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Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge

Adnaan MohamedNews, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge
By Adnaan Mohamed

Like two powerful swimmers sighting the buoy and surging with intent, Henré Louw and Matthew Caldwell are set to lead South Africa’s men’s charge at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile, determined to stop the foreign tide from washing over the podium for a third straight year.

With New Zealander Louis Clark (2025 winner) and Australian Nick Sloman (2024 champion) absent from the starting pontoon, the waters look ripe for a local breakthrough. But standing like a steady cross-current is three-time French Olympian Damien Joly, whose presence adds an unmistakable edge to the 5–8 February showdown.

Caldwell, who finished third last year, has no hesitation in calling his shot, speaking with the calm certainty of a swimmer who trusts his stroke count.

“I think I’ll call it now: top three, not in order, but top three will be amongst Henré Louw, Damien Joly, the French swimmer, and myself,” said Caldwell.

“We will be fighting for first, second, and third, us three, I think. That’s my opinion. There are a lot of other swimmers that are looking good at the moment, but right now I think in my books that’s the top three.”

Louw, twice the bridesmaid at Midmar, agrees that Joly is a major threat, but believes the race will be deeper than just three names treading water at the front.

“There are still other good guys like Sven van der Linde, who’s also going to be there, and there are a few guys that definitely can show up on the day, like Connor Albertyn as well,” Louw said.

“But I reckon that’s going to be the five guys in the mix that’s going to be really racing for the win.”

The numbers back him up. Connor Albertyn and Sven van der Linde finished fifth and sixth respectively in 2025, but the pair tasted silver and bronze the year before, proving how quickly fortunes can change in open water where tactics ebb and flow.

For Louw, the focus is on sharpening the final surge, the moment where races at Midmar are often won or lost like a perfectly timed kick at the wall.

“Last year I did not finish as well as I wanted to finish,” he admitted.

“I think my last 400 meters last year was a bit of an issue, like I didn’t pick up my kick rate and my stroke rate as much as I should have.”

He knows that at Midmar, execution is everything, from pacing to positioning.

“And just exiting really well is also something I would definitely have to focus on if I want to beat these guys.
At Midmar, some years, the one line is faster than the other line. So you’re definitely going to have a few practice swims to see how well you can execute the race.”

Caldwell recently edged Louw with a cleaner exit during the final seeding swim in Midrand, a detail that could loom large when the dam turns into a boiling cauldron of arms and spray. Confidence, though, flows freely through his camp.

“I’ve been training very hard and the results will show,” he said. “They’ll be good. They’ll be good.”

Beyond the medals and margins, it’s the Midmar magic that keeps drawing him back, year after year.

“Just the people, the experience, just the environment. It’s a very nice weekend away. Nice place, good food, good people, good music. The weekend’s just lovely. I love the racing as well.”

Online entries for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile have now closed. Swimmers still hoping to dive in can enter on the day at Midmar Dam, but are advised to arrive early as places are limited.

For more information, visit www.midmarmile.com

Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has raised the stakes for 2026, announcing a combined R2.6 million prize purse that further cements its status as one of the world’s premier road running events.

Dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the iconic Cape Town race will see increased prize money across both its flagship events. The internationally renowned Ultra Marathon and the ever-popular Half Marathon will get a significant boost as organisers look to attract top-tier local and international talent.

The Ultra Marathon will account for the lion’s share of the purse, with R2 177 400 on offer, while the Half Marathon prize money has been boosted to R422 600, a move organisers believe was long overdue.

“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has always been about more than just finishing the race – it’s about celebrating the spirit of running, pushing boundaries, and inspiring excellence,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“By increasing the prize purse for 2026, we’re not only recognising the dedication and talent of elite athletes but also raising the profile of the event on the global stage. It’s a clear statement that the Two Oceans Marathon is committed to fostering world-class competition while honouring our rich heritage in road running.”

At the sharp end of the Ultra Marathon, male and female winners will each pocket R380 000, with runners-up earning R220 000 and third place R100 000. The Open Category prize money will be shared among the top 10 finishers, ensuring depth and competitiveness throughout the elite field.

The Half Marathon Open Category will distribute R298 000, with winners taking home R50 000, second place R30 000 and third R18 000, again across both men’s and women’s races.

Prize money will also be paid across multiple age categories in both events, rewarding consistent excellence beyond the podium. Additional allocations have been made for Top WPA Athletes, Top South African Athletes (Ultra only) and Teams, underlining the race’s inclusive competitive structure.

General manager Wade Bromfield said the increase in prize money was about more than financial reward.

“Increasing the prize purse is more than just a financial boost – it’s an investment in the athletes and the integrity of the race itself,” Bromfield said.

“It shows our commitment to supporting both local and international elite runners, while also elevating the prestige of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This step reinforces our mission to create a race experience that inspires ambition, celebrates achievement, and upholds our position as a world-class event.”

Bromfield added that the enhanced Half Marathon purse was a particularly significant milestone.

“We are especially proud to introduce a significantly enhanced prize purse in the 2026 Half Marathon, an increase that has been long overdue,” he said.

“By investing in both the Ultra and Half Marathon, we are rewarding excellence, while reinforcing our dedication to the running community. We are proudly celebrating elite performance while ensuring the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious and exhilarating races on the global calendar.”

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend will take place from 10 to 12 April, with the Trail Run on Friday, the Ultra Marathon on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road
By Adnaan Mohamed

Gustavo Vuela Tercott doesn’t travel through the world, he pedals into it. Two years after leaving Mexico on a bicycle, Africa has become his road, his classroom and his proving ground.

Like a rider chasing the horizon with no finish line in sight, Gustavo has turned endurance into a way of life.

The Mexican adventurer is currently cycling around the African continent as part of his Vagabundo del Mundo project. It’s a journey driven by curiosity rather than speed. Already, his wheels have traced the entire West African coastline from Morocco to Namibia, stitching together cultures and climates one relentless pedal stroke at a time.

Cape Town became his latest milestone on Monday, 26 January 2026, and not just any day. Gustavo rolled into the Mother City on his birthday, after leaving Langebaan and sleeping over in Melkbosstrand, the final kilometres ticking over like the closing metres of a long stage.

He was welcomed not with fanfare, but with something far more meaningful, a homemade birthday cake, presented by Eugene Dryding, one of the many strangers-turned-friends his journey has gifted him.

Gustavo is currently staying with Eugene in Heathfield, in the Southern Suburbs, giving both rider and bike a brief recovery window.

That moment of celebration had its roots far north, deep in Namibia.

Keith Linderoth, Gustavo Vuela Tercott and Eugene Dryding when they met on the road in Namibia Photo: Bridget Linderoth

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, Cape Town couples Keith and Bridget Linderoth and Eugene and Audrey Dryding were midway through a six-week road trip through Namibia. Having departed from Khowarib Lodge in the Kunene Region, they were heading towards Palmwag Lodge when they noticed a lone cyclist moving steadily against the vastness of the landscape.

They stopped.

Water, cold drinks and food were offered, simple gestures that often mean everything on a long ride. Eugene took down Gustavo’s details, and what began as a roadside pause turned into an ongoing connection via Instagram and WhatsApp, a digital lifeline stretching across borders and months.

That thread finally led to Cape Town, and a birthday welcome that symbolised the quiet kindness Gustavo says defines his journey.

Gustavo at the Waterfront in Cape Town with Table Mountain in the background. Photo: Keith Linderoth

The ride itself began two years ago when he fulfilled a childhood dream that demanded movement rather than comfort. Since then, Gustavo has crossed more than 20 countries, discovering that the road is both unforgiving and generous.

It has tested him severely.

Five bouts of malaria forced him off the saddle. Typhoid fever threatened to end everything. Each illness was a brutal climb, but none proved steep enough to stop him.

Along the way, he has seen empty spaces of luxury, glossy but hollow, and places of deep poverty overflowing with happiness. More than once, he admits, he lost himself- only to rediscover who he was further down the road, often with help from people he never expected to meet.

Gustavo’s journey along the west coast of Africa

Asked when he felt the most fear, his answer surprises.

It was not sickness, danger or isolation.

It was the moment he crossed the Strait of Gibraltar.

That narrow stretch of water, as he approached the Moroccan shore, marked the true beginning. It was the point where the comfort zone disappeared and the unknown opened up like an unmarked descent.

Since then, every turn of the pedals has been an act of faith. Gustavo rides not to escape the world, but to understand it, slowly, honestly, and entirely under his own power.

Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies
By Adnaan Mohamed

The streamers has barely settled on the pitch, yet the cricketing carousel is already spinning at full tilt. Less than 48 hours after the SA20 final, seven players are back in harness, this time in national colours as South Africa and the West Indies begin a trimmed three-match T20 series, a final nets session before the T20 World Cup spotlight switches on.

Originally slated for five games, the series was shortened to avoid colliding with the World Cup support window. Make no mistake, though this is no gentle loosener. Both teams are still bruised from the last global showpiece. South Africa reached the final and had one hand on the trophy before India snatched it away by seven runs. West Indies fell at the Super Eights hurdle, undone by the Proteas. The hunger to go one better burns like a fresh new ball on a green pitch.

For South Africa, the backdrop is complicated. Results in 2025 were uneven – 12 losses in 18 matches and no series wins – often due to injuries and players juggling formats.

All-format coach Shukri Conrad will still want a series victory inked next to his name, even if this contest is labelled “preparatory”.

Management, however, have opted for rotation. Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs—fresh from lifting the SA20 trophy with Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals—have been rested for Tuesday’s first T20 in Paarl. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Eathan Bosch step in as short-term replacements.

The series is a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup starting next week in India, where rhythm matters as much as results.

Markram’s joy for Stubbs and empathy for Maharaj

Aiden Markram Photo: CSA

Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram, who knows the Sunrisers’ dressing room intimately, was glowing about Stubbs’ match-defining final.

“He’s one of the guys in the team everyone wants to see do well. He’s that sort of person, and he grafts hard, he’s the ultimate pro.

And when you put the hard work in and don’t get the results you can get quite down on yourself, even your peers feel sorry for you. Then to come out and play a knock like that last night [Sunday], you can only be happy for him. It’s great to do it in final.

And when you do well in big games you take that confidence to the next one.”

Stubbs’ unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, alongside Matthew Breetzke’s 68 off 49, powered the Sunrisers’ chase of 159 with balls to spare – an innings stitched together like a perfectly timed partnership.

On the losing side stood Keshav Maharaj, Capitals skipper and Proteas stalwart. Markram understood the sting.

“As a person he’s an all-in type of guy, and it would have hurt him. He’s not an emotional kind of guy.

It’s just that he cares and puts a lot of love into it, then you come up just short, and the way the game unfolded as well, I understand why he’s hurting.

When I see him I’ll put an arm around him, get him riled up. I chatted to him a bit last night and said the trophy you want to win is the one in a few weeks time and that’s what we’ll go for now, and he’s all in for that.

We’ll try get him over last night as quick as we can and get him looking forward to the world cup as quick as we can.”

Now the whites are folded away, the national caps pulled on, and the scoreboard reset to zero. The real exam looms, but first, three high-tempo auditions under Paarl’s lights.

South Africa squad vs West Indies (T20s)

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Eathan Bosch

Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent

Adnaan MohamedFootball, NewsLeave a Comment on Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent
By Adnaan Mohamed

Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) has announced the launch of its first-ever African youth football tournament, the Roc Cup, marking a significant step in the organisation’s expansion into the continent’s football landscape.

The inaugural tournament will be hosted at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra from 23 to 28 February 2026, and will feature 10 elite youth teams from five African nations competing in a round-robin format.

The participating countries include Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, with several of the continent’s most respected academies set to take part. The event is positioned as a cornerstone of RNSI’s long-term strategy to establish a meaningful presence in African football and to create clear development pathways for young players.

“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International.

“After signing several incredible teenage talents last year, we are solidifying our investment by hosting this special event. We aim to inspire local communities and to hopefully provide a genuine European pathway for the continent’s brightest emerging stars.”

All matches will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with free public entry to ensure accessibility for families, students and aspiring young footballers across Accra.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the Roc Cup aims to deliver tangible community benefits. Local volunteers will be involved in the event, while small businesses and vendors in the surrounding area are expected to benefit from increased activity during the tournament period.

Future Talent Photo’s: ROC Nation

A key objective of the Roc Cup is talent identification, with both international and African scouts expected to attend. RNSI hopes the tournament will serve as a competitive platform where emerging players can be assessed in a high-level environment, strengthening links between African academies and European opportunities.

The long-term vision is for the Roc Cup to become an annual fixture on the African youth football calendar, contributing to sustainable talent development across the continent.

Participating teams

  • Benab FC (Ghana)
  • Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria)
  • Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
  • Zilina Africa (Ghana)
  • Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Fadama Field Masters (Ghana)
  • Semper Fi (Ghana)
  • Racing Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • SOAR Academy (Guinea)
  • Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)

Key South African sports figures already with Roc Nation

Several prominent South African sportsmen and women are associated with Roc Nation Sports, the management agency founded by Jay-Z.

The agency has a strong focus on South African talent across rugby, cricket, netball, and soccer, as well as a partnership with the Sharks rugby team. 

The SA sports stars include the following:

  • Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain, who signed with the agency to manage his brand and commercial ventures.
  • Cheslin Kolbe: Rugby World Cup-winning wing.
  • Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira: Former Springbok prop.
  • Temba Bavuma: Proteas test cricket captain.
  • Bongiwe Msomi: Former SPAR Proteas netball captain.
  • Lungi Ngidi: Proteas fast bowler.
  • Emile Witbooi: 16-year-old Cape Town City FC starlet and soccer prodigy.
  • Siyabonga Mabena: Mamelodi Sundowns young forward.
  • Neo Bohloko: Kaizer Chiefs young striker. 

Roc Nation has expanded heavily into African football, signing young talent from the PSL and other African nations, with a focus on holistic career development. 

Highveld pride, coastal fire: Bulls-Lions derby looms as Stormers face Shark Tank test

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By Adnaan Mohamed

For Bulls and Lions supporters, this is not just another round of the Vodacom URC , it’s a weekend that could shape seasons, shift momentum and settle old scores. And hovering over it all is the coastal showdown in Durban, where the Stormers walk into the Shark Tank knowing that what happens there will ripple all the way up to the Highveld.

This is the URC at its sharpest: derbies that feel like knockout blows, log positions tightening like a defensive line, and belief becoming just as valuable as points.

Bulls vs Lions: Highveld pride at stake

Ellis Park will crackle long before kick-off. When Bulls and Lions meet, form becomes fragile and history heavy. The Lions still carry the memory of their 43-33 ambush at Loftus in November – a result that silenced Pretoria and reminded everyone that derby days obey no log table.

For the Lions, this match is about turning admiration into advancement. Back-to-back draws away to Perpignan (20-20) and the Ospreys (24-24) showed resilience and character, but also left a familiar ache: close, but not enough. Sitting seventh on the URC log with 24 points, they are still in the playoff conversation – but the gap to the leaders is starting to stretch like a missed tackle.

A home derby is the perfect place to change that narrative.

The Bulls, meanwhile, arrive with something they have not had for weeks: momentum. After seven straight losses across competitions, Johan Ackermann’s men have rediscovered belief with successive wins over Pau and Edinburgh. Like a pack that has finally found cohesion at scrum time, the Bulls are standing taller, tackling harder and trusting their systems again.

They have climbed to ninth on the log and are now within striking distance of their Gauteng rivals. Their Springboks are once again playing like world champions, and with Neil de Bruin added to the coaching mix, structure and clarity are beginning to show.

For Bulls supporters, Ellis Park is a chance to prove that this revival is real – not just a flicker, but a flame.

Stormers vs Sharks: a derby that matters to everyone

While Highveld eyes are fixed on Johannesburg, the Stormers’ trip to Durban matters deeply to Bulls and Lions supporters alike. The Sharks’ emphatic 30-19 win in Cape Town did more than end an unbeaten run – it reshaped the South African Shield picture and tightened the race for playoff places.

John Dobson did not sugar-coat the defeat, calling it “our worst performance of the season”. And he was right. The Stormers, previously No 1 in the URC for lineouts, mauls and scrums, were dismantled at the set-piece. Their usually fluent game dissolved into a fog of misfires and penalties as the Sharks imposed themselves with authority.

Now comes the harder test: responding in the Shark Tank, where confidence grows teeth and momentum feeds on noise.

For the Sharks, JP Pietersen’s impact has been immediate and tangible. Four wins from six since taking interim charge, and that Cape Town performance was the clearest sign yet of a team rediscovering its bite. From 14th to 11th on the log, they now sit just two points outside the top eight – very much alive.

It was not a lucky win either. It was comprehensive, controlled and settled long before the final whistle. The Stormers did not simply play badly; they were never allowed to breathe.

For Bulls and Lions fans, the Durban result could be pivotal. A Sharks surge complicates the playoff race. A Stormers response could reassert Cape Town dominance. Either way, the ripple effect will be felt far beyond the coast.

The log tells the story

The Stormers have slipped to second, three points behind Glasgow Warriors, though with a game in hand on the Scots and other overseas sides. They remain contenders – but now under pressure.

The Lions hold seventh, competitive but restless. The Bulls are climbing, confidence swelling. The Sharks are charging from behind.

This is the stage of the URC where seasons tilt.

Why this weekend matters

For Lions supporters, this is about finally landing a knockout blow in a tight fight.
For Bulls supporters, it is about proving the revival has substance.
For everyone, the Stormers vs Sharks derby is a measuring stick – of resilience, belief and championship credentials.

The URC is no longer a marathon. It is a series of collisions. And this weekend, every one of them counts.

URC Round 11 fixtures (SA times)

Saturday, 31 January

  • Lions vs Vodacom Bulls – 2:30pm
  • Sharks vs Stormers – 5pm

Photo Credit: Rashied Isaacs

Sunrisers Eastern Cape crowned SA20 kings

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape confirmed their dominance of the Betway SA20 by clinching a third title in four seasons with a six-wicket win over the Pretoria Capitals in a dramatic final at Newlands on Sunday.

A sold-out Cape Town crowd watched Tristan Stubbs and Matthew Breetzke produce an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership to overhaul the target with four balls to spare.

Their heroics were required after Dewald Brevis had earlier delivered one of the finest innings the grand old ground at the foot of Table Mountain has witnessed.

Brevis sets the stage

Walking in with the Capitals reeling at 1/2, Brevis launched a fearless counter-attack, smashing a sublime 101 off 56 balls (eight fours, seven sixes). It was a statement innings from the league’s record signing, lifting Pretoria to a competitive 158/7.

Dewald Brevis

For much of the chase, that total appeared enough to hand the Capitals their maiden SA20 title as the Sunrisers slid to 48/4 and the required rate ballooned.

Stubbs flips the script

The momentum shifted dramatically in the 18th over when Stubbs tore into Gideon Peters, plundering 21 runs to revive the chase. Newlands sensed a twist as 12 runs followed off Lungi Ngidi’s penultimate over, before Stubbs delivered the decisive blow with two consecutive sixes off Bryce Parsons, to send the Orange Army into raptures.

Tristan Stubbs Photo: SA20

Sunrisers coach Adrian Birrell hailed both the spectacle and his team’s composure.

“I am really proud and thrilled. It was a hell of a final. For Dewald to play like he did and for us to hold them to 158. And then needing 13 an over for the last four-five overs,” Birrell said.

“I’m very proud. Four finals in a row is a fantastic achievement. I’m very proud of every player and the whole squad. Some players haven’t played and we’ve got a very good bench that could have played in other teams, perhaps, but I’m very proud to get here today and we’ve got to be giving ourselves a chance.

“You want to win the trophy but you want to do it the right way and set an example for the younger generation.”

‘Funny things happen under pressure’

Stubbs, leading the side to a championship in his first season as captain, admitted the tension never truly disappeared.

“So stoked, can’t explain it. Don’t know what we did or how we did it. Me and Matty out there, we were calm but probably were panicking too. We know we bat so well together. Kept looking for an over to get momentum,” Stubbs said.

“Came in the 16th over and we ran with it. Funny things happen under pressure. Have really enjoyed this month. Have had a great group to work with. We plan really well for games. It’s a great run management by Aidi (coach Adrian) and the team. And we have a good Orange Army that backs us wherever we go.”

Capitals left to reflect

For the Pretoria Capitals, it was a familiar heartbreak. Having now lost two SA20 finals to the Sunrisers, including the inaugural decider in 2023, captain Keshav Maharaj admitted the defeat would linger.

“It is disappointing to say the least. Two batters were in and got set,” Maharaj said.

“You feel the hurt of coming so close. The starts we get from both bat and ball is something we have to look at.

“Boys will hurt for a bit. I’m not someone who dwells on the negatives. But we have to rectify the mistakes if we have to win trophies as a unit.”

As the sun set behind Table Mountain, the numbers told the story: four finals, three titles, and a team that continues to thrive when the pressure is greatest.

Betway SA20 Season 4 award winners

2026 Player of the Season Quinton De Kock of Sunrisers Eastern Cape during the final of the Betway SA20 season 4 between Pretoria Capitals (PC) and The Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) held at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa on the 25th January 2026

Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

  • Player of the Season: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • Batter of the Season: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • Bowler of the Season: Ottneil Baartman (Paarl Royals)
  • Rising Star: Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • ABSA Moneyball Saver: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • It’s Raining Sixes: Dewald Brevis (Pretoria Capitals)
  • Spirit of Cricket: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
  • Groundsman of the Year: Braam Mong (Newlands)

Absa RUN YOUR CITY R1.68m Incentive Revolution

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The road to greatness in South African distance running just got smoother, and significantly richer. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has fired the starter’s gun on its 2026 campaign by unveiling a R1.686 million combined prize purse, paired with one of the most aggressive SA athlete incentive structures ever seen on local roads.

Since its inception in 2015, the series has re-engineered the domestic road-running ecosystem, transforming 10km racing from a supporting act into the main event. In 2026, the five-city circuit once again strings together Gqeberha (March), Cape Town (May), Durban (July), Tshwane (August) and Johannesburg (September). The 10km specialists have five fast courses, five chances to chase both time and fortune.

“Offering an impressive prize purse is extremely important to us and we are proud to once again be able to do so at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“We believe that a strong prize purse does more than reward dedication and loyalty towards the series – it fuels ambition and inspires athletes to chase extraordinary performances. That is why we are proud to continue growing our prize purse each year with 2026 featuring a combined prize purse of R1 686 000.00.”

Built for Speed and Sustainability

Each race carries a R337 200 prize allocation, with R267 200 reserved for the Open Category. The top 10 men and women split R133 600 each, while winners in every city bank R33 000, with R24 000 for second and R21 000 for third.

Depth and longevity are equally rewarded.
“In addition, R70 000.00 per event has been allocated to Age Categories, rewarding the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ age groups – ensuring excellence is celebrated across generations.”

Incentives that Reward the Stopwatch

If the prize purse is the foundation, the SA Athlete Incentive Schedule is the accelerant.

Elite men unlock bonuses for times under 28 minutes, with a headline-grabbing R300 000 incentive for smashing the 27:00 barrier, plus R50 000 for a new SA record. Elite women are similarly rewarded, with bonuses starting at 32:08, escalating to R300 000 for breaking 30:20, and an additional R50 000 for a national record.

Consistency, often the missing ingredient in elite development, is also rewarded:

  • Elite Men: R20 000 for two sub-28s; R30 000 for three
  • Elite Women: R20 000 for two sub-32:08s; R30 000 for three

“In 2025, we paid out an impressive total of R1.9 million in Prize Money and SA Athlete Incentives,” Meyer adds.

“Building on this momentum, our focus for 2026 is to reward exceptional performances even further and elevate the level of competition in South African middle-distance running. By empowering our elite athletes to build successful careers at home, we’re confident these incentives will attract the country’s top talent and deliver spectacular racing across all five events.”

Wildschutt Eyes African History

Fresh off a 2025 campaign that saw him erase four national records, Olympian Adriaan Wildschutt returns to the series opener in Gqeberha on 1 March with history in his sights — a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been a huge help in providing opportunities for us to run fast and compete against high-quality athletes,” says Wildschutt.

“The incentives they provide also motivate us to prepare well for these races, which further enhances the competition.”

A Platform for Pure 10km Racing

Glenrose Xaba at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K 2025

For Kabelo Mulaudzi, three-time SA cross-country champion and six-time series winner, the value of the circuit goes beyond prize money.

“As an athlete who specialises in shorter distances, the Series allows me to focus purely on 10km racing without having to step up to half marathons or marathons just to earn decent prize money,” he explains.
“For a long time in South Africa, there were very few opportunities for sub-marathon athletes to make a sustainable income, so the prize money on offer in this Series is a game-changer.”

Mulaudzi adds:
“The time-based incentive structure really encourages fast and consistent performances… I strongly believe athletes should be rewarded for fast performances rather than appearance money, and I’m excited to test myself against some of the best athletes from Southern and East Africa in the Series.”

In 2026, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is setting the pace for what elite road running in South Africa can become.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates

  • 01 March: Gqeberha 10K
  • 10 May: Cape Town 10K
  • 12 July: Durban 10K
  • 23 August: Tshwane 10K
  • 24 September: Joburg 10K

www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp: 072 042 7613
#RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity

Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, TrailLeave a Comment on Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
By Adnaan Mohamed

Entries for the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run will open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, offering runners the chance to tackle ±16km or ±24km of iconic Table Mountain trails.

Celebrating its 13th edition, the Trail Run has become a highlight of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, with participation limited to 500 runners per distance to preserve an intimate trail-running experience.

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

“We’re excited to kick off 2026 with the opening of entries for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“The ±16km and ±24km trail runs offer participants a rare opportunity to explore the stunning and challenging trails of Table Mountain during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend. With each distance limited to just 500 runners, this is an intimate and exclusive experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.”

Starting from the historic steps of the University of Cape Town, runners climb through the Newlands Forest before navigating the rugged lower slopes of Devil’s Peak, with sweeping views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula.

According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the Trail Run enhances the broader event programme.

“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run adds another exciting dimension to an already action-packed Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, allowing even more runners to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and vibrant energy of this iconic celebration of running,” said Bromfield.

“The Trail Run routes showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery and authentic trail-running terrain on Table Mountain, offering a challenge that is as achievable as it is exhilarating.”

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

Bromfield confirmed that demand is expected to be high.

“Entries open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. With limited spots available, we encourage runners to enter early for the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable trail-running experience.”

The entry fee includes an exclusive event-specific T-shirt, a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks, and SANParks access, which supports conservation efforts and trail maintenance.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
  • Venue: University of Cape Town
  • Distances & Fees: ±16km (R750) | ±24km (R950)
  • Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00
  • Entries: First-come, first-served

For full details, route information and compulsory kit requirements, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Springbok Women’s Sevens Clinch Dubai Title as Defence Impresses Afrika

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Springbok Women’s Sevens Clinch Dubai Title as Defence Impresses Afrika
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women’s Sevens claimed the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai on Sunday after an unbeaten tournament highlighted by strong defence, effective attack and disciplined teamwork, according to head coach Cecil Afrika.

South Africa topped their pool on Saturday before defeating Poland in the semi-finals and coming from behind to beat Argentina 12-5 in the final.

The victory marked Afrika’s second consecutive tournament title since taking over as coach in October, following the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup triumph in Nairobi in November.

“It was a great win and the players deserve all the credit – we really defended well, but our attack also proved very effective,” said Afrika.

He said the team struck the right balance between defence and attack throughout the tournament.

“Overall, I think we got the balance right at this tournament. When we needed to, we defended our line very well and when the opportunity came, we could switch to attack and scored some really nice tries.”

Afrika emphasised collective effort as key to the team’s defensive success.

“One of the keys to a successful defensive effort is for players to work hard for each other, getting back in line, getting back off the floor to get in position and to trust the system and not try things on your own.”

The Dubai title secures qualification for the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with three tournaments to follow, starting in Nairobi on 14–15 February.

Afrika also acknowledged squad members who did not travel to Dubai.

“We must also acknowledge those players who did not travel this time but are part of the squad,” he said. “They helped us with our preparation and I am happy to say we got our tactics and game analisys right also.”

The team will depart Dubai later on Sunday and arrive in Cape Town at 11:00 on Monday.

Selected stats:
Most points – Nadine Roos (54: four tries, 17 conversions)
Most tries – Maria Tshiremba (7)