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Comrades New Race Director Sue Forge Promises an Exceptional Experience

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Sue Forge: Image courtesy Comrades Marathon Association.

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has appointed Sue Forge, a seasoned event specialist, as its new Race Director, a role created in a strategic shake-up to keep the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon at the front of the pack.

The CMA Board split the duties of General Manager and Race Director to sharpen focus on innovation, safety and the runner experience. Forge was chosen after a rigorous, independent process that drew more than 100 applications.

Sue Forge, who boasts over 20 years’ experience in the industry, has led the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series SPAR Women’s Challenge, the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as well as serving Western Province Athletics. She has also contributed to international events such as the Confederation of African Athletics Cross Country Championships.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Race Director,” says Sue, who has taken on the huge responsibility in leading the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon.

“The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race, it is a symbol of endurance, camaraderie, and South African spirit.

“I look forward to working with the CMA Board, staff, sponsors, and the incredible volunteers to make the 99th Comrades and the centenary event the best yet, ensuring safety, innovation, and an exceptional experience for every runner.”

Known for her deep industry knowledge, collaborative management style, and runner centric approach, Sue has consistently delivered safe, high impact events while building strong relationships across sponsors, federations, government bodies, suppliers, and local communities.

Her appointment follows a rigorous selection process from over 100 candidates. From November 1, she will take full-time charge of race operations, reporting to CMA General Manager Alain Dalais.

Alain is confident she’ll keep the event moving smoothly:

“Sue brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to this role. I know that the Comrades community will all benefit from this appointment.”

CMA Chair Mqondisi Ngcobo echoed that sentiment:

“As we approach our centenary, appointing a dedicated Race Director ensures that Comrades remains at the forefront of global ultramarathons.

“Sue brings unparalleled expertise, a proven track record in major sporting events, and a passion for the running community.”

But Sue herself sums it up best:

“The Comrades Marathon is a journey that unites people. To be entrusted with guiding it into its 99th and 100th races is a privilege I’ll carry every step of the way.”

Springboks charge Eden Park hoodoo head-on

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By Adnaan Mohamed

History stands on the tryline. The Springboks return to Eden Park on Saturday, the All Blacks’ impenetrable fortress since 1994, chasing a first victory in Auckland since 1937.

“Facing New Zealand away from home is always a challenge, and playing at Eden Park will make both teams equally desperate,” said coach Rassie Erasmus.

“There’s no doubt the players will throw everything out there on Saturday. There is a massive rivalry between the sides, and the history between us is tremendous.”

The Boks’ two lone wins at Eden Park came in 1921 and 1937. Since then, seven defeats and one draw have left the ground a graveyard of green-and-gold dreams.

Now Erasmus’ men, back-to-back World Champions and reigning Rugby Championship holders, want to flip the script.

“Playing against New Zealand in their backyard… is special, and we don’t need more motivation than that. It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams,” he admitted.

Erasmus brushed off talk of Eden Park being an impossible fortress:

“People are making a big deal of the Eden Park record and, of course, it adds pressure. But if one looks back a few weeks ago, we lost against Australia at Ellis Park, and it’s now history.

For us, it’s a huge honour to get the chance to play at Eden Park, and it’s a great opportunity for us.”

And when asked if this was the biggest Test since the World Cup Final? His answer was blunt:

“It would be a slap in the face to Australia and Argentina for us to say this is the biggest game since then.”

With both sides ranked one and two in the world, Saturday’s Test match will be a collision of legacies and settle the argument for now as to who can claim the bragging rights of being the best rugby team on the planet.

Springbok Women’s Historic World Cup Win

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women tore through the history books in York on Sunday, barging past Italy 29–24 to clinch their first-ever Rugby World Cup play-off spot. It was a tackle-busting, line-breaking moment that also catapulted South Africa into the world’s top ten for the first time.

Head coach Swys de Bruin hailed the victory as a true pack effort:

“We stuck to our game plan, scrummed down as one, and outplayed them in the backs. Italy showed their Six Nations pedigree, but our team simply wanted it more.”

De Bruin said his team’s refusal to back down when Italy came with a determined fight back to twice draw level in the game, as well as the tactical acumen of his coaching staff were highlights in this exceptional win.

“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” said De Bruin.

“We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.

“We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned.”

Italy twice levelled the scores after trailing 17–5, yet the Bok Women refused to fold. Their grit in defence and flair on attack delivered tries that split the Azzurri line like a well-timed crash ball.

Captain Nolusindiso Booi, playing her fourth and final World Cup, likened the triumph to lifting silverware after years of hard graft:

“This win is for those who laid the foundations before us. From where we started to breaking into the top ten. It’s magic. This is just so rewarding for everyone, especially the coaches who prepared us for this moment. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding send-off.”

The Boks now return to their Northampton base, preparing for a heavyweight pool clash with unbeaten France. This game will be yet another massive test in their quest to keep this fairytale rolling.

Van Niekerk and Commins continues SA Squash dominance

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By Adnaan Mohamed

At the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing, the walls echoed with familiar thuds of dominance as Alex Commins and Dewald van Niekerk once again shut out all challengers at the Growthpoint SA Nationals.

Like seasoned players who know every corner of the court, the titleholders reminded the country why they still call the shots in South African squash.

Van Niekerk, the 28-year-old ironman from SA Country Districts, carved his way into history by clinching a record fifth consecutive crown.

His 3–1 victory over 21-year-old Northerns prodigy Damian Groenewald broke KwaZulu-Natal’s Steve Coppinger’s long-standing record of four straight titles.

Groenewald, fearless and inventive, did something no South African has managed in over a year: he pried a game off Van Niekerk.

But the champion, like a wall that absorbs and redirects everything, adapted and tightened his grip on the match.

“Damian played really well and changed his game, so I had to adjust,” Van Niekerk said. “It’s an incredible feeling to win five in a row.”

On the women’s side, Cape Town’s Commins proved that retirement from the professional tour hasn’t dulled her blade.

At 31, she sliced her way to a sixth national title, taking down Eastern Province rival Hayley Ward 3–1 in a repeat of last year’s final.

Losing the second game only lit her fire. Commins reclaimed the title by dictating the rallies, forcing Ward into the back corners until the match was hers.

“Against Hayley it’s always tough,” she admitted.

“I just tried to stay calm and stick to my game plan.”

But the tournament wasn’t just about the established rulers of the court. The juniors lit up the Nationals with their own fierce rallies

In the U15 boys’ division, Makhanda’s Ashton Burger sealed the title after blitzing Boland’s Zander Smit 3–0, while Eden’s Codey Abrahams staged a thrilling comeback elsewhere to confirm Burger’s triumph.

In the girls’ U15 draw, KwaZulu-Natal’s Rylee Howells was untouchable, storming through the round-robin and polishing off her campaign with a commanding 3–0 win over Northerns’ Alyssa Arcangeli.

From record-breaking legends to hungry newcomers, the Growthpoint SA Nationals served up a feast of squash brilliance providing proof that South African squash’s rally is far from over.

Glenrose Snubs World Champs Despite Blistering Form

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Photo Credit: Adnaan Mohamed

By Adnaan Mohamed

South African road-running star Glenrose Xaba has stunned fans by stepping off the global start line before the gun has even gone off. Despite earning her spot for next month’s World Senior Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the record-breaking marathoner has withdrawn from what would have been her first major global race.

The 30-year-old, who smashed the national marathon record (2:22:22) on debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last year, chose caution over ambition after discussions with manager Lee-Roy Newton and coaches Caster and Violet Semenya.

Like a runner easing off the gas before the finishing tape, Xaba says she is not yet conditioned for the punishing marathon stage at the World Champs.

“My manager said I’m still a baby in marathons… Yes, I qualified, but we didn’t do the program,” she explained, acknowledging the need for a proper build-up rather than leaping from track mileage straight into marathon intensity.

The announcement came moments after Xaba broke the tape at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in 31:34, just shy of her own national record (31:12).

Her latest victory in Durban comes after a streak that includes the Spar Women’s 10km and last weeks Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10km in Preoria. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:44) and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda (33:05) chasing her slipstream came in second and third respectivley.

Yet it was the news of her withdrawal frpm the World Champs, not the course record, that dominated headlines.

Critics argue that with national titles spanning 10km, 21km, and 42.2km, Glenrose has already proved her endurance credentials and should test her legs against the world’s best.

But Glenrose insists she isn’t ready to stride into the deep end of marathon racing without proper preparation.

She admits her real dream was to qualify for the 5000m or 10 000m to taste the stadium roar in Tokyo, but she missed the mark.

“It was not an easy decision. I was excited when I qualified last year, but my manager told me I’m not strong enough yet,” she said.

For now, Glenrose Xaba’s path is one of patience: training blocks instead of global spotlights, measured strides instead of risky sprints.

Like any seasoned runner, she knows the biggest races are not just about getting to the start line, but its about setting goals and looking at the bigger picture.

Women’s Top 10 Results:

1 Glenrose XABA 00:31:42
2 Neheng KHATALA 00:31:52
3 Fridah NDINDA 00:32:34
4 Irvette VAN ZYL 00:32:51
5 Karabo MORE 00:32:59
6 Karaboá MAILULA 00:33:10
7 Nthabiseng LETOKOTO 00:33:12
8 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:33:18
9 Ntsoaki MOLAHLOEÁ 00:33:47
10 Malineo MAHLOKO 00:34:16

Teenager tastes glory at Hollywood Durban 10km

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Kamohelo Mofolo turned the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km into his personal victory lap, storming away from the pack like a runaway train on Saturday morning. The 19-year-old from Lesotho, already his nation’s 10km record-holder, lit up Kingsmead Cricket Stadium as he broke the tape in 27:58 leaving 12,000 competitors trailing in his slipstream.

With compatriot Tebello Ramakongoana absent, Mofolo carried the Mountain Kingdom’s flag high, ensuring the crown never left Lesotho’s grasp. Running in the colours of Durban’s Xcel Running Club, he made it back-to-back victories for his country, clocking the fastest stride of the day.

South Africa’s finest tried to reel him in, but Mofolo was simply out of reach. Kabelo “Mr Podium” Mulaudzi ( 28:01) chased hard, finishing just three seconds adrift, while Thabang Mosiako (28:03) sprinted home another two seconds later. Both men held on to his shadow but could never quite close the gap.

Mofolo’s race was bold from the gun. Just after 2km, he hit the accelerator, opening daylight between himself and the chasers. Even when stiff coastal winds blew across the route after 6km, slowing his record attempt, his lead never wavered.

“I realised the record was gone, but I focused on protecting my lead,” he said.

The teenager’s decision to skip the Absa Tshwane 10km the week before was a tactical masterstroke by saving his legs for Durban’s big stage. The gamble paid off handsomely, as he surged through the final kilometre in a blistering 2:40, sealing the title and the R35,700 prize.

“Yes, I said earlier this week that I wanted to win,” Mofolo smiled, breathless but triumphant.

“Everything went according to plan, and I am just so happy.”

For Mulaudzi, the runner-up spot was yet another podium finish in a career built on consistency.

“The race was tactical. I’m happy with my time, but today belonged to Kamohelo,” he admitted.

Mosiako, meanwhile, was elated with third.

“I was with Kabelo until halfway, but it got tough. To still finish top three in 28:03 makes me really happy,” he said.

On Durban’s flat, fast streets, Mofolo showed he is no longer just a promising prospect but a genuine force. At just 19, he has already proven he can set the pace and leave even the strongest rivals chasing shadows.

Men’s Top 10 Results

1 Kamohelo MOFOLO 00:27:57
2 Kabelo MULAUDZI 00:28:01
3 Thabang MOSIAKO 00:28:03
4 Matlakala Bennett SELOYI 00:28:04
5 Bongelani MKHWANAZI 00:28:08
6 Cwenga NOSE 00:28:10
7 Stephen MOKOKA 00:28:16
8 Simon SIBEKO 00:28:18
9 Siyabonga NDLOVU 00:28:21
10 Chris MHLANGA 00:29:0

Van Niekerk, Commins Keep Dreams Alive

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Adnaan Mohamed

Groenewald Brothers Shine

The Growthpoint Nationals in Cape Town served up rallies of grit and guile on Friday, with Dewald van Niekerk and Alex Commins keeping their championship bids firmly in play, while the Groenewald brothers showed that the future of South African squash is already pressing hard at the glass.

Defending champion Van Niekerk, the man who has ruled the domestic court for nearly half a decade, fended off 19-year-old Luhann Groenewald in a semifinal that was as much a passing-of-the-torch preview as it was a title bout.

The Northerns teenager swung with courage and stamina, but Van Niekerk’s control and precision were like a player who always finds the perfect length after eventually wearing his opponent down 11-3, 11-8, 11-9 in 37 lung-busting minutes.

That victory sets up a repeat final against Luhann’s elder brother Damian, who played the immaculate straight drive to sink former champ JP Brits 3-0.

Damian Groenewald Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

The 21-year-old held his nerve, showing patience and placement, while forcing the 34-year-old into wild, risky shots. It was the kind of disciplined squash that announces a player not just chasing the ball, but chasing greatness.

On the women’s side, Commins gave a ruthless reminder of why she once climbed to 22 in the world rankings. Playing with the sharpness of a volley kill, she dismantled Kim McDonald 11-2, 11-3, 11-3, conceding only eight points in a flawless display. For Commins, every outing is about raising the bar higher:

“You just have to find a way to get the job done. You can’t relax against anyone.” Tomorrow, she meets Hayley Ward, who justified her top seed with a commanding 3-0 victory over Teagan Russell, injecting pace and aggression at every opening.

Beyond the senior spotlight, the juniors added fresh bounce to the tournament. KZN’s top seed Rylee Howells tightened her grip on the U15 girls’ crown with back-to-back wins, while the boys’ U15 division is heading for a nail-biting finish, with all four contenders locked at one win apiece—Saturday’s final matches will decide who stands tall when the dust settles.

With Van Niekerk chasing a record fifth title, Commins hunting her sixth, and the Groenewald brothers showing the sport’s next chapter is already on court, the Growthpoint Nationals are shaping up like a rally that just keeps getting bette with each point harder, faster, and more thrilling than the last.

Friday’s results were:

Seniors

Women – Semifinals

1-Hayley Ward (EP) bt 4-Teagan Russell (Joburg Squash) 3-0 (11-3 11-6 11-5), 3-Alex Commins (WP) bt 7-Kim McDonald (Northerns) 3-0 (11-1 11-1 11-6)

Pool 5-8

Helena Hudson (Northerns) bt Lara Patrick (Northerns) 3-1 (11-4 11-13 11-2 16-14), Alexa Pienaar (SACD) bt Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-0 (11-6 11-8 11-8), Alexa Pienaar (SACD) bt Helena Hudson (Northerns) 3-0 (11-4 11-9 11-5), Lara Patrick (Northerns) bt Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-0 (11-3 11-9 14-12).

Men – Semifinals

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) bt 4-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) 3-0 (11-3 11-8 11-9), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 3-JP Brits (SACD) 3-0 (11-8 11-3 11-4).

Pool 5-8

John Anderson (Joburg Squash) bt Luke van Vuuren (SACD) 3-1 (11-5 9-11 15-13 14-12), Reuel Videler (SACD) bt Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-2 (9-11 11-9 10-12 11-2 11-9), John Anderson (Joburg Squash) bt Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-0 (11-9 11-1 11-6), Reuel Videler (SACD) bt Luke van Vuuren (SACD) 3-1 (10-12 11-7 11-8 11-9)

U15– Girls: Pool 1-4 – Rylee Howells (KZN) bt Jasmaine Rust (Free State) 3-0 (11-1 11-4 11-7), Genevieve Lang (WP) bt Alyssa Arcangeli (Northerns) 3-0 (11-8 11-5 11-8).

Pool 5-8 – Nhlalala Masingi (Joburg Squash) bt Mienke Stander (Boland) 3-0 (11-6 11-6 11-9), Faatima Packery (EP) bt Hanja Gildenhuys (Eden) 3-2 (11-5 11-7 10-12 10-12 11-2).

Boys– Pool 1-4 -Liam Fehrsen (EP) bt Ashton Burger (EP) 3-2 (9-11 11-4 11-7 3-11 11-9), Codey Abrahams (Eden) bt Zander Smit (Boland) 3-1 (11-3 9-11 11-8 11-4). 

Pool 5-8- Milton Posthumus (WP) bt Tiaan Goosen (Northerns) 3-1 (11-4 9-11 11-6 11-4), Jeremy John (KZN) bt George Hung (Free State) 3-0 (11-9 12-10 11-4).

Hollywood Durban 10km Set for Clash of Generations

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Stephen Mokoka arrives at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km not as a man winding down, but as a statesman of South African road running … still racing, still teaching. At 40, with four Olympic Games, multiple World Championships, and five Shanghai Marathon victories behind him, the long-distance legend is not here for farewells. Instead, he’s at Kingsmead Stadium to test himself against the next wave, while offering them a warning.

Hollywood 10K Male Contenders Photo: George Sithole

“Many youngsters are racing too often and training too hard,” Mokoka cautioned at the pre-race press conference.

“That leads to muscle strain and long-term injuries. If you’re supposed to get 20 to 30 years out of your legs, you can cut that down to just five. You may be the best now, but once your body breaks down, people forget you quickly.”

It was advice delivered with the kind of gravity only a two-decade career can lend. Mokoka knows the traps: the lure of prize money, the rush of early success, the temptation to burn too brightly.

“Race less, stay healthy, and you’ll last longer,” he added.

“Money will always run faster than you, let the banks keep it safe. Your health and longevity matter more.”

The timing of his message is pointed. Saturday’s Durban 10km has sold out with a record 12 000 entries and boasts the richest prize purse in the country for the distance: R357 500., with the men’s and women’s winners each pocketing R37,500.

Ambition will be in the air, but Mokoka insists he’s not just there to preach. He wants a top-10 finish, still hungry to prove that his legs, though seasoned, are far from finished.

Kavanagh Chasing the Pace

Hollywood 10K Female Contenders Photo: George Sithole

If Mokoka embodies endurance, Taylor Kavanagh is South Africa’s rising flame. At 23, the Hollywood Athletics Club runner has already carved her place among the nation’s best. She showed her class by winning the Durban International 10km earlier this year, clocking a sub-32-minute at the Totalsports Women’s 10km, and taking victory in Pietermaritzburg’s Spar 10km.

Now she lines up on home streets with her eyes on a lifetime best. With Glenrose Xaba, the national record-holder at 31:12, headlining the women’s field, Kavanagh knows the opportunity is real.

“Since this is a home race, I’m more excited than pressured,” said Kavanagh .

“I know Glenrose is targeting another national record, and that kind of pace will definitely pull the rest of us to faster times. She’s in terrific form. When you run with someone like that, you brace yourself for a PB or at least a really fast run.”

Her personal best of 31:53 already places her among the elite, but Kavanagh believes progress comes through collective effort.

“Women’s running in South Africa is growing rapidly,” she said. “The more we work together, the more we can achieve. Running with Neheng [Khatala] to break that sub-32 barrier was special. It shows that when women push each other, great things happen.”

The women’s race promises fireworks: Kavanagh’s teammate and defending champion Neheng Khatala returns, while Boxer Running Club’s Karabo Mailula and Karabo More will press the pace. For Kavanagh, the challenge is not only to keep up, but to thrive.

The Passing of Torches

When the starter’s gun fires at 7:30am, the Durban 10km will be a clash of philosophies: Mokoka’s seasoned voice urging patience, preservation, and the long game, against Kavanagh’s youthful surge, chasing personal bests and fresh milestones.

For some, the prize purse will be the target; for others, it’s about personal markers. But in the larger story of South African road running, Saturday represents something deeper. It’s about the the endurance of careers, the rise of new stars, and the eternal chase against time itself.

The race will be broadcast live on SABC, bringing the spirit of the Purple Team to South African homes.

Next stop after Durban is Joburg on Saturday, 13 September.

McDonald’s Shakes Up Squash Nationals

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Growthpoint SA Nationals opened with a bang at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront as seventh seed Kim McDonald stunned second seed Alexa Pienaar in straight games, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7.

McDonald, a qualified doctor working in Eswatini, played with surgical precision to cut through Pienaar’s game. Her variation and attacking intent never allowed her opponent to settle.

“We’ve had some really good matches in the past and I know Alexa is a fierce competitor,” McDonald said. “When you play her, you have to make sure your belief is high. I just had to take my chances because the front of the court can be quite dead, and I focused on mixing it up with a solid length.”

For McDonald, the victory was as unexpected as it was satisfying.

“At the moment I get some squash in over the weekends and do some trail running to keep sane, but to come here and get a win is something I will treasure,” the 29-year-old admitted.

Her next opponent is defending champion Alex Commins, who breezed past Lara Patrick in three games.

Seeds Stay Firm

Elsewhere, the tournament’s top names stayed solid. Dewald van Niekerk, chasing a record fifth consecutive title, demolished teammate Luke van Vuuren 11-2, 11-2, 11-5, while women’s top seed Hayley Ward survived some testing moments against Helena Hudson before winning 11-4, 11-5, 11-8.

Teenager Steps Up

The men’s draw also saw a breakthrough from Luhann Groenewald. The 19-year-old Northerns prodigy, twice an U19 champion, marked his senior debut with a composed 3-0 win over fifth seed Reuel Videler.

Luhann Groenewald Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

“That takes a bit of pressure off, and I just aim to go out and give it my best against Dewald tomorrow,” he said.

“I was happy with the way I played today, although I fell off a bit in the last game before coming back. But I’ll take that win and look forward to the next challenge.”

Junior Fireworks

The day’s most dramatic encounter unfolded in the U15 boys’ section, where Eastern Province’s Ashton Burger pulled off a miraculous comeback against Western Province’s Milton Posthumus.

Ashton Burger Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

Posthumus led 2-1 and had four game points in the fourth, only for Burger to rally. Then, in the decider, Posthumus stood on the brink at 10-4 up before Burger reeled off eight consecutive points for an astonishing 12-10 win.

“I just decided that I wasn’t going to give in,” Burger said. “It was about not looking too far ahead and just keeping my concentration.”

He joined EP teammate and top seed Liam Fehrsen, who cruised past Free State’s 12-year-old George Hung. In the girls’ U15s, KwaZulu-Natal’s Rylee Howells was too strong for Eden’s Hanja Gildenhuys, winning 3-0.

Opening Day Verdict

From McDonald’s clinical takedown of Pienaar, to Groenewald’s fearless senior debut, to Burger’s Houdini act in the juniors, day one served a reminder: squash at the Nationals is never scripted.

Momentum swings faster than a ball off the tin, and as the week unfolds, fans can expect more drama, more upsets, and more proof that in this game, no seed is truly safe.

Thursday’s results were:

Seniors

Women

1-Hayley Ward (EP) bt 8-Helena Hudson (Northerns) 3-0 (11-4 11-5 11-8), 7-Kim McDonald (Northerns) bt 2-Alexa Pienaar (SACD) 3-0 (12-10 11-6 11-7), 3-Alex Commins (WP) bt 6-Lara Patrick (Northerns) 3-0 (11-3 11-3 11-4), 4-Teagan Russell (Joburg Squash) bt 5-Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-1 (11-13 11-9 11-1 11-9).

Men

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) bt 3-0 (11-2 11-2 11-5), 8-Luke van Vuuren (SACD), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 7-Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-0 (11-3 12-10 11-3), 3-JP Brits (SACD) bt 6-John Anderson (Joburg Squash) 3-1 (11-9 6-11 11-8 11-3), 4-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) bt 5-Reuel Videler (SACD) 3-0 (11-6 11-5 11-9).

U15

Girls

1-Rylee Howells (KZN) bt 8-Hanja Gildenhuys (Eden) 3-0 (11-6 11-1 11-2), 2-Alyssa Arcangeli (Northerns) bt 7-Mienke Stander (Boland) 3-1 (11-0 11-9 8-11 11-4), 3-Genevieve Lang (WP) bt 6-Nhlalala Masingi (Joburg Squash) 3-0 (11-2 11-3 11-2), 4-Jasmaine Rust (Free State) bt Fatima Packery (EP) 3-0 (1-5 11-1 11-8).

Boys

1-Liam Fehrsen (EP) bt George Hung (Free State) 3-0 (11-4 11-3 11-3), 2-Codey Abrahams (Eden) bt 7-Jeremy John (KZN) 3-1 (11-9 7-11 11-3 13-11), 6-Zander Smit (Boland) bt 3-Tiaan Goosen (Northerns) 3-0 (11-1 11-9 11-3), 5-Ashton Burger (EP) bt 4-Milton Posthumus (WP) 3-2 (11-4 9-11 6-11 11-9 12-10).

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Elite Line-Up Revealed at 50 Day Mark

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The clock is ticking and the countdown boards are flashing with just 50 days to go before the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

Africa’s premier marathon is shifting gears and hitting full stride, sprinting towards Abbott World Marathon Majors glory. And this year’s start line promises to be stacked like never before.

On Thursday, 28 August, the organisers unveiled the headline stars of the fourteenth edition, with 6 platinum and 8 gold-status athletes set to lace up on Sunday, 19 October. For the sold-out field of 24,000 runners, the stage is set for a showdown worthy of the Mother City’s streets.

Double Olympian Caster Semenya shares her thoughts on Sanlam Cape Town Marathon becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major:

Running Towards Greatness

“With the help of our partners, the City of Cape Town, and the citizens of the Mother City, we achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of our Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

Like a runner finding an extra gear in the final kilometre, Gardner underlined the event’s growing momentum:

“In 2025, we are undertaking Stage 2 and to that end have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history.

“Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best.

“Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving this feat.”

Elite Showdowns at the Front of the Pack

The elite field is as sharp as the tip of a racing spike.

In the men’s race, Ronald Korit (Kenya, PB 2:04:22) arrives as the fastest man in the field, shadowed by compatriot Bethwel Chumba Kibet (2:04:37). South Africa’s new marathon record-holder Elroy Gelant (2:05:36) is breathing down their necks, just four seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa.

All will have their sights on the 2024 course record of 2:08:16, set by Abdisa Tola.This mark is now in serious danger of being left behind like a fading pacesetter.

The women’s race has its own drama scripted. Leading the charge is South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, the undisputed queen of local ultra-running.

“I’m so excited and so honoured to announce that I will be lining up for the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon,” Steyn said with a smile.

“I can’t wait for the 19th of October! And most of all to share the beautiful route with thousands and thousands of my fellow runners.

“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has always been close to my heart, and the last time I ran this race was in 2021.

“I can still remember crossing the finish line that day. I felt so proud that we have such an amazing race here on South African soil.”

She will face an all-star peloton including Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti (2:16:56) and Angela Tanui (2:17:57), as well as Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba (2:19:59). South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba, who dethroned Steyn’s course record in 2024, will not be back to defend her title.

Sanlam’s Meaningful Impact

Sanlam’s backing goes beyond the water tables and medals.

“What began as a sponsorship in 2014 has grown into a strategic partnership aimed at positioning the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as Africa’s first and only World Marathon Major,” said Shadi Chauke, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Sanlam.

“As a Pan-African organisation, we are deeply committed to unlocking the continent’s potential and creating meaningful impact that extends well beyond the finish line.”

Already, 62 fundraising champions have raised nearly R200,000 for 18 charities via the GivenGain portal. Chauke added:

“Through partnerships with the Caster Semenya Foundation, CANSA, and WWF South Africa, we are advancing youth sports development, health, and environmental sustainability. We invite every runner to turn their race into a force for good through GivenGain.”  

Final Kick to the Finish

With the field set, the excitement building, and the countdown clock ticking, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is running full tilt towards history. Africa’s best will battle for glory, while thousands more will chase their own finish-line dreams.

adidas, too, is leaving footprints bigger than its shoes.

“For adidas, our role as technical partner goes beyond supplying kit; it’s about supporting the culture of running in Africa,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas.

‘Run For Africa’ is central to that vision, rewarding runners who start and finish the marathon in adidas shoes with a R2,000 adidas voucher, and building pride in this community.

adidas has created a limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 shoe to commemorate the 2025 race. Photo by adidas.

“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon shows what’s possible when innovation meets purpose, from the race tee to the limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13. Every touchpoint is about leaving a legacy for runners well beyond the finish line.”

The Mother City is ready. The runners are ready. And the race is just 50 days away.