By Adnaan Mohamed
Five months ago, Kyla Jacobs was cradling a newborn in her arms. This Saturday, 9 August she’ll be cradling ambition as she makes her return to competition at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town.
The Boxer Athletics Club runner will take her marks not just as an athlete, but as a mother, and a symbol of a different kind of endurance. It’s the kind born in the dark, sleepless hours of new motherhood.
Kyla is blazing a trail for every woman who’s ever questioned whether she could bounce back after giving birth to her first child.
“Being part of an event that empowers women through sport is truly special and something I’m deeply passionate about,” she says.
“People often look to the winner of a race for inspiration, but lining up alongside so many women from different walks of life gives you an entirely new perspective. There’s inspiration in every single woman out there.”
After giving birth to her daughter, Lienke, Kyla could have taken a longer recovery jog through postpartum life. But instead, she chose to lace up and line up, using the Totalsports Women’s Race as her comeback canvas.
“More than any other, this race reminds me how strong women are – especially moms!” she explains.
“I’m excited to draw strength and inspiration from all the incredible women and mothers taking part, and I hope to inspire my little girl, Lienke, and all the other little girls out there to never give up on their dreams.”
“I’m really looking forward to sharing the joy of running and the essence of womanhood with everyone on the day.”
Kyla admits that while the goal is always to win, her focus this time is on testing her fitness, enjoying the moment, and racing with her heart – not just her watch.
“I’m looking forward to that adrenaline rush when the gun goes off – and of course, the celebrations at the finish line,” she smiles.
“My message to fellow entrants is that being healthy and fit is a privilege. Sharing that with a community of like-minded, goal-driven, strong women is both a blessing and a powerful force. Count your blessings, show up fully, and remember you are capable of anything you put your mind to.”
Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous sees in Jacobs a living embodiment of the event’s ethos.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome Kyla Jacobs to the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town, not only for her event debut but also for her inspiring return to racing after pregnancy,” says Crous.
“Kyla embodies the spirit of every woman taking part. She’s a strong, independent woman who balances life’s many roles with determination and grace. It’s a true honour to celebrate her journey and her comeback on National Women’s Day, alongside thousands of women who share that same strength.”
The 2025 edition of the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on Women’s Day promises more than fast feet and photo finishes.
With a 10km and 5km route, the event champions sisterhood, strength, and survivorship, all while supporting PinkDrive, a non-profit that’s been a beacon in the fight against breast cancer.
And as thousands of runners stretch their legs beneath Cape Town’s skyline, Lady Zamar’s voice will carry across the Grand Parade, an anthem for resilience and rebirth.
Kylas’ story isn’t just about a comeback. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest races often begin after the finish line of another. And sometimes, the fiercest competitors wear baby carriers between training sessions.
Start: Darling Street, Cape Town
Finish: Grand Parade
10km Start: 08:00
5km Start: 08:10
Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025
SUPPORTING: PinkDrive – www.pinkdrive.org
HASHTAGS: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
Info: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
WhatsApp: 064 815 4116
