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Road to 30: Eleven runners chase Triple Blue at Two Oceans 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Road to 30: Eleven runners chase Triple Blue at Two Oceans 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

Longevity will take centre stage at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on 11 April 2026 when eleven seasoned campaigners line up with one goal in mind: a 30th finish and entry into the race’s prestigious Triple Blue Number Club.

To date, only 98 runners have completed 30 or more Two Oceans ultras, 95 men and three women. This year’s intake could grow by eleven if Robert Button (66), Lawrence Ashworth (69), David Beard (62), Denzil Abrahams (66), Ravi Govender (54), Christiaan Steyn (65), Arthur Valasis (74), Deon Pienaar (69), Mark Carlson (55), Curtis Rajoo (53) and Kim Pain (59) successfully navigate the 56km route.

Among them, Rajoo and Govender are the youngest men chasing the milestone.

Rajoo, who made his Two Oceans debut in 1995 at 22, says the race has become inseparable from his life.

“As they say, TTOM is the most beautiful race, but it’s also tough,” says Rajoo. “Reaching 30 is big for me. It was always a goal. After so many years, I can’t imagine not running TTOM. If I’m not on that start line, what would I even be doing that day?”

Govender’s relationship with the race stretches beyond the clock. For more than three decades, he and two close friends have driven from Johannesburg to Cape Town for race weekend, turning the annual trip into tradition.

Ravi Govender by Action Photo

“It’s the people and that feeling of crossing the line,” says Govender. “That euphoria when you’ve beaten the clock, when you’ve conquered the mountains and conquered yourself.”

He credits longtime friend George Tadden, 75 and already a 30-time finisher, for ongoing motivation. “We travel together every year. Seeing what’s possible keeps you motivated.”

For Celtic Harriers stalwart Abrahams, the 30th start carries deep personal meaning. In 1993 his father, Edward Abrahams, died suddenly at the age of 54.

“The year I finished my first Two Oceans Ultra; I started asking questions about my eternal destiny,” says Abrahams. “I immediately drew a parallel with my love for endurance in running and as a believer. My love for TTOM just grew and grew.”

Denzil Abrahams by Action Photo

Family support has been central to his journey.

“I am now married for 40 years, and I am very thankful that for 30 years my wife Debbie has been part of my Two Oceans journey,” he says.

After failing to qualify for the ultra in 2025, Abrahams ran the Half Marathon alongside his daughter, Linzi Coller. He returns in 2026 determined to secure his place in the Triple Blue ranks.

Pain will be the only woman on the 2026 start list aiming for a 30th ultra finish. In a club where women remain underrepresented, her consistency over decades stands out as a marker of durability and commitment.

“Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is a rare mark of durability and commitment. Best of luck to Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and especially Kim Pain, an athlete whose consistency over the years embodies the spirit of this race,” says Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

General manager Wade Bromfield added: “We wish Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and Kim Pain all the best as they attempt to complete their 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Here’s to an incredible milestone and another memorable race!”

The 2026 Two Oceans weekend programme:

  • Thursday 9 April: International Friendship Run
  • Friday 10 April: Trail Run
  • Saturday 11 April: Ultra Marathon
  • Sunday 12 April: Half Marathon

For eleven runners, Saturday’s ultra is more than another medal chase. It is the culmination of three decades of discipline, sacrifice and loyalty to a race widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful marathon.

Wildschutt defends Gqeberha 10K crown despite challenges

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By Adnaan Mohamed

In road running, even the best-laid pacing plans can unravel like a frayed shoelace. On Sunday morning in Nelson Mandela Bay, that is exactly what happened to Adriaan Wildschutt at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.

What was meant to be a historic charge at the sub-27-minute barrier on African soil turned into a tactical chess match when pacemakers Ryan Mphahlele and Luan Munnik withdrew hours before the start due to illness and injury. With the wind sweeping across the coastal route, the clock became a stubborn rival.

Wildschutt adjusted.

The 27-year-old, born in Ceres and based in the United States, shifted from record hunter to race tactician. With no pace setters and the breeze tugging at every stride, he made his move just before halfway, surging clear of Kenya’s Isaac Kibet Ndiema, the fastest man in the field on paper with a 26:55 personal best.

Wildschutt powered home in 27:47 to defend the title he claimed last year. Ndiema followed in 28:01, with debutant Tshepo Tshite third in 28:09.

Elite Men Isaac Ndiema (KEN), Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) and Tshepo Tshite (RSA). PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo

Afterwards, Wildschutt was candid about the curveball that reshaped his race.

“The organization is great, and it has nothing to do with them when pacemakers cancel. It’s not in their control. These were just the circumstances. I was like, there’s no way I’ll run sub-27 alone on a windy day as well. But I gave up a lot of time to be here, so I didn’t want to be a quitter,” he said.

His ambition remains firmly set on cracking 26 minutes on African soil.

“If I have the right training partners, pacemakers and good conditions then it is possible. Absolutely possible! There are few things that I want to experiment with. Hopefully, I’m going to get another opportunity.”

Series founder and Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer praised the adaptability that defines elite runners.

“Initially Adriaan’s goal was to break 27 minutes. Unfortunately, both of the pacers we had secured withdrew at the last minute, one due to illness and the other due to injury. That naturally shifted the race dynamic and Adriaan had to adjust his strategy from chasing the clock to racing for the win.

“That’s the mark of a true professional – he assessed the situation, adapted, and still delivered fantastic racing for everyone out on the course. It’s always an honour to have an athlete of his calibre lining up in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. He brings intent, professionalism and excitement to every race,” said Meyer.

“Brenda also produced an exceptional performance.”

That performance belonged to Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, who came within touching distance of history in the women’s race.

On debut in “The Friendly City”, Jepchirchir blazed through halfway in 14:49, shadowed by training partner Faith Cherono and paced by local favourite Melikhaya Frans. The wind stiffened over the final five kilometres, yet she drove on to claim victory in 30:15, one second outside the South African All-Comers record set by Christine Njoki last August.

Kenyans Faith Cherono Melikhaya Frans and Brenda Jepchirchir by Anthony Grote

Cherono clocked 30:44 for second, while South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba secured third in 32:13, her fourth podium in her past five series appearances.

“I was looking to run sub 30 minutes but because of the wind in the last 5km it was tough for me,” Jepchirchir said. “But I’m still feeling good and I want to come back to run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series again in Cape Town in May.”

Meyer underlined the significance of her run.

“Jepchirchir came incredibly close to becoming the first woman to run under 30 minutes on African soil, which speaks volumes about the level of competition we witnessed today. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to both athletes, all of our elite competitors, every entrant who took part, and our valued sponsors and partners. Their collective contribution is what makes days like this so special and adds to the excitement and success of the event.”

In the end, Gqeberha delivered no record-breaking stopwatch fireworks. It delivered something else: resilience, recalibration and racing of the highest order.

Elite Women Faith Cherono (KEN), Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) and Glenrose Xaba.  PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo

RESULTS: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Date: Sunday 01 March 2026

Start & Finish Venue: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha

Start Time: 07:00

ELITE MEN

1 Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:47, 2 Isaac Ndiema (KEN) 28:01, 3 Tshepo Tshite (RSA) 28:09, 4 Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 28:25, 5 Zenzile Pheko (RSA) 28:44, 6 Ambrosi Amma (TANZANIA) 28:47, 7 Leonard Pkorir (KEN) 28:52, 8 Stephen Mokoka (RSA) 28:55, 9 Musawenkosi Mnisi (RSA) 29:06, 10 Cwenga Nose (RSA) 29:07

ELITE WOMEN 

1 Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) 30:15, 2 Faith Cherono (KEN) 30:44, 3 Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 32:13, 4 Neheng Khatala (LES) 32:43, 5 Meselech Gedefaw (ETH) 33:07, 6 Karabo Mailula (RSA) 33:20, 7 Nthabiseng Letokoto (LES) 33:26, 8 Cacisile Sosibo (RSA) 33:28, 9 Irvette Van Zyl (RSA) 33:57, 10 Agnes Mwaghui (TAN) 34:05

Wildschutt targets sub-27 milestone in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Wildschutt targets sub-27 milestone in Gqeberha
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African multiple record holder Adriaan Wildschutt will toe the line at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday morning determined to make history, while keeping his emotions in check.

The US-based runner has spent an extended training block in Potchefstroom ahead of the 7am start in Nelson Mandela Bay, fine-tuning the engine that powered him to a then national 10km record of 27:28 in Gqeberha last year.

That mark was eclipsed five months later when Maxime Chaumeton clocked 26:55 in Romania, leaving Wildschutt with a fresh target. His focus now is clear: become the first athlete to break 27 minutes for 10km on African soil in the country of his birth.

Yet, as race day approaches, he admits the magnitude of the task has been hard to ignore.

Wildschutt said he is doing everything possible not to overthink the opportunity.

“I never even thought about that to be honest because Ive realised in the last few years that you can break so many records only for them to be broken the next day, so I’m not so focused about records any more. There are a lot of things I do in my life and things I’m interested in because if you are going to obsess over records, it’s just going to result in sadness at the end of the day.

“For me, I just want to run sub-27, and I think it’s going to be a mental thing because it will be the first time that’s been done on African soil.”

Wildschutt, who finished tenth in the men’s 10 000m final at the Paris Olympics, believes familiarity with the Gqeberha course could prove decisive. Having made his race debut there last year, he returns with a clearer understanding of the coastal conditions.

“I know the course now and know which direction the wind blows unless it changes again because you never really know. We also have pacers now, and there is a person we are confident in that can push all the way to 5km, because last year we were well off pace early on and that made it so much harder to run by yourself. In that department, we are already better and hopefully my fitness is good enough.”

Last year he voiced frustration at the early pace. This time, the experienced Kenyan Isaac Kibet Ndiema, who owns a 26:55 personal best, is expected to help drive the tempo at the front.

Even so, Wildschutt insists his race will be dictated by execution rather than rivalry.

At Friday’s pre-race press conference, he underlined his readiness.

“I had a great experience here in Gqeberha last year. It’s a world class event happening in a great city. I’m feeling good and hopefully I can deliver on Sunday,”

He also acknowledged the formula required for something special.

“To run fast anywhere in the world you need a high level of competition, great pace making and good weather. I’m not saying that to be arrogant, but rather acknowledging that I need other people to work with to help me to achieve this tough goal. I’m grateful to Absa for making it happen. If I can manage to do it, it would be the second best performance of my career behind the Olympics,”

For Wildschutt, discovered as a teenager by Zola Budd and now one of the country’s most accomplished distance runners, Sunday is less about reclaiming a record and more about crossing a psychological frontier.

Women’s field chasing history

The women’s contest carries similar weight.

Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir arrives as the 10km world leader after running 29:25 in Valencia in January. She is targeting the first sub-30 minute performance by a woman on African soil.

“Running my first sub 30 minute race to win the Valencia 10K was so emotional. I’m happy to be here to race in South Africa because I hear that it’s a fast course. My aim is to break my personal best time and hopefully make history by running the fastest time on African soil.”

She heads a deep field that includes fellow Kenyan Faith Cherono, South African record holder Glenrose Xaba, and Lesotho national record holder Neheng Khatala.

Series opener sets the tone

The Gqeberha race launches the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which will travel to Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Joburg later in the year. The five-race circuit boasts a combined prize purse of R1 686 000, with incentives aimed at unlocking elite performances from South African athletes.

On Sunday, though, the mathematics are simple. Twenty-seven minutes stands as the line in the sand for Wildschutt. If the pacemakers hit their marks and the coastal breeze plays along, Gqeberha could witness a breakthrough that reshapes the African 10km narrative.

Clearer Vision, Sharper Reactions: The Athletic Advantage

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In elite sport, marginal gains often separate podium finishes from pack chasers. Training plans are fine-tuned, nutrition is measured to the gram and equipment is upgraded season after season. Vision, one of the most important performance tools, is frequently overlooked.

Prescription sports eyewear is changing that conversation.

Designed specifically for high-intensity movement, these glasses combine vision correction with impact protection and glare reduction. Whether on the bike, the track, the court or the fairway, athletes are discovering that clearer sightlines translate into sharper decisions and improved outcomes.

Adele Camarena, Associate at Spectacle World, says vision plays a far bigger role than many realise. “Up to 80% of sensory input in sport is visual. Clear, corrected vision affects reaction time, coordination, balance, and decision-making. For athletes, milliseconds matter, and vision can be the difference between victory and second place.”

Built for Performance

Unlike everyday eyewear, prescription sports glasses are engineered for movement. Wrap-around frames enhance peripheral awareness, helping athletes track opponents, judge speed and anticipate space. Secure-fit designs with non-slip grips and ventilation systems ensure stability during rapid acceleration and sudden changes of direction.

Brevan Robinson, Director at Mullers Optometrists, highlights the functional advantage. “Prescription sports glasses let you clearly see the road ahead, spot hazards, and navigate safely. Multifocal options provide clear vision up close, whether checking your watch, reviewing performance data, fixing a puncture, or marking your golf card. One pair of spectacles delivers sharp vision at every distance.”

Leading brands such as Maui Jim, Oakley and Rudy Project have developed high-performance lenses and durable materials capable of withstanding demanding sporting environments. Robinson explains, “Brands like Maui Jim, Oakley, and Rudy Project use high-performance lenses and materials stronger than standard eyewear. They provide both vision correction and protection in one.”

Advanced Lens Technology

Modern prescription sports sunglasses offer more than clarity. UV protection safeguards long-term eye health and reduces the risk of conditions linked to prolonged sun exposure. Polarised lenses reduce glare reflected off water, tar and artificial turf, while photochromic lenses adapt automatically to changing light conditions.

“UV lenses protect long-term eye health and help reduce risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. Polarised lenses cut glare, and photochromic lenses adjust automatically to changing light conditions,” Camarena explains.

Athletes can also customise lenses with sport-specific tints, advanced coatings and tailored prescriptions, including progressive options, inserts and direct glazing. According to Camarena, “Enhanced peripheral vision improves reaction time, opponent detection, ball tracking, and spatial awareness.”

Supporting Young Athletes

Prescription sports eyewear is equally valuable for junior athletes. Lightweight, flexible frames provide durability and comfort, supporting coordination and confidence while protecting developing eyes.

Robinson emphasises the importance of early protection. “UV protection is as important for youngsters as it is for adults.”

Investing in Vision

Clear vision supports endurance and concentration. When athletes see clearly, cognitive processing becomes more efficient, reducing fatigue and sustaining focus during long training sessions and high-pressure competition.

Camarena sums up the broader benefit. “True luxury lies in the removal of limitation. Prescription sports sunglasses are where medical science, performance technology, and design excellence converge, empowering athletes to perform at their full potential. When you see at your best, you compete at your best, and sometimes that margin is what earns the trophy.

“Athletes invest heavily in training, nutrition, and equipment; vision deserves the same priority. Prescription sports eyewear performance technology that shapes outcomes, enhances safety, and supports success. With brands such as Maui Jim, Oakley, and Rudy Project combining technical innovation with distinctive style, champions never have to leave their vision to chance.”

Robinson agrees that vision should rank alongside any other piece of performance equipment. “Athletes often invest in the latest gear, coaching, and training routines, yet overlook their vision. Prescription sports eyewear is as critical as any other piece of equipment. It protects your eyes, improves performance, and ensures you can focus on winning every time.”

For athletes seeking a measurable edge, clearer vision may be one of the most effective upgrades available.

For more information visit www.mullers.co.za and https://spectacleworld.co.za/

Kim Pain eyes rare 30th Two Oceans Ultra finish

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By Adnaan Mohamed

When the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (TTOM) gets underway on 11 April 2026, Kim Pain will line up as the only woman in the field chasing a 30th finish.

At 59, the Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club stalwart is on the brink of earning “triple blue” status in the Blue Number Club, a milestone reached by very few women in the race’s history.

Only three female runners sit ahead of her on the all-time list: Lucille Damon and Sharon Bosch, both on 32 finishes, and Matilda le Roux, who completed her 30th ultra in 2024. Damon and Bosch are set to chase their 33rd finishes this year, while le Roux will not compete in 2026.

Pain’s association with the race stretches back 36 years. She made her debut in 1990 as a 23-year-old, finishing in 4:56:36. After returning in 1993, the race became a permanent fixture on her calendar. She earned her Blue Number in 2002 following her 10th finish.

“I don’t think I was ever chasing 30,” Pain said. “I always chose to run TTOM and enjoy a weekend away.”

Family has played a central role in her journey.

“My mom and dad, Alf and Wendy Pain, have always been my greatest supporters,” she said. “My dad especially has been my inspiration. We came down to Cape Town as a family in 1990, and that’s where my TTOM journey began.”

Among her standout memories is her 20th ultra in 2012, run in cold and wet conditions.

“It was so cold, wet and muddy at the finish. It was pouring with rain, and I was lucky to have my parents supporting on the side of the road,” she recalled.

Her 25th finish in 2017 proved significant. Pain crossed the line alongside ultra-running figures Barry Holland, Alan Robb, Bruce Fordyce and Gareth Griffiths.

Kim Pain and Gareth Griffiths from Jeppe AC at TTOM 2025 by Action Photo

“I was very taken aback when the organisers gave me a congratulatory letter and a small trophy,” Pain said. “I think it was a very cool gesture; it also meant that after finishing my 25th, I was exempt from paying entry fees. That only motivated me to get to my 30th.”

Her surname often draws comment on the road.

“Yes, that’s the standard comment I often get. You’ve got the right surname,” she laughed. “Often, when I’m running and I’ve got runners around me, they’ll come up to me and they’ll say, when did you start running? You must have started when you were very young because you have so many ultras behind your name.”

Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt believes Pain’s milestone attempt reflects the spirit of the event.

“Kim Pain embodies the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Her 30th appearance is a testament to decades of dedication and endurance, inspiring every runner on the start line,” he said.

General manager Wade Bromfield added: “Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is extraordinary. Kim’s journey reflects resilience, consistency, and the heart of this iconic race, reminding us of what decades of running can achieve.”

If she reaches the finish line in April, Pain will add her name to one of the most exclusive lists in South African ultra-distance running.

SPAR Grand Prix Celebrates 18 years as Stakes Rise for 2026

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The SPAR Grand Prix has reached its 18th year, and like a seasoned marathoner hitting her stride, the series continues to quicken the tempo of women’s road running in South Africa.

Staged across five legs of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, the Grand Prix operates as an elite race within a mass participation celebration. Thousands line up at each stop, yet at the sharp end the country’s finest compete for points, pride and a prize purse that has swelled to R1 967 500.

Launched in 2008 to give top-tier South African runners a structured, rewarding annual contest, the series widened its lane in 2019 to include international athletes. The arrival of runners from across Africa has acted like a tailwind, lifting standards and sharpening finishing kicks. Local athletes have responded with faster times and fearless racing.

The overall champion in 2026 will pocket R210 000, with R105 000 for second and R80 000 for third. Age category winners earn R11 000, with R8 000 for runners-up. South Africa’s top five finishers also receive dedicated incentives. The leading South African takes home R110 000, second earns R75 000 and fifth collects R21 000, in addition to their main competition earnings.

Across 18 years, four athletes have won the title three times: Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Tadu Nare of Ethiopia and Glenrose Xaba. Xaba broke new ground as the first South African champion since the series opened to international competition, and the first black South African to claim three titles. She now chases a fourth crown, aiming to carve her name deeper into the record books.

“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” said Xaba.
“I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I like to think that my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”

Beyond the stopwatch, the Grand Prix carries a powerful social stride. SPAR’s campaign to end period poverty and gender-based violence runs alongside the racing calendar.

“As a business rooted in the heart of South African communities, SPAR has a responsibility to stand up for women and girls. Ending period poverty and gender-based violence is about more than intervention – it’s about dignity, safer environments, and equal opportunities.

“Through our community partnerships and sustained investments, we are committed to creating environments where women are supported, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential. This is not just one of those social responsibility programmes for SPAR – it is central to who we are.

“We continue to advocate for dignity and access to essential resources for women and girls. By partnering with organisations on the ground and investing in community driven solutions, we are helping to break down barriers, restore dignity, and create comfortable spaces where women can thrive, and get an opportunity to celebrate themselves. These efforts reflect SPAR’s core values of care, inclusivity, and meaningful community impact.

“The SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and the SPAR Grand Prix are examples of our commitment to improving the lot of women.”

Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, saluted the milestone.

Pictured from left, Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, Glenrose Xaba 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Winner and Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager. Photo credit- Reg Caldecott

“SPAR is one of the longest standing sponsors of athletics in South Africa, and we applaud SPAR for having supported, promoted and empowered hundreds of thousands of women through the SPAR Challenge series, while assisting our elite athletes through the SPAR Grand Prix.

“ASA are aligned with SPAR and their commendable initiative to end GBV and period poverty. The women of South Africa need to be heard, respected and protected,” said Mathane.

Corporate backing remains strong. Hyundai and Coca Cola return as official partners for 2026, with Modern Athlete as media partner. At each race, one entrant over 18 with a valid driver’s licence stands a chance to drive away in an all-new Hyundai EXTER.

“Hyundai is driven by performance, precision and people,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “We excited to continue our partnership with the SPAR National Grand Prix Series. Once again, one lucky attendee at each race stands a chance to drive away in the all-new Hyundai EXTER and this is our way of celebrating South Africans’ energy, on and off the track.”

The 2026 theme, #CelebrateHer, captures the spirit of a series that blends elite competition with community upliftment. Eighteen years in, the SPAR Grand Prix runs with the confidence of experience and the hunger of youth, its footsteps echoing far beyond the finish line.

Lions brace for Sharks’ attack at Ellis Park

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When South African rivals meet in the United Rugby Championship, there is rarely a shortage of edge. Saturday’s clash between the Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park (14:00 kick-off) carries added weight, with both sides chasing momentum for different reasons.

The Lions are boosted by the return of Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter, back from a four-match suspension following his illegal tackle in the dramatic 23-22 win over the Sharks at Kings Park earlier this season.

In his absence, Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani impressed and now shifts to the bench, while U21 captain Siba Mahashe makes his URC debut at blindside flank. Mahashe featured in the EPCR Challenge Cup earlier this year but now faces the intensity of a full-blooded derby.

Francke Horn captains the side from No 8, with lock Darrien Landsberg set to earn his 50th cap for the union. At scrumhalf, Morne van den Berg continues ahead of Haashim Pead and resumes his partnership with flyhalf Chris Smith. The back three sees Kelly Mpeku return alongside Angelo Davids and Springbok fullback Quan Horn.

The Lions are looking to respond after a heavy 52-17 defeat to the Bulls at Ellis Park in their previous URC outing.

“Forwards coach Wessel Roux admitted the performance fell short.

‘On the day, we were really just not our best selves. There were technical issues and fundamental issues that we’ve discussed and worked on, but in pro rugby sometimes it just happens that you’re not your best self,’ Roux said.

He expects a stern examination up front.

‘The Sharks pack is firing quite nicely. They’re brave and creative and were dominant in both games against the Stormers. They’re a world-class pack and a world-class team.

‘We had 12 lineouts, but lost five of them. It’s a focus for us to get our fundamentals right and to try and get physical dominance because we know the Sharks are a big physical threat. It feels like a Test match we’re having to prepare for.’

While the Lions seek redemption, the Sharks arrive with ambitions of climbing the table.

Coach JP Pietersen has opted to rest several senior Springboks, including Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi, as part of player management protocols. Eben Etzebeth remains suspended and Bongi Mbonambi is injured.

Pietersen believes the changes present opportunity rather than risk.

“It gives you that opportunity to see if the guys in between – those in transition from juniors to seniors, or seniors who haven’t had enough game time – are improving week by week,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for some of them to put up their hands.”

Vincent Tshituka captains the side, with Thomas Dyer starting at No 8 against a physical Lions loose trio.

“It’s a great challenge physically and to see how fast you can move and how well you can execute your skill set under pressure with a fast game and at altitude against a good loose trio,” Pietersen said.

“It’s going to be a good challenge for Tom, but he is more than capable enough to perform, and he’s been in our system for a long time.

“It will also be good to see how [flank] Tino Mavesere stands up against a good Lions loose trio.”

In midfield, Jurenzo Julius shifts to inside centre to increase his involvement.

“It’s about his explosiveness, how strong he is in contact … you want Jurenzo to touch the ball more in a game,” Pietersen said. “The more touches he gets, the better for the team and the better for him because he is so powerful.”

The Sharks, who sit ninth on the log, are within reach of the top eight and remain in contention for the SA Shield. A win in Johannesburg could see them move into playoff position.

“They beat us in Durban and in that first half they showed how to put us under pressure,” Pietersen said of the reverse fixture. “They were clinical and got out to a 17-point lead early. They’ll take confidence from that.”

The Lions, however, have traditionally been a difficult proposition at Ellis Park, and Saturday’s encounter is expected to be played at high intensity.

LIONS: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ettienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Bench: 16 Franco Marais, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Eddie Davids, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Erich Cronje.

SHARKS: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Thomas Dyer, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Yaw Penxe.

Three stripes, four rings: Audi Revolut F1 reveal 2026 kit with adidas

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By Adnaan Mohamed

adidas and Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team have unveiled their first official teamwear collection, marking a significant milestone ahead of the team’s much-anticipated arrival on the Formula 1 grid in 2026.

The performance-focused range, launched on 19 February, includes around 160 pieces spanning apparel, footwear and accessories. Designed for drivers, engineers, mechanics and fans, the collection blends technical innovation with a clean, understated aesthetic.

The look is anchored in a monochromatic greyscale palette inspired by titanium elements of the Audi race car, with subtle red accents woven through the range. The effect is streamlined and purposeful – much like a car slicing through clean air on a qualifying lap.

At the centre of the collection are bespoke driver pieces for Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The collarless driver jersey features light grey three-stripe detailing on the shoulders, offset by red line highlights on the sleeves and inner neckline.

Team engineers are kitted out in close-fitting tees paired with oversized puffers and jackets, all tied together with subtle red detailing. Mechanics’ wear leans into utility black, charcoal and graphite tones, with jackets incorporating strategic zipper construction to increase pocket space. adidas’ CLIMACOOL technology is integrated to assist with temperature regulation in high-pressure trackside environments.

Footwear is headlined by a bespoke ADIZERO EVO SL model in grey and red. Built with a Lightstrike Pro midsole, the shoe delivers lightweight comfort while maintaining a minimalist design that complements the broader team look.

Michael Batz, Motorsport Category GM at adidas, described the launch as the formal start of the partnership on a competitive level.

“We are excited to officially mark the start of our journey with Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team, through a full teamwear collection which features adidas’ signature design and best in class technology at the forefront. Expertly crafted for the team to introduce themselves to the grid with style, each piece embodies the power, strength, and design of the car to meet the overall build up to and race-day demands. We can’t wait to see it in the paddock and stands across upcoming race weekends!”

For Hülkenberg, the collaboration represents a symbolic moment.

“The first time representing two leading icons on the track. Wearing the three stripes next to the four rings is a huge moment, and I’m excited to put on the jersey that has been built with precision and driven forward by adidas’ highest level of technical detailing – meaning it delivers style, functionality and hopefully a lot of speed.”

Bortoleto emphasised the performance element behind the design.

“Working with adidas is an incredible opportunity for our team. In a sport fueled by constant advancement and innovation, having the best in the game designing pieces for athletes, to meet their needs to perform at the top, is incredible. Knowing our kit has been crafted with careful thought and tailored to what we require, makes that first moment that I get to wear it, alongside my team, in front of our fans, even more special.”

The collection is available from 19 February via adidas.co.za and selected global retailers.

Xaba targets SA 10km record in stacked Gqeberha showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Xaba targets SA 10km record in stacked Gqeberha showdown
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba will launch her 2026 campaign with history in her sights when she lines up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March.

Xaba returns to Nelson Mandela Bay off the back of a demanding but productive 2025 season in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, where she claimed three podium finishes, including two victories. Her year also included the second marathon of her career and national duty at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in the United States.

After a brief recovery phase, she says preparations have progressed smoothly.

“The body is feeling good,” Xaba said. “After World Cross Country, the focus was on recovery, easy mileage and strength work before building intensity again. Training has been consistent, and I feel stronger each week.”

The 2026 Gqeberha race is being billed as the fastest women’s 10km field assembled on African soil. Kenya’s sub-30-minute performer Brenda Jepchirchir and compatriot Faith Cherono headline a formidable East African contingent.

For Xaba, the quality of the field presents opportunity rather than intimidation.

“Being part of such a strong field is exciting and motivating,” she said. “When you line up against fast Kenyan athletes and other top runners, it pushes you to perform at your best.”

Xaba holds the South African women’s 10km record of 31:12 and finished third in Gqeberha last year in 31:50. With an anticipated aggressive early pace, she could become the first South African woman to dip under the 31-minute mark.

“I have great memories from racing in Gqeberha last year and finishing on the podium,” she added. “This time, I want to improve on that performance. My target is to run a personal best and compete for the top positions again.”

Glenrose Xaba 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K by Anthony Grote

Series founder and Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer welcomed Xaba’s return, highlighting the significance of staging a world-class women’s field on home soil.

“We are incredibly proud to see Glenrose line up against world-class competitors,” Meyer said. “Hosting what is arguably the fastest women’s 10km field on the continent is a milestone for the event.”

The Gqeberha race opens a five-leg national series that will travel to Cape Town (10 May), Durban (12 July), Tshwane (23 August) and Joburg (24 September).

With a combined prize purse of R1 686 000 and additional incentives for South African athletes, the stakes are high. But for Xaba, the primary target remains the clock.

If the pace unfolds as predicted along the coastal route, South African road running could witness a landmark performance to kick-start 2026.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates

  1. 1 March 2026 – Gqeberha 10K
  2. 10 May 2026 – Cape Town 10K
  3. 12 July 2026 – Durban 10K
  4. 23 August 2026 – Tshwane 10K
  5. 24 September 2026 – Joburg 10K

For more info visit: https://runyourcityseries.com/

Why these legends still line-up at Two Oceans 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Why these legends still line-up at Two Oceans 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

When the fish horn sounds over Newlands on 11 April 2026, thousands will surge forward at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, chasing a medal, a personal best, a promise made to themselves in the dark of an April morning.

But for three Blue Number Club runners in that sea of bodies, this isn’t about one more finish.

It’s about a lifetime of them.

The Man Who Made the Ultra a Ritual

At 75, Louis Massyn doesn’t talk about legacy much. He talks about rhythm. About showing up. About forward motion.

In 2026, he will aim for his 48th Two Oceans Ultra finish. That’s more than any runner in the race’s history. That number doesn’t shout. It hums. It carries the quiet authority of someone who has outlasted trends, injuries, weather systems and entire generations of runners.

Massyn’s résumé includes 50 finishes at the Comrades Marathon, but at Two Oceans, he feels at home. The route that sweeping arc past Muizenberg, over Chapman’s Peak, up Constantia Nekthat has become more like a companion.

“Every year the body asks tougher questions,” he says. “But the heart always knows the answer.”

If you’ve ever stood on a start line wondering whether you still belong, you understand that sentence. The longer you run, the less it’s about proving yourself, and the more it’s about honouring the relationship you’ve built with the road.

Massyn doesn’t defy age. He negotiates with it. He trains smart, listens hard, and respects recovery. Longevity, he proves, isn’t luck. It’s discipline stacked over decades.

The Women who redefined the distance

If Massyn’s 47 is a monument, the shared 32 of Sharon Bosch and Lucille Damon is a revolution written in miles.

Both will line up in 2026 chasing their 33rd Two Oceans Ultra finish. It’s the most by any women in the event’s history.

They came through eras when women’s ultra fields were thinner, support structures smaller, and recognition slower to arrive. They stayed anyway.

Lucille Damon (right) by Action Photo

Damon, 66, who will be running in the colours of Totalsports VOB Running Club in 2026, describes the race as “a moving meditation.”

Some years the legs turn over effortlessly, like you’ve found the perfect cadence. Other years it’s attritional – a long negotiation with fatigue. But she keeps returning because the Ultra offers something rare: clarity.

“Some years you fly, some years you grind, but every finish line feels like a victory earned honestly.”

There’s no pretending over 56 kilometres. No shortcuts. The race pares you back to essentials, breath, stride, resolve.

Bosch, 63, sees it similarly. Two Oceans, she says, is a privilege. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. Because every year you must earn your place on that start line again.

 “TTOM strips you down to who you really are,” said Bosch. “It’s never been about numbers, but standing on the start line still feels like a privilege.”

In a sport increasingly obsessed with splits, carbon plates and data dashboards, Bosch and Damon represent something more elemental: durability. Not the flash of one extraordinary run, but the steadiness of three decades of them.

Sharon Bosch by Action Photo

Why Longevity Matters

In ultra distance running terms these three are case studies in sustainable excellence.

They remind us that endurance isn’t built in a single training block. It’s layered. It’s patient. It’s forged in unremarkable Tuesday runs and winter mornings when no one is watching.

Sports science will tell you that aerobic capacity peaks and declines. That recovery slows. That muscle mass shifts. And yet, here they are.

Still training.
Still adapting.
Still competing.

What sets them apart isn’t superhuman physiology. It’s commitment to the process: consistency over intensity, community over ego, gratitude over entitlement.

Race organisers have introduced enhanced runner perks for 2026, exclusive event shirts, limited-edition socks, expanded Blue Number Club rewards, and comprehensive recovery zones supported by Cipla from Expo to finish line. The infrastructure evolves. The sport modernises.

But the heart of the Ultra? That remains unchanged.

It beats in runners like these.

The Courage to Return

The most remarkable statistic isn’t 48. Or 33.

It’s the number of times they chose to come back.

They’ve all had years when the training felt heavier. When niggles lingered. When motivation flickered. But they returned, not because it was easy, but because it mattered.

In endurance sport, we talk about breakthrough performances. But perhaps the truest measure of a runner is repetition and the willingness to continue after the applause fades.

As the 2026 Ultra unfolds along the Cape Peninsula, thousands will discover something about themselves between sunrise and the final stretch.

Massyn, Bosch and Damon already know what’s waiting there.

Not glory.

Not validation.

Just the simple, profound satisfaction of another honest run.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.