By Adnaan Mohamed
The streets of Johannesburg are about to turn pink, powerful, and pulsing with energy. On Sunday, 17 August 2025, 12 000 women runners, walkers, and warriors will flood the city for the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg, the grand finale of a three-part national celebration of fitness, fun, and female strength.
Front and centre in this sea of determination will be two young athletes whose names echo with promise, Karabo More, newly crowned South African 5km champion, and Karabo Mailula, the 2025 USSA 10 000m champion. Their paths converge here, at the intersection of speed, spirit, and sisterhood.
For More, the race is about more than medals.
“Being part of an event that empowers women through sport is incredibly meaningful,” she says.
“It’s about celebrating women’s strength, resilience, and determination. Sport has the power to unite, inspire, and empower women of all backgrounds and fitness levels. It can have a profound impact on women’s lives by fostering confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.”
But make no mistake she’s also here to perform.
To the thousands who will lace up alongside her, More’s advice is as heartfelt as it is empowering:
“My goal is to run smart and finish strong. I look forward to running with the strong girls because they build my confidence, and as a young, upcoming athlete, it motivates me to be in the mix with the big sharks who have the experience. They’ve been there; they’ve done that. I just want to run my own race, and hopefully, I’ll get a personal best out of it.”
“By lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement, you’re joining a journey that transcends competition and celebrates womanhood. Keep your head up high and have fun. You’re a champion for starting and finishing the race. I’m proud of you, and remember, it’s all about you, so enjoy every moment.”
For Mailula, this will be her first time tasting the unique atmosphere of the Joburg leg.
“I look forward to trying out the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg course,” she says.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race values women and shows that they are capable of participating in sport while maintaining their health and well-being. I’m excited to finish strong, stay healthy, and achieve good results. My goal is a top 10 finish.”
Her message to the masses?
“Enjoy the race and continue participating in events like these to maintain your health.”
For Totalsports, having these two Karabos in the same line-up is a perfect ending to a spectacular series.
“It’s fantastic to have two rising stars like Karabo More and Karabo Mailula lining up at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Joburg,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports.
“As the final event in an inspiring series of three, it’s bound to be a race and a day to remember. These talented young athletes embody the spirit of the event celebrating strength, determination, and the power of women uplifting one another through sport.”
The 5km and 10km routes are designed for every level, from speed-chasers to first-time fun-runners, winding through Joburg’s streets with music, colour, and on-route entertainment.
At the finish in Marks Park, the celebration continues in a buzzing race village, where Lady Zamar will bring her signature voice and soulful, empowering lyrics to the stage, adding another beat to the rhythm of the day.
And as always, the race runs with a bigger purpose and that’s supporting PinkDrive, the non-profit dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, and free screening for those without medical aid. Every stride, every smile, every heartbeat on the day will help fuel their mission.
