By Adnaan Mohamed
The Suncoast strip in Durban became a runway of dreams on Sunday, as Kenyan speedster Christine Njoki scorched through the Totalsports Women’s Race 10km course in a searing 30:14, shattering the Allcomers Record and defending her title in emphatic style.
Running like the wind had whispered secrets to her feet, Christine danced ahead of the pack, eyes on the prize and on history.
“The race wasn’t easy. I wanted to chase the record,” she said, referring to the Women’s Only 10km World Record of 29:27 held by fellow Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich.
“But I missed it. The next time I come here I know I will prepare well so that I can chase the record.”
Though the world mark survived the challenge, Christine’s personal best and record-setting run was a stirring start to the 2025 series.
“I feel so happy to defend my title today,” she added.
“I enjoyed running with my fellow women. To see your physical toughness, it’s good to run with only women. Next week I’ll run the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town. If the weather is the same as today, I know I will run another PB there.”
Behind Christine, it was a Kenyan clean sweep: Clare Ndiwa in second and Jane Chacha third, stamping the East African nation’s dominance with fierce efficiency.
But the most resonant strides may have come just off the podium.
Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala, like a mountain spring suddenly turned torrent, surged into national history with a fourth-place finish in 31:53, obliterating the previous Lesotho 10km record.
“The race was absolutely perfect, the weather was absolutely perfect,” she beamed.
“I didn’t know that I was on record pace. I was just pushing with Tayla (Kavanagh)… We were just very focused. I am so excited—I’ve been trying to run sub-32 for so many years.”
It was a breakthrough wrapped in relief, gratitude, and years of grit.
“I’m so excited for Mr Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports) for trusting me without a doubt,” she added.
“Finally I’ve done it today.”
South Africa’s Tayla Kavanagh, Khatala’s teammate and pace partner, also dipped under the 32-minute barrier for the first time, matching her 31:53 for fifth place and a personal best that glowed with promise.
This year’s Durban leg wasn’t just about medals and minutes—it was about pushing the needle on what’s possible. In a bold show of intent, title sponsor Totalsports and Stillwater Sports had dangled a R1 million carrot for any woman brave and fast enough to rewrite the world record. While that prize remains unclaimed, the message was clear: women’s road running is ready to sprint into a new era.
Stillwater Sports MD Michael Meyer lauded the women who ran and the thousands who cheered:
“Well done to Christine Njoki on defending her title and setting a new Allcomers Record—a powerful way to launch the 2025 series!
A big shoutout to Neheng Khatala for setting the new Lesotho Record. We are incredibly proud to have welcomed 8000 runners and walkers. This is more than a race—it’s a celebration of women and a commitment to causes that matter.”
One of those causes is PinkDrive, the breast cancer awareness initiative supported by the race. With every step, every cheer, and every milestone, the message was one of hope and strength.
Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous echoed that energy:
“Congratulations to each and every one of the 8000 incredible women who joined us at the start line.
“Your energy brought this celebration of women’s strength to life. We’re excited to carry this through to Cape Town and Johannesburg!”
With the Cape Town and Joburg legs looming—on 9 and 17 August respectively—the bar has been set high, and the fire has been lit. From Durban’s palm-lined streets to the foot of Table Mountain and the parks of Emmarentia, the Totalsports Women’s Race series is more than a footrace—it’s a fast-moving revolution.
Next Stops:
Cape Town – Saturday, 9 August | Start: 08:00
Johannesburg – Sunday, 17 August | Start: 08:00
In proud support of PinkDrive
Live performances by Lady Zamar at all three races #LoveTheRun | #PinkDrive | #TotalsportsWomensRace
Visit: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
