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Record-breaking teens shine at Joburg Grand Prix

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Record-breaking teens shine at Joburg Grand Prix

Sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza was the star of the show at the second ASA Grand Prix meet of the season at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday night with rising hurdles star Tumi Ramokgopa also in record-breaking form.

After becoming the first SA junior ever to dip under 10 seconds in the 100m last weekend, Bayanda put himself to the test over 200m in Joburg and duly delivered in chilly conditions. The 19-year-old powered to victory ahead of a field that included Luxolo Adams to win in a new SA junior record of 20.08 seconds. That saw him taking two hundredths of a second off the previous mark set by Clarence Munyai back in 2017.

“It wasn’t great weather, but I believe once you’re fast you don’t need to complain about anything… You cannot control how the weather is so it’s better to make it work for you,” he said afterwards.

As for breaking Clarence’s national junior record, Bayanda reckoned: “He said if I break his record, there will be something that I’ll get from him… He’s the one who said: ‘Bra, my record has been standing there for so long. What’s taking you so long to break it?’”

Earlier in the evening, Tumi was ecstatic after a second-place finish behind Olympic semifinalist Marioné Fourie in the 100m hurdles. Fourie won the race in 12.69 with Tumi second in a new SA junior record of 13.22 seconds.

“I am overwhelmed, I am in disbelief. Honestly, I did know that when I’m running against Marioné, she’s going to push me to that SA record but I didn’t think of a 13.2. It’s big, it means a lot and I didn’t expect to break it in my first year as a junior,” said the elated 17-year-old afterwards.

Marioné, whose time was the quickest she’s run on home soil, dedicated the win to her coach Jaun Strydom who passed away last week. Marioné decided to forgo the World Athletics Indoor Championships in China to attend his funeral on Friday.

“I think he would be very proud of this race,” she said fighting back the tears.

Another teenager showing fine form on the night was SA’s 400m world junior champion Udeme Okon. The 19-year-old outpaced two-time Olympian Lythe Pillay to win the 400m in a new personal best of 45.27 seconds. Lythe was second in 45.74.

“It was a great experience. He [Lythe] is one of the guys we look up to and want to compete against him,” said Okon afterwards. “He’s been to the Olympics and we know he’s more experienced. It’s just the thing of going out there and challenging him like we did today and showing them that the juniors are here and we’re here to dominate as well.”

Meanwhile, in the women’s 400m, Zeney Geldenhuys was pushed all the way by two of the teammates she set a new national 4x400m relay record with last week in Pretoria – Shirley Nekhubui and Marlie Viljoen. Zeney took the win in 51.26 seconds with Shirley second in 51.42 and Marlie third in 51.85.

St Benedict’s Boys Secure SA’s Top Rowing Title For 31st Straight Year 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on St Benedict’s Boys Secure SA’s Top Rowing Title For 31st Straight Year 

St Benedict’s College has once again solidified its unrivalled legacy in South African school rowing, claiming the national championship title for an extraordinary 31st consecutive year. At the prestigious annual schools’ regatta earlier this month, the Johannesburg-based boy’s school demonstrated remarkable dominance, securing first place in the majority of events despite formidable competition. The Bennies rowers outperformed elite teams from across South Africa’s top rowing schools, further cementing their pedigree in the sport’s national landscape.

The prestigious three-day national regatta unfolded at Roodeplaat Dam, where crews representing 33 boys’ and girls’ schools and clubs from around South Africa and Zimbabwe converged in fierce competition. The atmosphere crackled with intensity as spectators witnessed athletes pushing their physical and mental limits in pursuit of victory. Among the 784 competing boys, each team arrived with one goal: to claim the championship and dethrone the reigning champions.

Yet St Benedict’s extraordinary commitment prevailed once again. Their countless hours of rigorous training – both on water and land – proved decisive in securing their victory. The shared determination to defend their coveted title created an unbreakable bond among the Bennies rowers. For the graduating seniors, the regatta marked a poignant conclusion to their school rowing careers, adding emotional depth to an already triumphant performance.

Commenting on the win, St Benedict’s old boy and head of the school’s rowing club, Darryn Roff says, “Thirty-one years of success isn’t easy – it requires extraordinary dedication from our boys. Despite winning becoming the norm, these young men continuously carry the weight of a legacy on their shoulders.

“During the regatta weekend, our U14s broke the course record in the octuple despite conditions that weren’t favourable for record-breaking. They also managed to secure first and second places in the quad, along with an exceptional clean sweep of first, second, and third in the U14 scull – a tremendous showing from our young rowers,” added Roff.

Roff went on to say that the first eight and U16 eight won by emphatic margins. Additionally, for the first time since 1996, St Benedict’s claimed victory in the first sculling event, with Michael Teixeira (Grade 11) achieving what was last accomplished by Athol Hundermark, who has since gone on to coach winning Henley Royal Regatta crews and now works at Shrewsbury School in the UK.”

The school placed first in the U14, U16 and Open age groups. The tightly contested and highly prized 1st Eight race, often described as the main event of the weekend, also went to St Benedict’s. When all the scores were tallied, St Benedict’s was recognised as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school winning with 466 points.

Strong Competition
Speaking about the win, College Head Dave Jeffrey emphasises, “St Benedict’s long- standing reputation as one of South Africa’s rowing powerhouses has been reaffirmed by this victory. Our 31-year streak isn’t luck – it’s built on unwavering dedication, with our boys training rigorously at dawn and dusk, both on and off the water. Their sacrifices and perseverance have yielded extraordinary results that make us immensely proud. Behind this success stands the commitment of coaches and parents, alongside our continuous investment in rowing as our flagship sport. Parents know that when their child signs up for the sport, the whole family becomes a rowing family. From early morning drop-offs to the extensive travel to reach training venues and regattas and more. It’s a massive commitment.”

Adding to this Jeffrey says that this winning culture naturally attracts participation, with a remarkable percentage of boys choosing rowing as their summer pursuit. “We’re particularly excited about the transformation we’re witnessing in the sport, with diverse representation across all boat classes, age groups, and coaching staff – a development we’ve intentionally cultivated and celebrate.”

Culture of Rowing
Roff adds, “Success in rowing demands both hard work and persistence. Our training is scientifically grounded and enriched by years of experience, while our mentoring approach instils deep self-belief in our athletes. This combination – the Bennies way – has proven remarkably effective. Our rowing culture, continuously supported by school management and shaped significantly by old boys who’ve returned as coaches, has fostered diligence, teamwork, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to building lasting legacy. Over the years, St Benedict’s has produced numerous top South African rowers and international university athletes – a tradition we’re determined to perpetuate.” 

In closing, Jeffrey reflects, “Watching our boys row is truly a sight to behold. They transform into a single, seamlessly functioning unit – poetry in motion, a symphony of synchronised blades that propelled them to the podium. Congratulations to these remarkable young men; your achievement stands as a milestone for St Benedict’s and will be celebrated for years to come.”

The 2025 Champions across the categories:

Around 80 officials were part of the day’s proceedings with 3 600 spectators supporting the 1 177 athletes (393 girls and 784 boys) who participated in the 2025 South African Rowing Championships.

 

Best Co-ed School (4)     
3rd         St Dunstan’s

2nd        Germiston High School    

1st         Somerset College

 

Best Girls School (8)                   
3rd         St Stithians Girls College

2nd        St Mary’s School Waverley

1st         St Andrew’s School for Girls 

 

Best Boys School  (13)                
3rd         St Alban’s College

2nd        St John’s College

1st         St Benedict’s College

For more on St Benedict’s rowing – go to www.stbenedicts.co.za or Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.

Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Prudence Sekgodiso and Marioné Fourie both produced promising performances to boost their confidence levels ahead of jetting off to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China next week.

Competing at the first ASA Grand Prix meet of the season at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, Fourie blazed to the fastest season-opener of her career, winning the 100m hurdles in a speedy time of 12.77 seconds.

“12.7 to begin with for the 100m hurdles and a world lead, I’m very excited,” said an elated Marioné afterwards.

“This gives me a lot of confidence because we didn’t know where I was standing in training so having this fastest season’s opener shows that we are ready for next week.”

Prudence looked to have plenty in the tank as she cruised to victory in the 800m. The Olympic finalist slotted in behind training partner Oratile Nowe of Botswana for much of the race before taking the lead on the back straight in the final lap, eventually reaching the finish in a time of 1:59.01. Oratile was second in a new national record for Botswana of 1:59.46.

“The girls were slowing down so I had no choice but to pass them… I’m glad that I maintained that sub-two minutes. It shows that there’s something big coming looking towards the World Championships coming up next week,” said Prudence afterwards.

“I’m actually shocked because for the past two weeks I’ve been training for the 1500. I’ve been doing long stuff at training yet I ran sub-two minutes. I don’t know how I did it but thanks to God, I just have the natural speed in me.”

Later in the evening, it was a teenage sprint sensation who stole the show when he defeated Kenya’s African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala in the men’s 100m.

Karabo Letebele stormed home in a time of 10.19 seconds – the fastest 100m time by a junior athlete in the world this year – to take the win. Emile Erasmus was second by a few thousandths of a second with Ferdinand relegated to third place in 10.22.

“I didn’t expect to beat him [Ferdinand]. I thought he was going to run a 9.-something so I just told myself to execute my own race, go through my phases and I’ll be fine,” said the 18-year-old from Vanderbijlpark who is planning to take up a scholarship to study business management in the USA later this year.

“This has given me more confidence knowing that I have what it takes, especially in my age group. I’m going against the likes of [Olympic silver medallist] Bayanda [Walaza] so I’m just happy to see that my hard work pays off and I have what it takes to be number one.”

Meanwhile, there were two South African records set on Wednesday. Leandri Holtzhausen was first up in the women’s hammer throw, bettering her own mark set four weeks ago with a distance of 67.95m.

“I definitely think I can get close to 70m,” she said afterwards. “I really feel good, my training has been going really well, so it’s just a matter of time.”

St Benedict’s Darryn Roff Elected President Of South African Schools Rowing Union

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on St Benedict’s Darryn Roff Elected President Of South African Schools Rowing Union

St Benedict’s College is proud to announce that Darryn Roff, the school’s Head of Rowing, has been elected President of the South African Schools Rowing Union. This appointment marks another significant milestone in Roff’s distinguished career in rowing, which spans nearly three decades. Roff takes over from Mr Andre Oosthuysen who has been at the helm for an incredible 14 years.

Roff’s journey in rowing began in 1997 as a U14 rower at St Benedict’s College. His passion for the sport culminated in winning the First Eight at the South African Schools Rowing Union Championships in 2003. Following his time as a student-athlete, Roff has dedicated his career to developing rowing talent at various levels.

Commenting on his appointment, Roff says, “I’m honoured to take on this role and hope to contribute to developing school rowing throughout South Africa. By uniting the provinces, we’ll strengthen the sport and create more opportunities for young rowers. My goal is to break down barriers to participation and develop sustainable programmes for both rowing schools and junior clubs. If we remove obstacles for our youth, both within and outside of the school setting – SASRU can become a pivotal driver of transformation and development in South African rowing.”

His impressive leadership credentials include serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Schools Rowing Federation for eight consecutive years (2018-2025) after two years as Vice Chairperson. Roff’s national coaching experience is equally notable, having been appointed as a National Rowing Coach for World Championships in  2011, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Most recently, Roff has served as both U19 Team Manager and National Coach for World Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his continued commitment to excellence in rowing at the highest levels.

Under Roff’s leadership, St Benedict’s College has maintained its position as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school for an unprecedented 31 consecutive years, a testament to his coaching philosophy that emphasises hard work, scientific training methods, and unwavering dedication.

Dave Jeffrey, College Head at St Benedict’s, commented on Roff’s appointment: “Darryn’s election to this prestigious position reflects his exceptional contribution to rowing in South Africa. His expertise has been instrumental in our school’s rowing success, and we’re confident he’ll bring the same dedication and vision to his new role.”

About St Benedict’s College:

St Benedict’s College is a leading boys’ school in Johannesburg, recognised for academic excellence and sporting achievement. The school has maintained its position as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school for 31 consecutive years, demonstrating an unparalleled legacy in the sport.

Speed, Style & a Splash of Rain: PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 Review

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Speed, Style & a Splash of Rain: PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 Review

I was fortunate enough to take the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 on their maiden voyage this weekend at Joburg’s Toughest 21km. The weather conditions saw some light wind and drizzle, which got progressively heavier as the race wore on—perfect for running, maybe not so much for wearing my woolen COW onezee!

First Impressions:
Right off the bat, I absolutely love the colourway—bold and vibrant, exactly my style. These shoes are designed to make you go faster, and they don’t just look fast—they feel it too.

Performance and Feel:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is built for speed, with a carbon fibre PWRPLATE that ensures stability while providing crazy responsive propulsion on foot strike. Every step felt explosive, giving me that extra push, especially on the uphills. This, combined with the NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivered a superbly responsive yet lightweight ride. Despite the generous cushioning, the shoes never felt heavy or bogged down.

Grip and Stability:
The roads were wet and slippery due to the drizzle, which progressively turned into heavier rain. This was the ultimate test for the PUMAGRIP rubber outsole, and it came out with flying colours. The grip was solid, and I never once felt like I was losing traction, even on slick corners and steep descents.

Comfort and Fit:
The ULTRAWEAVE upper was incredibly lightweight and breathable. It wrapped
comfortably around my foot, offering just the right amount of stretch without feeling
restrictive. The structured, 4-way stretch fabric reduced friction, preventing any
discomfort or blisters, even over the long distance.

Technical Specs:
– Regular fit
– ULTRAWEAVE upper for lightweight, friction-free performance
– Stack height: 40mm (heel) / 32mm (forefoot)
– Weight: 205g (UK 8) – Light enough to make you forget you’re wearing them
– Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm

Recommended Retail Price: R5 499

Final Verdict:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 exceeded my expectations. From the insane
propulsion provided by the carbon fibre PWRPLATE to the incredible grip of the
PUMAGRIP outsole, these shoes are engineered for speed and performance. They’re
perfect for race day or those fast-paced long runs. Plus, the eye-catching design gets
extra style points.
If you’re looking to take your running to the next level and shave seconds off your PB,
the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is worth every cent.
Would I run Joburg’s Toughest 21km in these again? Absolutely—just maybe without
the woolen COW onezee next time, alright we know that’s not going to happen.

Review by Richard Laskey

Comrades 2025 to Introduce Two Starts

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades 2025 to Introduce Two Starts

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is excited to announce a change for the 2025 Comrades Marathon with the introduction of two race starts. This innovative approach aims to enhance the race experience for all participants in the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon; and ensure a smoother, safer, more efficient event.

For the first time in the history of The Ultimate Human Race, there will be a separate start for each of the two groups of athletes in this year’s race. However, they will both take place at the traditional Pietermaritzburg City Hall which is the start venue of the 49th Comrades Marathon Down Run.

To accommodate the two starts, the race will feature staggered start times, in keeping with the increasing field of participants, year on year. The first wave of runners will begin at 05h45, followed by the second wave 15 minutes later at 06h00. This staggered approach will help manage the flow of runners and reduce congestion on the course.

To ensure the ongoing great experience and world-class safety measures that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon, many experts have been consulted and lots of behind the scenes work has been undertaken which have led to this year’s two start decision.

Various race start options have also been explored at great length by the CMA’s Race Advisory Committee with the change expected to enhance safety and allow runners to maintain their pace more comfortably. The two starts are designed to improve the overall runner experience by providing more space and reducing bottlenecks at the beginning of the race.

CMA General Manager, Alain Dalais says, “This change reflects our commitment to continuously improving the safety measures and the overall race experience for our participants. We believe the two starts will provide a safer, more enjoyable and efficient race day for everyone involved.”

The CMA encourages all participants to familiarize themselves with the new starting procedures and to plan accordingly. Previous seeding will not be relevant and more specific communications around the process will be issued as soon as possible. Owing to ongoing roadworks, there is a delay in the finalisation of the Comrades route but this will be confirmed timeously in order for athletes to plan properly.

Detailed information will be provided on the official Comrades Marathon website and through various communication channels, including updates on seeding, qualifying and cut-offs.

The 98th Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. This is the 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park.

Get Ready to Conquer Deadly Dozen – South Africa’s Ultimate Fitness Challenge!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Get Ready to Conquer Deadly Dozen – South Africa’s Ultimate Fitness Challenge!

Are you ready to unleash your inner warrior? Step into the electrifying world of Deadly Dozen, where fitness meets fierce competition in an unforgettable showdown! This isn’t just a race; it’s a thrilling adventure that will push your limits, ignite your passion for fitness, and leave you breathless with excitement!

What is Deadly Dozen?
Imagine sprinting around an athletic track, feeling your heart race as you tackle 12 exhilarating challenges designed to test your strength, endurance, and agility. Deadly Dozen invites you to engage in a dynamic fitness festival that combines the raw power of an athlete with the strategic finesse of a soldier. This is your chance to break free from your routine and embrace an experience that’s as fun as it is challenging!

The Challenge Breakdown:
Overcome 12 thrilling rounds, each consisting of a 400m run followed by a unique strength station. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:

  1. 400m Run + 240m Farmers Carry
  2. 400m Run + 60 x Deadlift
  3. 400m Run + 60 x Lunge
  4. 400m Run + 60 x Snatch
  5. 400m Run + 60m Burpee Broad Jump
  6. 400m Run + 60 x Goblet Squat
  7. 400m Run + 240m Front Carry
  8. 400m Run + 60 x Push Press
  9. 400m Run + 120m Bear Crawl
  10. 400m Run + 60 x Clean & Press
  11. 400m Run + 180m Overhead Carry
  12. 400m Run + 20 x Devils Press

Each journey and labour is designed to challenge not just your body, but also your spirit. With every step, you’ll feel the adrenaline pumping and the camaraderie growing as you team up with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Together, you will conquer the course, creating bonds that are as strong as the muscles you’ll build!

Why Join Deadly Dozen?
This is more than a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to elevate your fitness game in a vibrant community. Whether you’re an athlete looking to amp up your training or a fitness lover seeking a fun way to push your boundaries, Deadly Dozen is your ticket to an unforgettable experience.

Prepare for a thrilling training journey leading up to the race, including high-intensity interval training, functional strength work, and agility drills. You’ll be in prime condition, ready to tackle every obstacle with confidence!

Join Us!
Are you ready to rise to the occasion? Deadly Dozen is waiting for you! Embrace the challenge, tap into your potential, and celebrate your achievements in a welcoming atmosphere where every participant is cheered on. This is your moment to shine, so don’t miss out!

 

Sign up now and get ready to transform your fitness journey into an epic adventure that you’ll never forget! The thrill of competition, the joy of community, and the satisfaction of conquering your limits await. Are you in? Let’s do this!

Cape Town Green Point Athletic track: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1561854122

Johannesburg Ruimsig Roodepoort Athletic Track : https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564754406

The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

This past weekend, the SA Schools Rowing Championships, proudly partnered with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), brought together young athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate supporters from across South Africa for an unforgettable showcase of school rowing. Held from Friday to Sunday at Roodeplaat Dam, the event saw top schools from every province competing at the highest level.

With thrilling races in every category, the championship was a testament to the skill, resilience, and spirit of South African rowing. From the first heat to the final sprint, athletes gave it their all, proving once again the strength of school rowing in the country. Whether they reached the podium or not, every rower contributed to an incredible weekend of competition and camaraderie.

Among the standout performances, St Andrew’s Girls School dominated in the women’s first and second quadruple sculls, securing gold in both events. In the men’s second eight division, St Stithians Boys College took top honours, while the highly anticipated final race of the weekend—the men’s first eight—ended with a well-earned victory for St Benedict’s College.

Rowing South Africa extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the event possible, from the rowers and coaches to the families and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the banks of the dam. A special thank you goes to RMB for its ongoing commitment to youth development and the sport of rowing, helping to shape the next generation of South African athletes.

“RMB has been a proud partner to Rowing South Africa for almost 10 years—supporting the sport from grassroots and school levels all the way to universities and the pinnacle of the RMB National Squad. This year’s SA Schools Championships was another incredible showcase of the talent, dedication, and community that make this sport so powerful. It’s exciting to think that among this weekend’s competitors were future Olympians,” said Michael Edwards, Sponsorships Marketing Lead at RMB.

Reflecting on the event, Rowing South Africa President Ben Burnand added, “What a weekend! We witnessed incredible racing and a fantastic sense of community. From Cape Point to Gaborone, families and friends came together to support an event run to world-class standards by our dedicated officials. It was an honour to have Gauteng Executive Member Ms. Sheila Peters and Michael Edwards from RMB with us—not only to hand out trophies but to truly experience the event alongside us. A standout moment for me was seeing the Germiston and St. Alban’s first doubles crews arm in arm, flexing their biceps for a photo—as you do at that age—perfectly capturing how sport brings people together.”

The RMB SA Schools Rowing Championships not only celebrated the country’s top young rowing talent but also reinforced the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the sport. With another successful championship in the books, the rowing community looks ahead with excitement to the continued growth of South African school rowing.

For more information, visit https://rowsa.co.za/.

HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

HYROX, the globally renowned fitness race, made a powerful impact in Johannesburg, delivering a high-energy, record-breaking event that drew athletes and spectators from across South Africa and beyond. Held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 1 March 2025, this was the second HYROX event in South Africa, following the highly successful debut in Cape Town last September. The event marks an exciting expansion for the sport in the region, further energizing South Africa’s growing fitness community.

HYROX Johannesburg saw an incredible 4,300 athletes take on the challenge—almost three times the number of participants from Cape Town’s event last year. Competitors ranged from elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts and first-timers, making it a sold-out event for both participants and spectators. The competition featured HYROX’s signature mix of functional fitness challenges, including running, rowing, and endurance-based strength exercises, pushing athletes to their limits.

Adding to the excitement, Johannesburg’s altitude made this the second-highest HYROX event globally, introducing an extra level of challenge for competitors. The energy in the venue was electric, amplified by the support of over 7,000 spectators who came to cheer on the athletes. The overwhelming turnout highlighted just how quickly HYROX is growing in South Africa and the vital role fans play in creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.

Building the Future of Fitness

Ahead of the main event, HYROX South Africa hosted its first-ever Brand Innovation Summit on 27 February 2025. The summit brought together media, athletes, influencers, and industry leaders to explore the future of fitness and sports marketing. It provided a valuable platform for collaboration and networking, reinforcing HYROX’s position as a leader in the fitness racing industry.

The excitement extended to social media, with engagement levels soaring. The official @HYROXSA Instagram account saw profile visits surge by over 230% in the month leading up to the event. Roughly 4,000 of the participants were South African residents, with the rest traveling from across the continent, including Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, and Kenya. The event saw a nearly even gender split, with women making up 54% of competitors and achieving a higher completion rate than men. HYROX Doubles and Relays proved especially popular, accounting for 75% of all entries, showing just how much athletes enjoy taking on the challenge with friends and family.

Standout Performances

Some of South Africa’s top fitness talents delivered standout performances. Kyle Schoonbee (RSA) took the Men’s Pro division title with a winning time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 9 seconds, while Danél Louw (RSA) dominated the Women’s Pro division, finishing in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds. In the Mixed Doubles division, HYROX South Africa ambassador Vicky MacIntosh and her racing partner Wesley Henning took first place with a time of 1 hour and 50 seconds.

A Milestone for South African Fitness

HYROX Johannesburg not only showcased the city’s potential as a premier fitness event host but also reinforced its role in growing the local sports industry. While the event didn’t draw large numbers of international athletes, it proved that Johannesburg has what it takes to support and expand the HYROX community.

Sponsors played a key role in enhancing the event experience, with interactive booths and product showcases from brands such as Red Bull, PUMA, Concept2, CENTR, Myprotein, Dis-Chem, Southern Sun, F45, Hyperice, The Skinny Food Co., BC Chiropractic, and MINI.

Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX Race Director, expressed his appreciation for the event’s success:

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, athletes, and spectators who made HYROX Johannesburg an unforgettable experience. Their energy and commitment continue to drive the growth of fitness racing in South Africa. Johannesburg has proven itself as a dynamic host city, and we’re excited to build on this momentum, bringing even more high-energy events to the region in the future.”

Following the overwhelming success of HYROX Johannesburg, plans are already in motion for more South African events in 2025.

For more information, visit the HYROX website or contact:
Corlia Meyer
E: [email protected]

 Credit to HYROX South Africa

Win 1 of 5 Hyundai Exter SUVs in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Win 1 of 5 Hyundai Exter SUVs in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix!

Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day have come and gone, and the thoughts of many are turning to the road – not driving, but road running.

The 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series get underway on Sunday, March 30, when thousands of women will take to the streets of Cape Town for the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run.

The Cape Town race is the first of the five races making up the SPAR Grand Prix series, in which Africa’s elite and experienced runners compete for valuable points.   The winner of the SPAR Grand Prix will take home R200 000. The runner-up will receive R100 000, and the third placed athlete will win R75 000.  This, of course, is additional to the substantial prize money for each individual race. 

The South African woman with the most SPAR Grand Prix points will receive an additional R100 000,  the second placed South African R70 000 and the third placed South African R50 000.  Junior runners will once again be eligible for an overall prize, with the results of three races counting.  The top junior will win overall prize money of R10 000.

As part of an exciting development for this year’s SPAR GRAND Prix series, the SPAR Group is pleased to announce Hyundai Automotive South Africa as the new national vehicle sponsor of the series.  

“Women empowerment is an integral part of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s business philosophy and has been central to our growth and success.  From across our country-wide dealerships right up to the organisation’s leadership, our female employees continue to lead and guide, in turn, contributing towards the broader social progress – through the Hyundai brand experience,” states Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

As part of enhancing its customer-centric experience, Hyundai strategically partners with like-minded organisations that share its business principles, which are anchored amongst others, on gender equality and empowerment. 

“It is therefore our firm view that running and driving a Hyundai vehicle, are intertwined.  The SPAR Grand Prix series is therefore a natural match as it affords us an opportunity to attract potential customers through sport.  The series remains one of the important events in the South African sporting calendar and we look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial association,” added Jansen van Rensburg.

As well as the substantial prize money on offer, Hyundai is giving away five Hyundai Exter vehicles, each valued at R269 900 at five of the eight SPAR Women’s Challenge’s taking place this year.  The winner of the Hyundai vehicle must be over 18 and hold a valid driver’s license.

In 2024, Glenrose Xaba became the first South African to win the award since it was opened to international runners in 2019. Xaba, who won the title in 2018, when it was limited to domestic runners, is hoping to become the fourth person, after Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Tadu Nare, to win the prestigious title three times.

“Winning the SPAR Grand Prix has been a dream and a goal that I’ve had for many years,” said Xaba.

“And to have won it twice is a career highlight for sure. To be referred to as a defending champion is surreal. “For South African women, this opens the path again for us to fight to keep winning this series because we are more than capable of doing so. “I thank SPAR for taking care of women athletes through this series not only financially but also because being able to compete in a women’s only race is terrific for us women,” she said.

“This year, I aim to remain injury free and have a healthy season. I look forward to running the SPAR Grand Prix series again and fighting for that top spot.”

The athletes’ top four performances count towards the SPAR Grand Prix, which means it is possible for runners to miss one   of the races because of injury or international commitments and still be eligible to win top honours.

SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, said the group was thrilled to be launching the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series and looking forward to a year filled with fun activities and growth of our athletes. The SPAR Women’s Challenges are more than just road races, they are a powerful symbol of female empowerment, health promotion and the fight against inequalities. By participating, women are not just investing in their wellbeing but also contributing to a brighter future for all women in South Africa.

“Furthermore, each race is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to ending Gender Based Violence as well as SPAR’s campaign to End Period Poverty by 2030, raising awareness and providing crucial support to organisations working to combat these prevalent issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that the SPAR Women’s Challenges not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to a safer and more equitable society for women in South Africa” said Maubane. Therefore, we encourage you to lace up your shoes, join the movement and be part of the SPAR Women’s challenges.

For those unable to attend the races, SPAR is ensuring that everyone can be part of the excitement.  Each of the five SPAR races will be livestreamed on the SPAR Grand Prix Facebook page and the Modern Athlete Facebook page, allowing viewers to cheer on the participants and experience the energy of the event from anywhere in the world.

Maubane further thanked Athletics South Africa and Modern Athlete for their continuous support over the years, “we are equally grateful to Hyundai for joining forces this year as the new and official vehicle sponsor of this amazing challenge. With Coke and Powerade coming back for the second year running, we can only hope to grow bigger and better from here onwards’’.

Good news for Discovery Health members is that should they enter and complete the fun run or race; they will earn Vitality points.

Entries for the five SPAR Women’s Challenges are open at www.spar.run .

The other races are in Durban on June 22, Tshwane on August 2, Gqeberha on September 27, and Johannesburg on October 5.