New records were the order of the day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in early July, including Glenrose Xaba breaking the women’s SA Record, and the race had its biggest field yet, in what turned out to be a record-breaking day from start to finish. – BY Sean Falconer with Jacky McClean
With her record-breaking victory in the 2024 Comrades Marathon, Gerda Steyn added yet another accolade to her already glittering running career, and further cemented her status in many people’s minds as the greatest female ultra-athlete produced by South Africa to date. We caught up with her for an in-depth chat about her big win, the upcoming Olympic Marathon in Paris, and other aspects of her running. – By Sean Falconer
You may not have heard about 18-year-old sprinter Bayanda Walaza yet, but if his rapid rise to fame in 2024 is anything to go by, including qualifying for the Paris Olympics, his may soon be a household name in SA. – By Sean Falconer
Ryan Sandes is rightfully considered a legend of SA ultra-distance trail running, and now he’s thinking of tackling even longer distances in the near future, but first he has unfinished business in France. – By Sean Falconer
After shift his focus from running marathons and ultras down to 10km, Bongelani Mkhwanazi has become one of the country’s fastest and most consistent performers. – By Tathe Msimango with Sean Falconer
Johannesburg, Gauteng , South Africa: Calling all women of Jozi! SPAR is proud to announce the launch of the iconic SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi, returning to paint the streets of Johannesburg peach on 06 October 2024. This launch event marks the kick-off of the year’s #ChooseYou campaign, celebrating female empowerment and inclusivity in sports.
“SPAR recognises the transformative power of sport to inspire and empower women,” says Mpudi Maubane, SPAR PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager. “We believe in creating opportunities for women to participate in physical activity, challenge themselves, and achieve their goals. Our involvement in women’s road running, including the SPAR Grand Prix Series, perfectly aligns with our sponsorship pillars: Nutrition, Education, and Women Empowerment. It celebrates women’s health, fitness, and community spirit.”
This year’s theme, #ChooseYou, embodies the essence of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of what makes every woman unique. Whether you’re a seasoned runner striving for a personal best or a first-timer seeking a fun day out with friends, the SPAR Women’s Challenge welcomes you with open arms.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this annual tradition! Entries are capped at 12,000, so secure your spot online starting today, 04 July. In-store registration opens on 05 August. The entry fee of R160 includes a race T-shirt, foam peak, entry into the event, and a copy of My Jozi Challenge Magazine. Aspiring 10km runners should note an additional R60 license fee (unless you’re part of a running club).
The launch event featured a captivating panel discussion with renowned athletes, including Olympic athletes Cian Oldknow and Rutendo Nyahora, previous Olympian Rene Kalmer, and Paralympic Gold Medalist Louzanne Coetzee. These inspiring women shared their journeys and insights, motivating aspiring runners to chase their dreams and embrace the #ChooseYou spirit.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi goes beyond the finish line. Every stride you take raises awareness and funds for incredible causes. This year, proceeds will benefit Headstart Kids, the Smile Foundation, and Reach for Recovery – all perfectly aligned with SPAR’s commitment to education, nutrition, and women’s empowerment.
This year marks a remarkable milestone: the 33rd edition of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi! It’s not just a celebration of female participation in sports; it’s a chance to run alongside inspiring women, create lasting memories, and foster a supportive community.
Register today!
SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi
By Karien Jonckheere
Miyanda Maseti wants to be an Olympic champion.
She already knew that when, as a plucky seven-year-old, she watched two-time Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya on TV.
“If somebody told me then that I would be an Olympian, I would’ve accepted it way easy,” reckoned Maseti with a laugh. “I was a delusional seven-year-old so I would’ve been like ‘I already knew that’.”
Sure enough, 11 years later, the BMX star’s name was among those announced as part of Team South Africa heading to the Paris Olympic Games next month.
“I guess seven-year-old me wasn’t so delusional,” she added.
Maseti will become the first South African woman to represent the country in BMX racing at the Olympic Games since the sport was added to the programme in 2008.
“I’m not even going to lie to you, I think I’m more nervous than excited,” she admitted from her training base in the Netherlands, where she will stay until the start of the Games. “This is the Olympics and I need to show why I’ve made it there.”
While the dream of becoming Olympic champion may be a more realistic one for the next Games in 2028, Maseti is determined to impress in the French capital. “My goal in Paris is to do my best and be my best while I’m there,” she explained. “To achieve this goal I need to get myself in the right place to compete at my best ability.
“In order to be good at BMX it takes effort, time, consistency and fun. You will only want to get better if you’re enjoying it.”
Fun it’s certainly been for Maseti, having first climbed on a bike at the age of four because her brother was riding – and eventually racing against boys to make sure she continued to improve.
“I love how fun it is to learn a new skill,” explained the six-time national champion. “I love how much joy it brings. I love the intensity. I love the confidence it gives and I love the lessons it teaches.
“I wish that people knew that BMX isn’t as harmful as people think. Everyone is so afraid to fall, but it’s a part of life. Why not fall, doing something you enjoy?”
Catch Maseti on 1 and 2 August when she’ll be in action at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines BMX Stadium in Paris.
Ever heard that song, “Splish, splash, I was taking a bath?” Well, at the Pondo Ultra, the lyrics should have been, “Splish, splash, I was taking a mud bath!” – By Carla Farina
The third edition of the Spartan Baby Badass Ultra (SBBU) took place in Johannesburg in April, with runners taking on this incredible challenge to earn the right to call themselves Spartan Babies! – By Rob Riccardi
The organising team behind the 2024 Comrades Marathon may not have put on a perfect event, but they deserve praise for a really good effort that included innovative and exciting initiatives. – By Manfred Seidler