trail through Durban’s streets.
