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Fastest marathon on African soil run in Cape Town

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon delivered a landmark moment for African road running on Sunday as Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa produced the fastest marathon ever run on African soil in a record-shattering performance through the streets of the Mother City.

Esa stormed to victory in 2:04:55, obliterating the previous course record of 2:08:16 set by fellow Ethiopian Abdisa Tola in 2024.

Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia won the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a new course record 2:04:55, which is the fastest time ever run on African soil. Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius

His time also eclipsed the previous fastest marathon run on the continent, the 2:06:32 recorded by Morocco’s Hicham Laqouahi in 2020, while establishing a new South African All-Comers record.

The performance strengthened the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon growing bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors, placing it alongside iconic marathons in London, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.

One of the key requirements for Major status is a world-class elite and wheelchair field. The 2026 edition delivered exactly that and the athletes responded by rewriting the record books.

Esa arrived in Cape Town with the quickest season-best in the field after clocking 2:04:49 in the 2025 Chicago Marathon, and delivered on that form with a decisive late surge.

He broke away from a leading pack of four inside the final three kilometres before pulling clear again in the closing stages.

The depth of the elite field underlined the quality of the race, with the first 10 runners all finishing quicker than the previous course record.

“To be honest, I was not thinking about the course record today, because my target was to win the race in my African homeland,” said Esa.

“So the win was the priority, and I was not targeting the course record, but I am really happy that I could do both today.”

Fellow Ethiopian Yihunilign Adane finished second in 2:04:59, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai completed the podium in 2:05:06.

South African veteran Stephen Mokoka was the leading local athlete in 13th place in 2:10:48.

He was followed by Matlakala Bennet Seloyi, who clocked a personal best 2:12:17, while debutant Anthony Timoteus impressed with 2:13:04 in his first marathon.

Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29.

The Ethiopian later waited at the finish line to welcome fellow runners home, including marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who finished 16th in 2:13:29.

“Eliud is my role model, and I love and respect him so much,” Esa said.

“I wanted to show the world that we are the same family of African runners.”

In the women’s race, Ethiopia completed a clean sweep of the podium positions.

The top 3 women in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, from left, Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia, second), Dera Dida Yami (Ethiopia, winner), and Waganesh Amare (Kenya, third). Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius

Dera Dida Yami claimed victory in 2:23:18, narrowly missing the course record of 2:22:22 set by South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba in 2024.

“I came here to win the race and that was my goal,” Dida said.

“But I’ll be very happy to come back here and try to break the course record next year.”

She also revealed that Tamirat Tola already plans to race in Cape Town next year after missing this year’s event following his London Marathon campaign.

Mestawut Fikir crossed second in 2:23:46, with Waganesh Amare third in 2:23:57.

Former women’s world champion Edna Kiplagat finished fifth in 2:25:44 at the age of 46.

South Africa’s top finisher was Mia Morrison, who placed 15th in 2:49:52.

WHEELCHAIR RECORDS SHATTERED

The wheelchair races also produced two course records.

Great Britain’s David Weir won the men’s race in 1:30:20 to better the previous mark of 1:32:09 set in 2023.

“The atmosphere was amazing with the crowd, and the weather was good as well,” said Weir.

“I didn’t plan to go for the record today, it was one of those things.”

David Weir
Manuela Schär

Switzerland’s Manuela Schär dominated the women’s race in 1:43:25, smashing the previous course record of 1:52:58.

“I’ve done all the Majors around the world, and this is definitely one of my favourites,” Schär said.

“The crowd was amazing, and then the view… you have the ocean and Table Mountain. It was beautiful.”

The latest edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon comes at a crucial stage in the event’s bid to become part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, strengthening its growing reputation as Africa’s leading marathon.

Kipchoge, Ethiopian stars headline record chase at Cape Town Marathon

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is poised for a potentially historic Sunday as one of the deepest elite fields ever assembled on African soil prepares to attack the record books beneath Table Mountain.

The 32nd edition of the race has attracted 27,000 marathon runners and a combined total of 44,500 participants across the weekend’s events, while the elite field carries enough firepower to threaten both course records.

In the men’s race, 13 athletes have already run faster than the current course mark of 2:08:16 set by Abdisa Tola in 2024. Ten of them have dipped beneath that time within the last year.

Leading the charge is marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and former world record-holder, whose personal best of 2:01:09 makes him the fastest athlete in the field historically.

Although now 41, Kipchoge remains a formidable contender after clocking 2:05:25 in London last year.

Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa enters with arguably the sharpest recent form after posting 2:04:49 in Chicago in 2025, while Israel’s Maru Teferi arrives with a personal best of 2:04:44.

Mohamed Esa

Kenya’s Benard Kipkurui Biwott and Justus Kangogo, alongside Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane, Mulugeta Asefa Uma and Boki Kebede Asefa, add further depth to a field packed with sub-2:06 runners.

Another major contender is Adane Gebre Kebede, who won in Cape Town in 2023 and finished runner-up in 2024. His recent 2:06:16 in Houston suggests he could again feature prominently.

South Africa’s hopes will largely rest with three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, alongside Desmond Mokgobu, Bennet Seloyi and debutant Anthony Timoteus.

The women’s race also promises fireworks.

South African star Glenrose Xaba set the course record of 2:22:22 in 2024, producing the fastest women’s marathon ever run on African soil. This year’s elite lineup includes five women who have already run faster than 2:20.

Ethiopian trio Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir are expected to spearhead the challenge. Aga owns a 2:18:09 best, while Dida and Fikir have clocked 2:18:32 and 2:18:48 respectively.

Edna Kiplagat

Experienced campaigners Lonah Salpeter and Edna Kiplagat add further quality to the field. Salpeter remains the fastest woman in the race historically with her 2:17:45 Tokyo victory in 2020, while two-time world champion Kiplagat continues to compete at elite level at 47.

“We have assembled the best marathon elite and wheelchair fields the African continent has ever seen, led by the best marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge,” said Clark Gardner.

“With so many starters who have run faster times than our course records, we feel confident that the record books will need updating after this year’s race.”

The race also represents another significant milestone in Cape Town’s bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, alongside marathons in New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and London.

Featured Photo Credit: Kevin Peters

adidas brings record-breaking Pro Evo 3 marathon shoe to Cape Town

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adidas is bringing its highly sought-after Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 to South Africa for the first time, with limited pairs set to be available at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo from 21 to 23 May.

The racing shoe, regarded as the fastest and lightest marathon shoe produced by adidas, sold out within minutes during its international release and has become one of the most talked-about innovations in long-distance running.

Designed as adidas’ first official sub-2-hour marathon shoe, the Pro Evo 3 was developed to push the limits of speed and efficiency, carrying runners forward like a surge through the final stretch of a marathon.

“Our goal was two digits on the scale, with better performance than we’ve ever had,” said Stephan Scholten, adidas Vice President of Product.

The shoe weighs under 100 grams and features adidas’ latest Lightstrike Pro Evo foam, which is nearly 50% lighter than previous versions. adidas said the 39mm stack height is designed to maximise cushioning, propulsion and energy return.

At the centre of the shoe is the new ENERGYRIM technology, a carbon-integrated system developed to improve stability and energy transfer while maintaining a lightweight structure.

The upper has been engineered using inspiration from kitesurfing sail technology to create a near weightless feel, while strategically placed Continental™ rubber on the outsole provides traction at high speeds.

“To have the Pro Evo 3 available in South Africa at such a major moment for local running is incredibly special,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa.

“This shoe represents the future of marathon racing, and bringing it to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo gives local runners the chance to experience one of the most advanced performance innovations in the sport right now.”

WATCH | Sebastian Sawe speaks after historic sub-2 hour record rout at London Marathon

The launch follows a string of headline performances by adidas athletes on the global stage. Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha both ran sub-2-hour marathons at the London Marathon, clocking 1:59.30 and 1:59.41 respectively. Tigist Assefa also set a women-only marathon world record of 2:15.41.

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 will retail for R9 999, while the Hyperboost Edge, which will also launch at the expo, is priced at R4 499.

More information is available at adidas South Africa

Dr Insaaf Levy set to make Springbok Women history

Adnaan MohamedRugby, Springbok WomenLeave a Comment on Dr Insaaf Levy set to make Springbok Women history
By Adnaan Mohamed

In the narrow cobbled lanes of Dorp Street in Bo-Kaap, rugby flows through the neighbourhood like the south-easter whipping around Table Mountain. On Saturdays, the streets empty. Families gather around televisions or pack into club grounds. The game lives in the rhythm of the community.

Now one of its daughters is carrying that heartbeat onto the international stage.

Insaaf Levy is preparing to become the first qualified medical doctor to represent the senior Springbok Women side at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi.

Insaaf Levy when she is not on the rugby field Image: Instagram

At 23, Levy already moves through life with the composure of a seasoned scrumhalf guiding forwards around the park. In March, she completed her medical degree at the University of Cape Town while continuing to sharpen her craft for DHL Western Province Women.

Balancing medicine and elite rugby is like trying to defend a five-metre scrum with one shoulder. The physical and mental demands rarely leave space to breathe. Yet Levy navigated both worlds with the precision of a long spiral pass fired into the chest of a charging runner.

Her rise to the national squad under head coach Swys de Bruin feels significant far beyond rugby.

Insaaf Levy in action on the rugby field Image: Instagram

This is a story stitched together by family, community and relentless repetition.

Levy grew up in one of Cape Town’s richest rugby bloodlines. Her father, Labeeb Levy, is a respected Stormers skills coach and current Stormers XXIII head coach. Her maternal grandfather, the late Sedick Sieed, remains a revered figure in Cape rugby circles from the Saru era.

Inside the Levy household, rugby conversations arrive as naturally as dinner.

“We always talking about rugby in our household,” Levy said.

“My dad would go from a normal conversation about literally anything else. He would think about something he saw and then the conversation just switches.”

That constant education shaped her rugby intelligence long before provincial colours arrived.

At seven years old, Levy began playing touch rugby and quickly emerged as one of the country’s brightest talents. She represented South Africa at the Youth Touch World Cup in Malaysia in 2018 and later featured at senior Touch World Cups in Malaysia and England. Her sporting versatility stretched further into netball, where she represented the Western Province U21 side while studying medicine.

Every layer of that journey helped fashion the calm, instinctive scrumhalf now standing on the edge of Springbok selection.

“As a scrumhalf, passing has been my main focus since I was younger,” Levy explained.

“My dad would say come after supper you have to pass 500 balls left and right, then you can go do what you want.”

Those repetitions became the bricks of her game. Her passing now zips across the field like a ball skimming off wet turf under floodlights.

Levy studies the craft obsessively. She admires Antoine Dupont and Aaron Smith for their control of tempo and tactical awareness, while drawing local inspiration from Felicia Jacobs.

Yet rugby in Bo-Kaap is never an individual story.

Haashim Pead and Insaaf levy firing passes on a tennis court in Bo-Kaap as children

The same streets that nurtured Levy also shaped rising Junior Springbok scrumhalf Haashim Pead. Video clips of the pair as children firing passes on a tennis court now feel like snapshots of a community producing talent with assembly-line consistency.

The rugby roots run even deeper through her younger sister, Nuha Levy, a gifted flyhalf already excelling for South Africa Women U18 and DHL Western Province Women U20. Earlier this month, Nuha steered WP to the national U20 Women’s Week title in Alberton.

Together, the sisters carry the tantalising possibility of one day becoming a Springbok halfback pairing forged in Bo-Kaap’s rugby furnace.

Nuha and her sister Insaaf Levy could one day play together for the Springbok Women Image: Instagram

For Levy, however, identity stretches beyond sport.

She speaks proudly about her late grandfathers, Sedick Sieed and Tahir Levy, whose influence grounded her in service and humility.

“Papa [Tahir Levy] selflessly dedicated his entire life to serve his community as an activist and social worker,” she said.

That spirit of service now shapes both halves of her life.

“Studying medicine while playing rugby was tough to manage,” Levy admitted.

“Now that I am qualified and working, I am looking forward to not only serving the ball from the base of a scrum but also being of service to my community as a doctor.”

Swys de Bruin, head coach of the Springbok Women Image: SA Rugby

De Bruin believes those qualities elevate her value within the squad.

“Insaaf earned this opportunity through consistency, game understanding and work ethic,” he said.

“She reads space very well; she has a calm temperament under pressure and her decision-making around the breakdown impressed us throughout the season.”

South Africa’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign against Madagascar, Uganda and Kenya is another building block ahead of a demanding international season that includes Tests against the USA and the Black Ferns.

Among the new faces in green and gold, Levy’s story carries special resonance.

Not because she is a doctor.

Not because she comes from rugby royalty.

Her journey matters because it expands what young girls in South African rugby can imagine for themselves.

Dr Insaaf Levy at work as a doctor Image: Instagram

Like a scrumhalf spotting daylight around a crowded ruck, Dr Insaaf Levy has carved a lane entirely her own.

And from the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap to the bright lights of Nairobi, South African rugby is preparing to watch history arrive at pace.

Springbok Women fixtures

  • 23 May: South Africa vs Madagascar
  • 27 May: South Africa vs Uganda
  • 31 May: South Africa vs Kenya

All matches take place at the RFUEA Sports Grounds in Nairobi.

The match against Madagscar on Saturday starts at 13h00 SA time on Saturday and will be broadcast live on Rugbypass.

Durban 10K ups the stakes with massive prize incentives for 2026

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is set to raise the pace and the pressure, with organisers unveiling a lucrative prize structure aimed at attracting elite performances on one of South Africa’s fastest road running courses.

The race, which celebrates its ninth anniversary on 12 July, forms part of the five-leg Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series that carries a combined prize purse of R1.686 million this year.

Each event on the series calendar offers total prize money of R337 200, with R267 200 allocated to the men’s and women’s open categories. Winners in Durban will earn R33 000, while second and third place finishers take home R24 000 and R21 000 respectively.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Geoff Redman

An additional R70 000 per event has been set aside for age category athletes, including juniors and runners over 40.

Organisers have also introduced substantial incentives for South African athletes capable of producing world-class times.

In the men’s race, athletes who break 27 minutes stand to earn a R300 000 bonus, while women who run faster than 30:20 will receive the same reward. A new South African record will carry an added R50 000 incentive.

Further bonuses will reward consistency across the series, with athletes earning extra payouts for repeated sub-28-minute performances in the men’s division and sub-32:08 performances in the women’s race.

Michael Meyer, race founder said the incentives are designed to reward excellence and elevate the standard of local road running.

“An impressive prize purse is a key pillar of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, as it not only plays a vital role in attracting a competitive elite field and motivating everyday runners to push beyond their limits and deliver personal best performances, but also serves as a welcomed and deserved reward for athletes who put in the hard work and commitment to excel,” Meyer said.

“With Durban’s fast, flat course, this is the one event where quick times, personal bests, and record-breaking performances are always on the cards. Durban never disappoints. We look forward to witnessing world-class racing at its best on South African soil.”

The race starts on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishes at Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.

More information is available at RUN YOUR CITY Series

Bulls and Stormers secure home URC playoffs as Lions limp into quarters

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs will feature three South African teams after a dramatic final round delivered a cocktail of celebration and frustration for the country’s franchises.

The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers earned prized home URC quarter-finals with emphatic statements in Pretoria and despite defeat in Cardiff respectively, while the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions scraped into the playoffs after stumbling in Limerick. The Hollywoodbets Sharks ended their campaign with a fireworks display in Durban.

The Bulls charged like a runaway scrum at Loftus Versfeld, flattening Benetton Rugby 45-19 to secure fourth place and a home quarter-final against Munster Rugby. Johan Ackermann’s men crossed for seven tries and stretched their winning streak to six matches.

Sergeal Petersen bagged a brace, while Willie le Roux, Johan Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese, Celimpilo Gumede and Ruan Nortje also powered over. Handre Pollard added five conversions with the precision of a metronome steering a backline orchestra.

Benetton’s resistance came through Louis Lynagh’s double and a try by Rhyno Smith, though the visitors spent most of the evening chasing shadows across the Highveld turf.

In Wales, Cardiff slammed the brakes on the Stormers’ hopes of a top-two finish with a gritty 22-16 victory at Cardiff Arms Park. The Cape side burst from the blocks like sprinters off the starter’s gun, but Cardiff’s defence became a brick wall around the tryline.

Adre Smith scored early for the Stormers, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a conversion and three penalties. Cardiff struck through Jacob Beetham’s brace, Tom Bowen and Ioan Lloyd to seal a quarter-final rematch in Cape Town.

The Lions, meanwhile, slipped to a 24-17 defeat against Munster in Limerick, leaving them with the daunting challenge of facing defending champions Leinster Rugby in Dublin.

Down in Durban, the Sharks signed off in style by crushing Zebre Parma 54-19. Siya Kolisi produced a captain’s farewell worthy of a stadium ovation with two tries, while Jaco Williams, Zekethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, Emmanuel Tshituka, Le Roux Malan and Ross Braude also crossed the whitewash.

The result secured 10th place for the Sharks and offered a glimpse of a side beginning to sharpen its claws for future campaigns.

Vodacom URC quarter-finals

Friday, 29 May
Glasgow Warriors v Connacht – Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (20:45 SA time)

Saturday, 30 May
Vodacom Bulls v Munster – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (13:00)
DHL Stormers v Cardiff – DHL Stadium, Cape Town (15:30)
Leinster v Fidelity SecureDrive Lions – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (21:00)

SA’s Gift Leotlela shines bright like a Diamond in Shanghai opener

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Adnaan Mohamed

South African sprinter Gift Leotlela produced a major statement at the opening meeting of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League season after storming to victory in the men’s 100m in Shanghai on Saturday.

Leotlela clocked 9.97 seconds in a race decided by the narrowest of margins, with the top three separated by hundredths of a second in a dramatic photo finish.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala took second in 9.98 after being added late to the field, while American sprinter Kenny Bednarek matched that time for third place.

It marked the first Diamond League victory of Leotlela’s career and continued a strong rise for the South African, who carried a personal best of 9.87 into the meeting.

“It means a lot to win my first-ever Diamond League,” Leotlela said afterwards.

“It is a first time in China for me, so to finish number one was a great feeling. I wanted to come here and enjoy myself and make a good start to the season.”

Leotlela said he focused more on execution than the clock in a field packed with proven international performers.

“I knew I am in great shape, but I didn’t want to think about time, just focus on my race. I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong.”

The performance will strengthen belief that Leotlela can challenge consistently on the global stage this season, particularly with major championships looming later in the year.

“The main goal for me in 2026 is to win the Commonwealth Games and then on to the Ultimate Championships at the end of the season,” he said.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine finished sixth in 10.05, while Botswana Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo crossed seventh in 10.12 after balancing 100m and 400m races earlier this season.

The 2026 Wanda Diamond League season continues in Xiamen on 23 May before travelling to stops including Rome, Paris, London and Zurich ahead of the final in Brussels on 4 and 5 September 2026.

2026 Wanda Diamond League Fixtures

  • May 23: Xiamen
  • May 31: Rabat
  • June 4: Rome
  • June 7: Stockholm
  • June 10: Oslo
  • June 19: Doha
  • June 28: Paris
  • July 4: Eugene
  • July 10: Monaco
  • July 18: London
  • August 21: Lausanne
  • August 23: Silesia
  • August 27: Zurich
  • September 4–5: Brussels (Final)

Source: diamondleague.com/

adidas launches official Cape Town Marathon range as Major ambition gathers pace

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The countdown to the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has accelerated with adidas unveiling its official race merchandise collection ahead of the event’s latest push toward Abbott World Marathon Major status.

Inspired by Cape Town’s running culture and coastal identity, the range blends performance apparel with bold African-inspired design. The collection features Dusky Petrol and Lucid Aquamarine colourways, complemented by gold detailing symbolising the marathon’s growing global ambition.

The range includes technical race jackets, training T-shirts, caps, visors and the latest version of the adizero Boston 13 running shoe.

The Boston 13 features adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole and energy rod system, alongside a uniquely African print design created specifically for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

The collection is available online and at selected adidas stores nationwide.

“Every year the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes a stride forward with regards to its scale and stature. This race is unique as it is distinctly African symbol of community, culture, and world-class running,” said Tom Brown.

“This collection allows runners and supporters alike to celebrate this special moment as Cape Town continues its push toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.”

As part of the build-up to race weekend, adidas will also host a marathon activation at the historic Union Castle Building square at the V&A Waterfront from 16 to 24 May.

The pop-up hub will stock official marathon merchandise and serve as a gathering point for runners through a series of daily events and community activities.

Among the scheduled events are long runs, recovery sessions, taper runs and shakeout runs, alongside product customisation opportunities. A DHL Stormers signing session is also planned for 19 May.

Runners preparing for race weekend will also have access to pre-race hair and nail services, while finishers can return with their medals for free engraving after the event.

The activation is aimed at creating a race-week atmosphere for local and international runners visiting Cape Town ahead of one of Africa’s flagship road running events.

SA swimmers win 84 medals at African Championships

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South Africa’s swimmers returned home on Tuesday with an impressive 84-medal haul from the African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria.

The country’s junior team led the charge, finishing top of the continental medal table with 25 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals, while the senior squad claimed nine gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals to place third behind Egypt and hosts Algeria.

Eighteen-year-old Scarlett le Roux produced one of the standout performances of the championships after winning five individual gold medals in the freestyle events.

Le Roux completed a clean sweep from the 100m to the 1500m freestyle races, touching first in the 100m freestyle in 58.36 seconds, the 200m freestyle in 2:06.45, the 400m freestyle in 4:25.37, the 800m freestyle in 9:13.65 and the 1500m freestyle in 17:34.04.

Scarlett le Roux – Photo Credit: Africa Aquatics

Cassidy Burgess also enjoyed a successful campaign, collecting three individual gold medals and two silvers across the butterfly and backstroke disciplines.

In the junior boys’ competition, Adrian van Wyk secured four gold medals and a bronze, while Zaine Niemand added three gold medals to South Africa’s tally.

Senior swimmer Isabeau Coetsee impressed in the backstroke events, winning gold in the 100m backstroke in 1:03.18 and the 200m backstroke in 2:16.42. She also claimed silver in the 50m backstroke in 29.74 seconds.

Matthew Caldwell added two gold medals in the freestyle events after victories in the 400m freestyle in 3:53.65 and the 800m freestyle in 8:10.30. He also earned silver in the 200m freestyle in 1:50.73.

Swimming South Africa president Alan Fritz praised the performances of the country’s young swimmers.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many of our young swimmers stepping up and delivering performances of this standard on the continental stage,” Fritz said.

“These championships are an important part of the development journey for our next generation of elite athletes. To return home with 84 medals across the junior and senior teams is a reflection of the depth of talent we have in South African swimming, and we congratulate every swimmer, coach and support staff member on their contribution.

“The experience gained in this environment will be invaluable as these athletes continue their progression in the sport.”

Cape Town 10K set to blaze as elite stars line up for city showdown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Cape Town 10K is shaping into a race that could leave scorch marks on the Mother City’s streets this weekend, with elite athletes targeting fast times, national bragging rights and a slice of history.

The women’s race has emerged as the main attraction with the elusive sub-30 minute barrier firmly in sight for the first time on South African soil.

Kenya’s Faith Cherono enters as the quickest athlete in the field with a personal best of 30:06 and is expected to drive an aggressive pace from the opening kilometre. Fellow Kenyan Jackline Rotich also arrives with proven pedigree and should add further pressure at the front.

South African attention, though, will centre on Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh in a contest carrying the feel of a championship prize fight.

Xaba has become the country’s dominant road runner in recent seasons, producing performances as smooth and relentless as a train gathering speed downhill. Kavanagh has rapidly climbed the ranks and continues to show the fearless racing instincts needed to survive a brutal pace on a fast course.

“Cape Town is known for quick times and strong competition,” said Xaba. “When the field moves hard from the start, everyone gets pulled into the race.”

Kavanagh believes the race could deliver something special.

“A sub-30 has been hanging in the air for years,” she said. “This field has the athletes capable of chasing that mark.”

The men’s race also carries serious firepower.

Kenyan speedster Felix Kibet Masai leads the entries with a lightning-fast 27:24 personal best and will start among the favourites alongside South African veteran Stephen Mokoka, whose experience and tactical awareness remain among the sharpest in the domestic road running scene.

Kabelo Mulaudzi, Tanzania’s Jummanne Ngoya and a powerful local contingent including Bongelani Mkhwanazi and Chris Mhlanga should ensure the pace remains fierce throughout.

Mokoka expects an uncompromising race from the gun.

“When athletes with these personal bests line up together, the pace naturally becomes aggressive,” he said. “You need to be ready for every move.”

With cool rainy, coastal conditions expected, deep international fields and national stars eager to seize the spotlight, Cape Town’s roads are set to become a high-speed theatre for one of the most anticipated races on the local calendar.

See full list of male and female elite contenders below: