Author: Tanika Laskey

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All Systems Go for the Thembisa Mile

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The Thembisa Mile and 10km presented Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital incorporating the Central Gauteng Athletics 10km championships will takes place on Sunday, 26 October 2025. The race which comprises a street Mile (1609m) and a 10km mass participation event, will as it did last year, start and finish at the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground in Olifantsfontein. 
 
Four thousand running enthusiasts are expected to take part in the race with pre – entries being available online at www.thembisamile.co.za or www.peaktiming.co.za and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 or when the maximum race capacity has been reached. The race is open to a total of 4000 participants, with 3450 entries available for the 10km road race and 550 for the 1 Mile Road Race. 
 
The registration fee for the 10km is R150 for ASA licensed athletes, while unlicensed athletes will pay an additional R60 for a temporary license. The registration fee for the 1 Mile Race is R50 for the ASA licensed athletes, with unlicensed athletes paying an additional R30 for a temporary license. These registration fees exclude the online service fee administered by the service provider. Participation in the Elite Mile is by Invitation only. 
 
Participants will be able to collect their race numbers at the race EXPO which will be held from 23 to 26 October at the race venue. No late entries on the day of the race.
 
For the elite athletes, the race offers a total prize purse of R114 000 (hundred and fourteen thousand Rand). The men’s and women’s 10km winners will take home R10 000 each, while the invitational Mile winners will each earn R4000. SPAR Vouchers will be given to the top three boys and girls in the U10, U13 and U15 age group categories for the 1 Mile Race. 
 
All registered finishers will receive bronze medals, while category winners will earn gold medals.
 
SPAR Goodiebags will be given to the first 3000 (three thousand) pre – entries.
 
Discovery Vitality members can earn 600 Vitality fitness points for completing the 10km.  
 
Customized race numbers are available to those who register on or before Sunday, 19 October 2025.
 
There will be three refreshment points along the 10km route  (at the 2.5km ,5km and 7.5km) and one at the finish to cater for both the 10km and 1 Mile athletes. 
 
The scenic 10km  route will take runners through the industrial precinct of Olifantsfontein to Hospital View and back to the finish at the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground, while the new street Mile route is a loop around the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground. 
 
The race is made possible by the following sponsors and partners; Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital, SPAR North Rand, Switch Energy , City of Ekurhuleni Sports and Recreation Division, The Thembisan, Lesso Estate , Central Gauteng Athletics and the Thembisa Athletics Club.

Photo by Tumi Kekana 

Be Safe – It’s a Jungle Out There

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By Mark Grobbelaar , Founder & CEO at INpowered

Let me start with a question. How many of you think that safety is important when you’re out running or cycling? Every hand would go up.

But then if I asked, how many of you actually plan your routes with safety in mind, tell someone where you’re going, or even carry something with you that could help in an emergency? The hands drop very quickly.

So if we all believe safety is important, why don’t we act like it?

I think it’s because most of us assume, “Well, nothing happened yesterday, so nothing will happen today.” But that’s not how the world works. Out there, things can turn bad quickly. Which is why I say safety is not luck. Safety is choice. Safety is preparation. Safety is awareness.

In our INpowered program personal protection program, we speak about layers of safety. The more layers you have, the harder it is for someone to get to you. Each one is another obstacle an assailant would have to cut through before they can get close to you.

Knowledge and Awareness are very important. But here’s the catch: awareness without knowledge is just paranoia. The real power comes when you combine the two. Add in communication, planning, and you’re suddenly not such an easy target anymore.

We also talk about what we call the Triangle of Jeopardy. For an attack to happen, three things must exist: the intent to do harm, the ability to do harm, and the opportunity to do harm. You can’t control intent. You can’t control ability. But you can control opportunity. And that’s what most of us forget. Don’t hand someone the chance to make you a victim.

So how do you stop giving away opportunities? If you’re running, stick to safe routes. Don’t be predictable—change your times and change your paths. Don’t block out the world completely with headphones. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

If you’re cycling, ride in pairs or groups when you can. Make sure someone in the group has a communication device. Stay visible, and never assume a driver has seen you, even if you’ve made eye contact. Carry ID. Carry a phone. And yes, consider carrying a self-defense tool if that feels right for you. But here’s the deal: don’t just carry it. Learn how to use it. Because in a high-stress situation, a tool you don’t know how to use isn’t just useless—and it can work against you.

And above all else, trust your gut. When something feels wrong, it is wrong. Don’t wait to find out. Don’t go and check. Don’t second-guess yourself. Just go. Early action is often the only action you’ll have.

Being aware isn’t about living in fear. It’s about being prepared. It’s about building enough layers that you’re harder to reach, harder to harm, and more likely to get home safe.

At INpowered, we don’t believe in paranoia—we believe in knowledge, awareness, and belief. Because when you know what’s possible, when you believe you have an option, you’re stronger than you were before.

Be safe. It’s a jungle out there.

The Roving Cow’s review on the ASICS Nimbus 27

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Fit & Feel That Feels Right:

From the get-go the Nimbus 27 feels like a comfy hug for your foot. It comes in around 305 g for the average men’s size (UK8) and 260 g for women (UK6). It fits true to size, with a comfy and not too snug toebox that doesn’t squash your toes—and gives them space when they swell on longer runs.

The Upper – Soft, Breathable & Easy:
They’ve switched to a slimmer, lightweight jacquard-engineered mesh that lets your feet breathe, especially great on hot JHB mornings or summer Seapoint promenade runs. Nice and soft around the ankle, and the tongue stretches to sit just right and there’s a heel tab too, allowing for easy access slipping in and out.

Midsole – Plush Without Floppiness:
This Nimbus is all about comfort: 43.5 mm heel, 35.5 mm forefoot, so you have an 8 mm drop. Underfoot is a layer of FF Blast Plus Eco foam, softer than the previous model, yet not too soft. Closer to your heel sits the trusted PureGEL, cushioning every landing stride, so your legs feel less knackered.

Outsole & Durability:
Rubber under foot hybrid ASICSGRIP + AHAR+ grips well on damp roads and pavements, and assists with hurdling JHB potholes, whilst lasting many kilometres before wearing thin. Some exposed foam shows after heavy use, without really hurting shoes lifespan

Ride & Purpose:
Expect a cushioned, easy-paced ride, a plush cruiser for daily runs, recovery jogs, or Sunday easy long runs . It’s not lightning quick, but it performs well around a 6-minute/kilometre pace . Honestly, the shoe felt comfy from the outset and didn’t require any “wearing-in”.

Bonus: Good For You and the Planet:
Part of the foam is bio-based (24 %), and about 75 % of the upper comes from recycled material. Feels good knowing you’re doing your Green bit for the planet whilst out there racking up the kilometres.

Who Should Lace These Up?
– Neutral runners craving a plush daily trainer

– Long-run enthusiasts or those who enjoy recovery/mileage days

– Runners with flat feet or high arches requiring gentler landings as it absorbs shock nicely

– Newbies gearing up for their first marathon or building up base

These shoes are not made for racing snakes, tempo sprints, or speed work, as you’ll feel its weight there, but they do provide top comfort and support for everyday training.

Summary In Plain Language:

Weight: 305 g (men) / 260 g (women)

Fit: True to size, comfy toe space

Upper: Lightweight, breathable mesh with stretchy tongue & a heel tab

Midsole: Max cushion (43/35 mm), with gel and soft foam

Ride: Smooth, plush ride great for long or easy runs

Outsole: Durable rubber—grippier than most, lasts well

Eco-Friendly: Foam partly bio-based, upper largely recycled

Final Word
The Nimbus 27 is your go-to mate for daily mileage it’s soft, stable, breathable, and built to keep your legs fresh. Works well in SA’s changing seasons, from humid Jozi runs to cool coastal jogs. Not for chasing PBs, but if you want a sensible, durable, and cushy road runner, this one’s golden. Proper shoe to let your feet relax and enjoy every kilometre.
Available at most local running stores and online at:

https://www.asics.com/za/en-za/running

RRP: R3999.99

THE RÉVÉNGE RUN MANIFESTO

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Something bold is stirring on the streets of Joburg — raw, unsanctioned and utterly unfiltered. Attracting creatives, artists, musicians and everyday warriors — not just runners, but rebel souls on the move.

It is the most rebellious and culture-shifting social running event that this Country has ever seen.

It’s called the Révénge Run.

Date: 30 August 2025
Venue: HERE., 8 Tyrwhitt Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Time: Registration 07h00 | Race Start 07:30
Distance: 5k | 10k | 15k | 20k | 25k | 30k | 35k | 40k | 45k (loop format)
Tagline: No rules. No PBs. Just PURE RÉVÉNGE.

Born from frustration, transformation and the hunger to reclaim identity through motion, Révénge Run is an unsanctioned, anti-establishment social event that throws the traditional race rulebook out the window.

The idea immerged in 2024, when the Founder, the Comeback Cowboy (aka @ThatTattedRunner), became injured the day before the 21k Soweto Race Against Cancer run, an event that holds a significant place in his heart. The Comeback Cowboy lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in and during 2020 and since then, his mission has been to inspire and motivate people to get moving unapologetically, and in doing so, it was crucial for him to participate in every annual Race Against Cancer. Until he couldn’t.

Instead of wallowing in his sorrows for having missed the race, Comeback Cowboy decided to take out his revenge in a different way — by bootlegging his very own running event. A fully unsanctioned, no support, raw and rebellious
run, staged on the gritty streets of Joburg. And to make his revenge even sweeter, he decided that the full length of the run had to traverse at least the marathon distance. The Révénge Run was born.

Hosting its inaugural event in 2024, the Révénge Run was somewhat of a smash hit, garnering approximately 27 participants, purely through word of mouth and through the transmission of cryptic messages on social media.

Looking to amplify things, the Révénge Run returns this year — just bigger, better and even more rebellious.

This time setting up base at a venue called here., a beautiful third space café situated in the heart of Rosebank, acting as the rebel HQ and hydration station, fuelling the vibrant community and built for collaboration and connection. Also partnering with 13 Nutrition Collection, ensures that participants are fueled to take out their revenge with no hesitation — Pure. Clean. Simple. And finally collaborating with one of South Africa’s hottest emerging running apparel brands, Get Global Collective, they have released a limited edition “Rebellious” running-tee — because who doesn’t want to FEEL the rebellious
look.

There are no bibs. No aid. No marshals. No timing chips. No medals.
Just stories. Scores to settle. Energy to release.
This is the run where rebels rewrite their own script.

This is not a race. It’s a movement.

Sign up here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/285853-rvnge-run-2025/#/

Post-Race Blues: Navigating the Emotional Dip After Big Events

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by Glen Ross, an Integrative Psychotherapist and Brain-Health Coach who blends neuroscience, psychotherapy, and coaching to help athletes and individuals build clarity, resilience, and sustainable well-being. Learn more at www.glenross.co

Crossing a finish line is often painted as the ultimate high… months of training, sacrifices, and grit culminating in a powerful rush of pride. Yet, for many athletes, the days and weeks that follow can feel strangely hollow. Instead of basking in accomplishment, some experience what’s known as post-race blues: a dip in mood, motivation, or sense of purpose that arrives just after the medals are packed away.

This emotional slump isn’t weakness… it’s human. At McLean Hospital, researchers highlight how athletes across levels report sadness, irritability, or even depressive symptoms after a big event. And from my work with athletes, I can assure you: you’re not alone if you’ve felt it too.

Why the Dip Happens

From a neuroscience perspective, the brain thrives on anticipation. Training builds weeks of dopamine-rich milestones: logging new distances, shaving seconds off your times, visualising race day. When the event ends, the surge of adrenaline and reward chemistry quiets, sometimes leaving a void. Add physical fatigue, disrupted sleep, and less structured routines, and the stage is set for emotional lows.

Psychologically, many athletes anchor their identity to a race or season. When the goal is suddenly gone, questions can arise: What now? Who am I without the next big milestone? Without a plan for this transition, the void can feel unsettling.

Local Voices: “It Caught Me Off Guard”

One Cape Town trail runner shared with me:

“I trained six months for my first 50km. Race day was incredible, but afterwards I felt flat. Everyone else was celebrating, and I kept wondering why I wasn’t happier. It caught me off guard.”

Another Johannesburg runner described it this way:

“I thought finishing Comrades would leave me on a high for weeks. Instead, the Monday after, I felt directionless. I realised I’d been waking up for months with one mission… now that mission was gone.”

Their experiences echo what countless athletes quietly face. By bringing it into the open, we normalise it… and remind ourselves that recovery isn’t just about muscles, it’s about mind and meaning.

Coping Strategies That Help

1. Set Gentle Next Goals

Rather than jumping straight into another marathon sign-up, experiment with softer, process-focused goals. Perhaps a month of yoga, trail exploration, or strength work. This keeps structure in your routine without the pressure of peak training.

2. Practise Self-Compassion

It’s tempting to berate yourself for feeling low after such a big achievement. But remember: your brain and body are recalibrating. Acknowledge the effort it took to get there, and allow yourself rest. Self-compassion reduces cortisol, helps restore balance, and creates emotional resilience.

3. Revisit the Joy of Movement

Strip away the stopwatch for a while. Go for a run without tracking pace, or cycle purely for scenery. Re-connecting with the intrinsic joy of movement… rather than outcomes… can reignite motivation.

4. Stay Connected

Isolation amplifies post-race blues. Share openly with training partners or clubmates. Consider joining group runs where conversation, laughter, and shared recovery help soften the dip.

5. Try Mindfulness Practices

Simple grounding techniques can ease the mental swing. Here’s one I often suggest:

  • Sit or stand quietly.
  • Notice five things you can see, four things you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
    This “5-4-3-2-1” exercise interrupts spiralling thoughts and helps anchor you in the present.

A Forum for Sharing

One of the strengths of South Africa’s running community is its openness. Many athletes already share race reports on social media… why not extend that into sharing how you navigated the days after? Did you discover a recovery ritual that lifted your spirits? Did a clubmate’s message keep you going? Sharing these stories helps build a culture where mental health is discussed with the same pride as finish times.

When to Seek Extra Support

Post-race blues usually ease within a couple of weeks. But if you find the sadness lingers, or if motivation, appetite, or sleep remain disrupted, it may be time to talk with a professional. Seeking help isn’t weakness… it’s wisdom. Mental-health support can be part of your performance toolkit, just like physio or nutrition advice.

The Bigger Picture

Every race, no matter the distance, is both an ending and a beginning. The finish line is not only a celebration of effort but also an invitation to reflect, reset, and renew. By expecting the post-race dip… and preparing for it with compassion… we transform what feels like a void into fertile ground for growth.

So, as you pin on your next race number, know this: the miles matter, but so does what comes after. Honour both, and you’ll build not just endurance in your legs, but resilience in your mind.

Hyrox and Your Energy Systems

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How to Train Smarter for the Race


You’re halfway through your Hyrox. You’ve just finished a brutal sled push. Your legs feel like concrete, your lungs are on fire — and somehow, you still have to run 1 kilometre. This is the reality of Hyrox: it’s not just about running fast or lifting heavy. It’s about knowing how to fuel your body’s effort so you can run strong after every station.
The secret? Understanding — and training — your energy systems.

1. Why This Matters
If you’ve raced Hyrox, you’ve experienced it: the unique fatigue of combining strength stations with running. That feeling is your body’s three energy systems working together (and sometimes fighting each other) to keep you moving. When you understand them — and train each one — you give yourself the power to hold your pace and finish faster.

2. The Three Energy Systems in Hyrox
ATP-PC System — “The Explosive Engine”
Duration: 0–10 seconds of maximum effort
When you use it: The first push of the sled, an explosive leap onto a box, the opening drive on the Ski Erg.
Training focus: Maximal power output through heavy lifting, sled sprints, and plyometrics.
Why it matters: A strong ATP-PC system helps you start stations explosively and get back to running speed faster.

Glycolytic System — “The Middle Gear”
Duration: ~10 seconds to 2 minutes
When you use it: Wall balls, burpee broad jumps, long farmer’s carries, and the run segments immediately after a heavy station.
Training focus: Intervals, race-paced circuits, and sustained high-effort work to improve lactate tolerance.
Why it matters: This is the system that decides if you can keep running smoothly when your legs are burning.

Oxidative System — “The Endurance Engine”
Duration: 2+ minutes
When you use it: The steady 1 km run segments, active recovery between stations, and maintaining overall race pace.
Training focus: Zone 2 running, tempo runs, and long intervals just below race pace.
Why it matters: The oxidative system is your base — it fuels recovery between efforts and stops you from hitting the wall.

3. How They Work Together
Hyrox is like driving a car that’s constantly shifting gears:
- You launch with the explosive ATP-PC system.
- You hold power with the glycolytic system.
- You recover and sustain pace with the oxidative system.
The best athletes can move seamlessly between these systems, keeping speed high without crashing.

4. How to Train Them
Energy System: ATP-PC (Explosive)
Why it Matters: Faster, more powerful station starts and sprints.
Example Session: 5 x 20m sled drives, full recovery

Energy System: Glycolytic (Power Endurance)
Why It Matters: Push through “the burn” without slowing
Example Session: 4 × 90-sec circuits at high effort

Energy System: Oxidative (Endurance)
Why It Matters: Keep race pace steady and recover faster
Example Session: 45-min Zone 2 run or 5 × 1 km at race pace

5. Featured Workout: Build Your Glycolytic Engine
If there’s one system that makes or breaks your Hyrox run segments, it’s the glycolytic. It’s what helps you maintain speed when your legs are burning after a station.

The Circuit (3–4 rounds):
1. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat with High Pull — 30s per leg
 Builds single-leg strength for running and upper-body power for posture recovery.
2. Kettlebell Swing — 60s
 Trains hip extension power and posterior chain endurance.
3. Row Erg Sprint — 60s
 Full-body power at high heart rate, mimicking station-to-run fatigue.

Rest: 90 sec between rounds (progress to 60 sec over time)
Progression: Add load or reduce rest every 2–3 weeks.

6. Short Video Teaser Plan
Opening (0–4s): Athlete in split squat with high pull, text “Hyrox Running Isn’t Just Running…”
Middle (4–18s): Kettlebell swing → Row Erg sprint, text “Train the Burn” / “Build Power and Endurance”
Closing (18–25s): Athlete jogging, text “Full workout & guide inside”
Music: Driving, upbeat track with beat drops matching exercise cuts.

Conclusion
Hyrox isn’t just about being fit — it’s about knowing which system you’re working in, and training them all so they work together. When you can explode out of a station, settle into a smooth run, and recover on the move, that’s when you’ll start climbing the rankings.

Tayla Kavanagh Defends Title at Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km

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Defending her title in sublime fashion, Tayla Kavanagh turned the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge into a one-woman show on Sunday, 17 August.

This was no ordinary victory either — it marked the third consecutive year that the Durban athlete claimed the top spot in Pietermaritzburg, and she did it in style. Running in the colours of Hollywood Athletics Club, Kavanagh clocked an impressive 32:55, slicing a massive 77 seconds off her 2024 winning time and comfortably improving on her 2023 finish of 34:07.

Reflecting on her race, Kavanagh said:
“It was a lovely morning out on the streets of PMB, I always thoroughly enjoy participating in the SPAR Women’s 10km leg here in Pietermaritzburg. I had a pleasant race and I’m really happy with how it went. The weather was warmer than it had been in the past few weeks, but it was still favourable conditions to run in.”

She added:
“I was hoping to run a solid effort this morning. I didn’t have a specific time in mind, but I just wanted to execute a good race. I do some of my training in Maritzburg, so this race always feels like a home race for me! I also really relish the challenging hilly route and the community of women who come together to run this race.”

Kavanagh made her intentions clear early on, breaking away from the pack after the 2km mark, when the course’s first inclines began. She steadily stretched her lead, pulling away from Kenyan runner Florence Nyaingiri, who eventually finished second in 35:25 — two and a half minutes behind.

“We set off the race with a few of us running pretty strong together at the start, at around 2km’s is where the first inclines began and I know I really enjoy the hills and climbs so I would say just after the 2km marker I decided I would take the lead,” Kavanagh explained.

By 4.5km, she was already 45 seconds clear, passing the split in 15:12 compared to Nyaingiri’s 15:57.

The 24-year-old’s dominance comes in the middle of a standout year. Just one night earlier, she was crowned KZN Athletics Female Road Runner of the Year, she recently ran a blistering 31:53 PB at the Durban Totalsports Women’s Race, and she placed fifth overall at the Durban SPAR Women’s Challenge in June with a 32:32.

“I ran my PB at the Totalsports race in Durban in a time of 31:53. I have been dipping under 33 minutes numerous times over the last few years and only recently just ran under 32 minutes once so far. I look forward to racing my club’s race at the end of August, in the HollywoodBets Durban 10km,” she said.

For visiting athlete Florence Nyaingiri, running her first-ever Maritzburg race was a memorable experience. Based in Iten, Kenya’s world-famous training hub, she admitted the race wasn’t easy:
“It was a tough route and being so hot didn’t help, but I had a fantastic time running here and can’t wait to return next year to challenge for the top spot.”

Third place went to Likeleli Majara of Nedbank ByGrace Running Club in Bloemfontein, who crossed the line in 36:01.

This year’s race saw 3,696 women take to the streets around Alexandra Park and Pietermaritzburg’s CBD. It was also the sixth sold-out event in the SPAR Women’s Challenge Series, which hosts eight races across South Africa.

At the prize-giving, SPAR KZN made a meaningful contribution by handing over a R25,000 donation to the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (Choc House Maritzburg), with R5 from every entry going to the charity.

Results
Overall:

  1. Tayla Kavanagh 32:55

  2. Florence Nyaingiri 35:25

  3. Likeleli Majara 36:01

  4. Bathobile Mkhize 36:41

  5. Malineo Mahloko 37:11

  6. Janie Grundling 37:38

  7. Makhosi Mhlongo 38:24

  8. Luzaan de Wit 39:00

  9. Leah Edwards 41:49

  10. Janene Carey 42:07

Junior
1 Leah Edwards 41.49; 2 Courtney van Wyngaard 43.16; 3 Hannah Sewlal 48.03

Senior
1 Tayla Kavanagh 32.55; 2 Florence Nyaingiri 35.25; 3 Likeleli Majara 36.01

40 – 49
1 Janie Grundling 37.38; 2 Makhosi Mhlongo 38.24; 3 Mabusi Makhunga 42.36

50 – 59
1 Janene Carey 42.07; 2 Shani Silver 42.15; 3 Tholakele Ngcobo 50.18

60 -69
1 Grace de Oliviera 46.51; 2 Phillipa Lycett 01:05.39; 3 Kathy Baxter 01:07.24

70 – 79
1 Patricia Fisher 57.07; 2 Thandiwe Mashimane 01:04.37; 3 Jeanette Eglington 01:08.15

Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre Shines at Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg

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A record-breaking field of 12 000 runners gathered at Marks Park, Emmerentia on Sunday, 17 August 2025, for the grand finale of this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race series, held in support of PinkDrive. Among an impressive lineup of elite athletes, it was Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre who stole the spotlight, storming to victory in a time of 33 minutes 27 seconds.

“I’m tired from my travels and could feel it in my legs this morning,” admits Gebre. “There was one runner with me for a big part of the race. I just had to keep moving. The runner got tired and dropped off. I kept going. The course was tough. I am very happy to be first today. It motivates me for my next event.”

Reflecting on her experience, she added: “I joined the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024. The organisers are very nice and always invite me to race. The Totalsports Women’s Race is special because it gives women the opportunity to show themselves and all their hard work.”

Behind Gebre, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala secured second place, while Kenya’s Debrah Cherotich crossed the line in third. Khatala – Lesotho’s 10km National Record holder – has been a familiar face throughout the 2025 series, racing in all three events in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

“I’m very excited with my second position today,” said Khatala. “This was my second time at the Joburg race. Last year I had flu and couldn’t finish, so I am very proud of myself. I executed the race very well. For the first time I did all three races. I am so proud of myself. I hope to do it next year again.”

South Africa’s Karabo Mailula impressed the home crowd, finishing 4th overall in a time of 35:09 to claim the honour of being the first local runner across the line.

“It feels great to represent South Africa well,” says Mailula. “The start was fine. I didn’t know the course, but my teammate told me that the course is going to be difficult. I knew it because Jozi is always difficult. I was aiming for a better time, but I think that I have improved. I am happy with the result, position four, it’s fine for me. The Totalsports Women’s Race is doing a great job. Their goodie bags, the things inside are nice. I can encourage other girls to come and enjoy the race especially because it is in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. It gives the opportunity to all the ladies around.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, congratulated Gebre and thanked everyone who made the event possible. “Congratulations to Selam Gebre on a well-earned victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg,” says Meyer. “We also extend our sincere thanks to the 12 000 women who participated, the supporters who lined the streets, and our valued sponsors and partners who made this event – and the entire 2025 series – possible.

We’re incredibly proud to have hosted such an impactful celebration of women through sport across three iconic cities, and we’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support we received every step of the way. The Totalsports Women’s Race continues to be a platform for unity, empowerment, and positivity – and we’re already looking forward to what the future holds.”

Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, echoed the sentiment, reflecting on a powerful close to the series. “What a phenomenal way to close off the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race series,” states Crous. “The streets of Johannesburg came alive as 12 000 women ran united in the final leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race. It was truly inspiring to witness the joy on route – a powerful reminder of the impact of celebrating women through sport.

We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together across Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg in 2025. Here’s to the incredible women who continue to show up, lift each other up, and run with purpose. Until next year – keep running united!”

Cycle for Change – Powered by Matrix

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A high-impact corporate spinathon happening on Saturday, 13 September 2025 at Workshop17, V&A Waterfront.

This professionally produced event will welcome over 400 engaged riders across two sessions – including corporate teams, athletes, media, and influencers. Hosted by celebrity MC Liezel van der Westhuizen and Tour de France cyclist Nic Dlamini, Cycle for Change offers immersive wellness engagement, powerful storytelling, and unmatched visibility in a purpose-driven environment.

But Cycle for Change is more than a fitness event. It’s a movement that builds real infrastructure for lasting impact.

Through your support, we are creating permanent indoor cycling studios in underserved communities – helping young people access fitness, mentorship, and structured development through our NGO partners.

We’re proud to confirm our two official beneficiaries:

– Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy – A renowned Khayelitsha-based programme transforming lives through cycling, education, and holistic youth support.

– Songezo’s Cycling Academy – Founded by Olympian Songezo Jim, newly onboarded and extending our reach into Masiphumelele and surrounding areas.

Together, these organisations represent the heart of this campaign — using movement to build confidence, focus, and hope for future generations.

Why Ride?

– Team building with purpose: A dynamic, professionally produced spinathon – perfect for engaging your team.

– Brand legacy: Your company’s support will be permanently recognised at the new NGO spin studio your participation helps fund.

– World-class wellness hospitality: Spin alongside top Cape Town instructors, enjoy curated rider hampers, and ride to energising playlists, hosted by Liezel van der Westhuizen and Nic Dlamini.

– Ride or sponsor: Enter a 10-person corporate team or sponsor an NGO team to ride on your behalf.

Together, let’s turn fitness into lasting impact — and sweat into legacy.

Why Sponsor?

– Purpose-Driven Visibility
Align your brand with national conversations around health, equity, and innovation.

– Legacy Studio Presence
Your support funds permanent spin studios powered by Matrix — transforming infrastructure, not just moments.

– Experiential Brand Integration
Activate through rider packs, curated sponsor zones, and meaningful engagement with a highly targeted audience.

– Recognition That Lasts
Media wall features, branded installations, and permanent donor plaques ensure your impact is both visible and celebrated.

Sponsorship packages include Exclusive Partner, Legacy Partner, and Community Partner (In-Kind) tiers — each with structured value, access, and legacy positioning.

Book directly via Howler: https://matrixfitness.howler.co.za/cycleforchange

On Signs NIL Deals with Track Stars Lemngole, Jepngetich & Naukot

Tanika LaskeyNewsLeave a Comment on On Signs NIL Deals with Track Stars Lemngole, Jepngetich & Naukot

Swiss sportswear brand On is proud to welcome Doris Lemngole, Marion Jepngetich, and Joy Naukot to its NIL roster. The three Kenyan track, field, and cross-country standouts have already made a big impact on the NCAA stage at their respective universities.

Libby Davidson, NIL Athlete Manager at On, shared: “We’re excited to announce that Doris, Marion, and Joy have signed NIL deals with On. This partnership is a testament to their exceptional talent and perfectly aligns with our commitment to innovation and performance. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the On family and can’t wait to support them on their journey ahead.”

Doris Lemngole, heading into her junior year at the University of Alabama, has dominated the collegiate scene—winning the 2024 Outdoor NCAA 3000m steeplechase, the 2024 NCAA Cross Country title, and both the 2024 NCAA Indoor 5000m and Outdoor 3000m steeplechase titles. A Bowerman finalist, she set a new collegiate steeplechase record of 8:58.15 and was named 2024 USTFCCCA Lance Harter Collegiate National Athlete of the Year for Cross Country. Her success has also earned her a spot on Kenya’s team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Marion Jepngetich, the U20 World Championship silver medalist in the 3000m, has quickly made her mark on the NCAA since debuting in January. Representing the University of New Mexico, she impressed in the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m, finishing fourth in the 2025 NCAA Outdoor 5000m final and earning two silver finishes in the 1500m and 5000m at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships.

Joy Naukot, a sports management major at West Virginia University, showcased her talent in her freshman year. A First Team All-American and Big 12 Women’s Newcomer of the Year, she placed third in the NCAA Outdoor 10,000m championship and claimed second in both the 3000m and 5000m at the Big 12 Championships.

Image credit: On