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Conquer History: Harrismith Mountain Race – Oct 18, 2025

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Conquer History: Harrismith Mountain Race – Oct 18, 2025

In 2023, the Harrismith Mountain Race was staged for the 100th time, making it the oldest race in South Africa. First run in 1922, this legendary Race challenge has earned a reputation for its brutal difficulty. The late, great Wally Hayward once remarked, “Never again. It’s the toughest obstacle in the whole world.  “ It’s no stretch to say this is one of the most demanding 15-kilometer races on the planet. Race day is also known for its unpredictable and often extreme weather conditions, adding yet another layer of challenge to an already formidable course.

The Harrismith Mountain Race is rated a 5 on the difficulty scale and for good reason. This isn’t just a race, it’s a test of grit and endurance. The infamous One Man’s Pass has even been dubbed the “Toughest Climb” by Runner’s World. Top athletes from around the country take part, and many have claimed victory on this unforgiving terrain.

The route’s elevation is a serious challenge (635m), but runners know the golden rule: “Follow the white stones.”    This race is an absolute must on your bucket list. And here’s a pro tip: only the first 200 entries receive some of the best goodie bags in the country. Don’t miss out!

The 30 km Harrismith Mountain Trail Run is not for the faint of heart. This is a full-fledged trail run that offers breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. The elevation gain is 726 metres, and the highest altitude on the route reaches 2 351metres.  The Trail Run has grown in reputation and continues to attract top athletes from the trail running world each year.

The Mini Mountain Trail Run (10 km) is a new addition for 2025. This route includes much of the classic 15 km race, except for the challenging climb to the top of the mountain. Instead, runners will experience more single-track trails along the scenic foothills of Platberg. These foothills are legendary in their own right. It is here that the iconic Annelie Pieterse-Gildenhuys once killed an ostrich with her bare hands while training.

Race day on 18 October 2025 promises to be unforgettable. Get ready for a tough, iconic race combined with legendary Harrismith hospitality. Enjoy top-quality goodie bags, lively mascots, great music, and delicious food. It is more than just a race. It is an experience you do not want to miss.

Website: www.harrismithmarathonclub.co.za
Instagram: @harrismithmountainrace1
Facebook: harrismithmountainrace
Cell: 071 895 5562
Email: [email protected]

SA Champs Conquer Drakensberg Ultra-Trail

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on SA Champs Conquer Drakensberg Ultra-Trail

This weekend, against the dramatic silhouette of South Africa’s most iconic mountain range, South African ultra-trail running elites Kennedy Sekhuthe and Nicolette Griffioen were crowned champions of the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) Miler.  The pair conquered 163 relentless kilometres across the wild highlands of Lesotho and the rugged spines of the Southern Drakensberg

Trail runners from across the globe converged in the Southern Drakensberg this weekend to compete in one of Africa’s most challenging and majestic trail running events. The competition attracted international elite ultrarunners alongside exceptional local South African talent, creating a fiercely competitive yet supportive atmosphere that showcased the finest aspects of trail running culture.

The event commenced with the ultimate test of human endurance, the UTD Miler (160km), beginning at 10:00 on Friday, 26 April 2025, from the rooftop of Southern Africa, Lesotho. The first section of the relentless 163-kilometre route took runners on a loop along the remote Lesotho highlands guided by Basotho shepherds on horseback, before traversing the rugged spines of the southern Drakensberg escarpment. These athletes battled isolation, altitude, and challenging weather conditions before re-entering South Africa via Sani Pass at nightfall.

Just over 24 hours later, on Saturday morning, after dominating the lead position throughout, Kennedy Sekhuthe, a police constable from Roodepoort, entered Race Village to claim victory in an emotionally charged but decisive finish (25:08:26). Veteran miler Martin Malherbe crossed the finish line in second place, having secured this position in the early hours of Saturday morning and maintaining it to the finish (25:38:58).

Hot on Malherbe’s heels, leading the women throughout the race, the remarkable Nicolette Griffioen crossed the finish line in third place overall (25:56:06), successfully defending her 2024 UTD Miler women’s crown. Throughout the race, she battled with Matthew Thomson (4th in 26:33:21) and Matthew Cross (5th in 28:27:08).

By lunchtime, Race Village was buzzing with excitement as the GCU65 (Giant’s Cup Ultra) elites approached the finish. In this heavily contested and fast-paced race, which began at 07:00 from the Silverstream Trading Post, last year’s UTD Miler men’s winner, Zimbabwean Admire Muzopambwa, stormed to the finish line (06:01:44). Muzopambwa approached the race strategically, pacing himself and waiting for the perfect moment to surge ahead. In a close second-place finish, Mvuyisi Gcogco crossed the line (06:18:27), just four minutes ahead of Kyle Bucklow, who claimed third place (06:22:11).

The women’s GCU65 race was dominated by French athletes, with Olivia Dubern delivering a masterclass, blending bold pacing with technical brilliance to take the women’s title, placing 7th overall (07:08:28). Fellow French competitor Victoria Devouge secured second place and 11th overall (07:31:17). South African Ruth Cozien claimed third place, crossing the finish line seven minutes later (07:38:22).

As evening descended and temperatures dropped, athletes competing in the UTD100 approached an electric race village. This 100km race, tracing raw ridgelines, steep escarpments, and sweeping valleys, was dominated by Thato Kabeli, who led from the start. When it mattered most, he broke away—finishing with unstoppable strength to claim the RMB UTD100 title (11:53:33). South African Nicholaas Du Plessis secured second place (13:45:15), while third place was shared by international athletes Andre Gayraud from the US and Jesse Bonwitt from Germany (13:53:47).

In the women’s UTD100 category, defending champion Melissa Laing retained her title, being the first woman to cross the finish line (14:28:23). Neelke Stadler took second place (16:05:00), followed by Australian Ayesha Makim-Specker (16:49:07).

RMB UTD pushing the boundaries of human endurance

What sets RMB UTD apart is the extraordinary challenge it presents, pushing the boundaries of human endurance. This year, each of the five distances, whilst challenging, caters to various experience levels. Athletes navigate technical rocky paths, river crossings, and breathtaking high-altitude sections where weather conditions can transform in moments. The routes showcase the Drakensberg’s iconic features—Sani Pass, the legendary Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, and sections along the escarpment offering spectacular panoramic views into neighbouring Lesotho.

“Ultra-trail running isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Our courses through the Drakensberg push runners to their limits while surrounding them with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. From the jagged peaks to the hidden valleys, these routes offer a true test of endurance and willpower,” says Stuart McConnachie from Summit Events and Race Director for RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town.

From humble beginnings in 2017 with just 250 participants, the event has experienced steady growth to welcome nearly 1,000 athletes across five breathtaking races. This remarkable expansion reflects trail running’s surging popularity as South Africa’s fastest-growing sport. For the first time this year, the event secured a title sponsor, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), resulting in an increase in the total prize pot to R161,000 with equal distribution between men and women.

“Having RMB on board is a game-changer for UTD and will allow us to elevate the event to the next level. With RMB’s support, we can improve all facets of the UTD experience for all athletes, enhance the prize money for the elites, and increase the levels of support we can offer our conservation partners. It allows UTD to come of age on the South African trail landscape,” says UTD Founder and Race Director, Spurgeon Flemington.

2025 Winners

UTD MILER MEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Kennedy Sekhuthe

25:08:26

South Africa

2

Martin Malherbe

25:38:58

South Africa

3

Matthew Thomson

26:33:21

South Africa

UTD MILER WOMEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Nicolette Griffioen

25:56:06

South Africa

2

Cecilia Ballam

37:19:02

South Africa

2

Carien De Bruyn

37:19:02

South Africa

2

Cornel Metcalfe

37:19:02

South Africa

UTD100 MEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Thato Kabeli

11:53:33

South Africa

2

Nicholaas Du Plessis

13:45:15

South Africa

3

Andre Gayraud

13:53:47

United States

3

Jesse Bonwitt

13:53:47

Germany

UTD100 WOMEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Melissa Laing

14:28:23

South Africa

2

Neelke Stadler

16:05:00

South Africa

3

Ayesha Makim-Specker

16:49:07

Australia

GCU65 MEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Admire Muzopambwa

6:01:44

Zimbabwe

2

Mvuyisi Gcogco

6:18:27

South Africa

3

Kyle Bucklow

6:22:11

South Africa

GCU65 WOMEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Olivia Dubern

7:08:28

France

2

Victoria Devouge

7:31:17

France

3

Ruth Cozien

7:38:22

South Africa

SDR36 MEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Robbie Rorich

3:10:51

South Africa

2

Kane Reilly

3:15:10

South Africa

3

Bongani Mbanjwa

3:22:18

South Africa

SDR36 WOMEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Samantha Reilly

3:32:01

South Africa

2

Nicola Vahrmeijer

4:07:33

South Africa

3

Mari Rabie

4:10:54

South Africa

DRJ25 MEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Eric Ngubane

2:12:13

South Africa

2

Brode Gleeson

2:15:22

South Africa

3

Mdu Dlamini

2:19:22

South Africa

DRJ WOMEN

Position

Name

Finish

Country

1

Mila Geldenhuys

2:33:54

South Africa

2

Nita Van Rensburg

3:06:36

South Africa

3

Liesbeth Slabbert

3:06:37

South Africa

 

PUMA Slashes Marathon PRs, Awards $54K as Project3 Runners Set Records

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Slashes Marathon PRs, Awards $54K as Project3 Runners Set Records

PUMA’s Project3 participants shaved a total of 1hour, 51minutes and 46seconds off their personal records at the Boston Marathon, and will take home a combined $54,000 in prize money as part of the brand’s trailblazing running programme.

Debuting the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, a total of 90 runners from countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, UK, Ireland, Sweden, China, South Africa and Indonesia, toed the line at the world’s most prestigious running race, and were rewarded with a sensational number of new PRs.

Of the 90 runners competing, 30 beat their previous records, with 15 smashing their records by over three minutes, making them eligible for the mouthwatering $3,000 cash prize.

The fastest male, Joseph Whalen (2:12:16) finished in 20th place overall and knocked 1minute 23seconds off his PR, while Kylee Raftis (2:34:41) finished as the fastest female and took an incredible 4minutes 4seconds off her previous best. Manuel Diaz Callejero (02:33:35) smashed his previous record by a mindblowing 11minutes and 41seconds.

Other noteable wins came in the men’s open division where PUMA Project3 runners finished in first and second place, as well as taking home first in the men’s masters division. In total, three Project3 participants finished in the men’s top 25.

Celebrating his win back at The High Point, Joseph Whalen said: “I was so happy to make it across the line as the top male. The Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 are amazing, they were super responsive; great on the ups and even better on the downs.“

Kylee Raftis, who was racing at Boston for the third time, said: “I couldn’t be happier. I was aiming to run sub 2:35 and I excecuted my race plan perfectly. Coming onto Boylston Street felt surreal, and once I saw 2:34 on the clock I was ecstatic.”

In January, PUMA launched Project3; a first of its kind global running programme that offered participants of the 2025 Boston and London Marathons the opportunity to experience life as a professional athlete and trial the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, with the chance to bank huge performance-based cash prizes.

The programme forms part of PUMA’s brand elevation strategy to strengthen its presence globally and celebrate the latest brand campaign, “Go Wild”.

There were also record highs for PUMA’s elite runners, with Annie Frisbie (2:23:21) obliterating her previous PR by 2minutes and 57seconds, and Rory Linkletter (2:07:02) who finished 6th overall and shaved 59 seconds off his previous best time.

With a host of records broken in Boston, all eyes now turn to London, where another 96 Project3 runners will attempt to achieve a similar feat of athleticism in the revolutionary Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3.

Having exclusivley launched at the Boston Marathon, a limited drop of Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 will go live at PUMA.com, PUMA V&A Waterfront and PUMA Sandton from 4 May 2025.

Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Gift Leotlela proved he’s back and very much in the mix for the national 4x100m relay team after storming to a first ever national 100m title on the opening day of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Leotlela burst onto the scene in 2021, running his first sub-10-second time and representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics, but has struggled to regain that form until now.

Defending champion Akani Simbine’s decision to forgo these championships to compete at the first Diamond League meet of the season in China, meant Thursday’s final was wide open, with world junior champion Bayanda Walaza and returning Olympic semifinalist Benji Richardson also vying for top honours.

In the end, it was Gift who dipped ahead of Bayanda on the line to win it in 9.99 seconds. Earlier in the day, he had run a wind-assisted time of 9.95 in the semifinal, giving a hint of what was to come. And he delivered when it mattered, beating Bayanda by just one- hundredth of a second, with Benji third in 10.05 seconds.

“I had no idea. I actually thought he [Bayanda] won. I thought he had nicked it,” said a thrilled Gift afterwards.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I haven’t processed everything but all I know is that I am very happy that I got the win today,”

As for the prospect of being part of the SA relay team who will be looking for another global medal at the World Championships later this year, the 26-year-old added: “I think it’s good for South African sprinting to have a lot of guys running quick. It increases our chances of medalling at worlds and Olympics, so I’m available. If they want to pick me for the team, I’ll
be there.”

Meanwhile, the women’s 100m produced something of a surprise with Joviale Mbisha taking the title. Defending champion Viwe Jingqi withdrew from the semifinals as a precaution and Joviale made the most of her absence, claiming the win in 11.48 seconds. Gabriella Marais was second in 11.55 and 17-year-old Rumé Burger third in 11.58.

“Everyone can believe in you but if you don’t believe in yourself, it will never happen,” said Joviale afterwards. “I believe in myself and I told myself I’m going to be SA champ and that’s exactly what happened.”

As for Viwe missing out on the final, the Masters student added: “I definitely wish that she could have been in the final. I love a challenge and she’s really a phenomenal athlete so it would have been really nice to get the chance to run with her.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Glenrose Xaba cruised to a 10th senior national title on the track, winning the 5000m in 15 minutes 27.95 seconds. That saw her completing a dominant distance double after claiming the national 10,000m, which was contested in Cape Town at the start of the month.

“The race was good for me but I was a bit disappointed with the time. But I can’t complain because it’s a good time inland. So I’m looking forward to my track season overseas and doing better,” she said.

In the field events, Aiden Smith secured his first ever national title by claiming shot put gold. His effort of 20.31m may not have been a world-beating mark, but it was good enough to get the better of two-time Olympian and defending champion Kyle Blignaut who finished second with a throw of 20.07m.

“I’ve won the juniors a few times, but the seniors is just a different feeling, with the big guys, to get that title is an absolute privilege,” he said.

The SA Senior Track and Field Championships continue until Saturday.

The Great Debate

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Great Debate

Last month showed us that this was a very good decision, a debate is sometimes needed, and being able to tell both sides and let you decide is what we at Modern Athlete aim to do.  This month’s topic: Do you think races should do away with tees and medals in favour of lowering entry costs? has brought two very unique viewpoints, first from Ashraf Orrie, Mr O, and second from Bruce King, Race Director of the Balwin Sport Jeppe Marathon. There is a lot more to consider than we thought there was, and this is why we love this space so much!

Ipeleng Khunou: The Man They Call ‘Crazy Legs’

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We get to know the man behind the name, Crazy Legs, our March cover star Ipeleng Khunou. Born with a condition that affected his mobility, from a young age Ipeleng has always had the attitude of never say never. Our Roving Cow Richard Laskey met him a year ago at the Run Your City Tshwane, and now finally we get to bring his story to life.

Christopher-Luke Peers: The Man Who Refused to Be Stopped

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Christopher-Luke Peers had a severe stroke in 2023, waking up with half his body paralysed, he thought his life was over. But with a quiet determination, he came back, learning to walk, speak, and even how to use a spoon. Fast forward a year, Christopher finished half Ironman! This year he has doubled the stakes going further than he ever thought possible.

How Support Drives South Africa’s Marathon Queen, Gerda Steyn

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adidas is excited to announce the release of the first episode of their brand campaign, ‘Plus One Effect’. The six-part series explores the stories of distinguished athletes and the vital role of their ‘Plus Ones’, the supporters who shaped their journeys from the sideline. Their presence changes the game, turning doubt into confidence and pressure into joy.

Building onto the success of the 2024 ‘You Got This’ launch, the 2025 campaign highlights the power of encouragement, revealing that 4 in 5 athletes face unhelpful sideline behavior, which can lead them to leave sports. Rooted in the universal truth that every athlete needs someone in their corner, the campaign highlights how a strong support system can be the difference between success and self-doubt. As one of South Africa’s most celebrated long-distance runners, Gerda’s story is deeply rooted in the local running community. With five consecutive victories at the Two Oceans Marathon, Gerda is ready to chase her sixth, backed by the unwavering support of those who believe in her. While her determination and training have shaped her success, her story proves that behind every athlete, there’s a ‘Plus One’ cheering them on.

Gerda’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible – one she hasn’t taken alone. At the heart of her success is her husband, Duncan Ross, who has been by her side every step of the way. From handling race-day logistics and refining training plans to pacing her runs by cycling alongside her, assisting with nutrition and hydration, and keeping her motivated during the long miles, his support has been instrumental to her journey.

Gerda is celebrated as a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, five-time Two Oceans Marathon winner, course record holder, and two-time Olympian (Marathon – 2021/2024). Yet, behind her remarkable achievements, Duncan’s invaluable role often goes unnoticed. She attributes much of her success to the constant belief and encouragement from those working behind the scenes, demonstrating that a strong support system drives every record-breaking performance. “Running has been a journey we’ve embarked on together. From my early days as a social runner to making the leap into professional running, Duncan has been by my side through it all,” says Gerda Steyn. “The highs in this sport are incredible, but the lows can be tough. Having Duncan there through every triumph and setback has made all the difference.”

Gerda is not just running for her sixth title; she is running to inspire. She trusts in the adidas Adizero Pro 4, the world’s most winning marathon shoe, engineered for speed and peak performance, giving her the confidence to push beyond limits.

‘Plus One’ is more than an adidas global campaign; it’s a tribute to the people who make every win possible. adidas aims to spark a global movement of positivity, reminding every athlete that belief starts from the sidelines. After all, we all need someone to make us believe… you got this!

For more information on the adidas ‘You Got This’ campaign visit https://www.adidas.co.za/yougotthis.html. To watch Gerda and Duncan’s story, visit https://www.youtube.com/@adidas/.