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“Rory, for one million rand, why do you run?”

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on “Rory, for one million rand, why do you run?”

Champions! The one question we’re asked so often and it’s the one I find the most difficult to answer. Impossible to answer. Cue the music. Cue the lights. Camera zooms in on my face. Lights become brighter. The audience goes quiet. Room feels warmer. 

“Rory, for one million rand, why do you run?” 

Rory looks around for a lifeline, but he’s used them all. He used ‘Phone a friend’ when he felt discouraged and needed some encouragement to go for a run. He used 50/50 when it was starting to drizzle one day and he decided against going outside. And he wasted his ‘Ask the audience’ that one time when he needed advice on what to do with those silly soft flask thingies that bounce around in your pocket like a half alive fish. So here he was, forced to answer the most difficult question of his whole entire life.  

Champions, do you know why you run? If I had to ask you for one reason, what would it be? For me, it’s like asking for my favourite song or favourite movie. It literally depends on when you ask, what mood I’m in, where I am, what the weather is doing, and how strong my coffee was. But here I sit with one million rand (or the equivalent of two days’ electricity on a pre-payment meter) on the line. For the sake of the money, this is why I run: 

  1. Sometimes I run because I feel fat and the thought of maybe one day needing a mirror to see, um, well, that stuff down there terrifies me. 
  2. Sometimes I run because I have no content left in my brain. I’ll have nothing at all. And, without fail, every single time, within the first kilometre, I have at least 10 more ideas for videos to record on the driver’s seat of my car, half a one-man comedy show and a week’s worth of stuff for my radio show too.
  3. Sometimes I run because I miss all my other crazy beautiful people who also run. Also, there’s just something special about getting out of your car at 04h52 in the morning and seeing other lunatics who are doing the same!
  4. Sometimes I run because I have FOMO after seeing someone else’s run on social media, with photos captioned, “Easy shakeout with my besties!” Easy shakeout? You did 22km in 2 hours Barbara! Stop showing off! 
  5. Sometimes I run because I feel anxious and Google tells me that running is the best thing for anxiety. I disagree. A R100-million Powerball win would do the job too.
  6. Sometimes I run because I remember how absolutely amazing it feels when you finish and that beautifully perfect and delicious rush of accomplishment you get when you stop your watch at the end. You feel invincible. OK, I lie. None of this is true. It’s because I know there’s a triple shot flat white waiting for me.
  7. Sometimes I run because I remember I’ve signed up for that little 90km run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and in the words of someone famous but I can’t remember who, “Those 90km are not gonna run themselves!”  

So, Champions, for one million rand, why do I run? I’ll tell you. Because somewhere between that first and last kilometre, while I’m doing it to keep lean and healthy, to get my creative juices flowing, to calm the FOMO, to kill the anxiety, to get that coffee at the end, to see my friends and to train for that beautiful 90km fun run, I remember it’s the one place the scam callers can’t find me! I love you. 2-nils.

PUMA Renews Partnership with HYROX 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Renews Partnership with HYROX 

Global sports company PUMA has renewed and extended its partnership early with HYROX, the World Series of Fitness Racing, which is expected to draw more than 1.3 million participants around the world this season. Until 2030, PUMA will provide official sportswear for HYROX, featuring shoes with industry-leading NITRO™ technology, and become the exclusive title partner for the HYROX World Championships. PUMA has also signed three additional elite HYROX athletes as global brand ambassadors.

HYROX, which has successfully created a major movement in the industry by combining running and functional training into one fast-paced competition, is the world’s fastest growing fitness sport. PUMA recognized the great potential of this sport early on and has partnered with HYROX since the first race in Hamburg in 2017 before becoming a global partner in 2023. Since then, PUMA has used the partnership as a successful platform to increase brand awareness with the sport’s many passionate participants and provides performance products that are tailored to the needs of the athletes.

“HYROX, which has grown enormously in recent years, is one of our strategically most important partnerships as a sports brand, and a great showcase for our innovative performance products, such as our combination of NITRO™ technology and industry leading PUMAGRIP,” said PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld. “Our products have proven that they support the different requirements of athletes in this very versatile sport and help them to achieve great results. We are very encouraged by the great feedback we have received from athletes and partners alike, which helps us position ourselves even stronger as a sports brand.”

Earlier this year, PUMA introduced its first performance collection for HYROX to include both apparel and footwear and will continue to expand this offering throughout the coming years, adding to its successful PUMA x HYROX collections more product innovations and athlete-driven storytelling, as the partnership continues to evolve toward 2030.

As part of Wednesday’s announcement at the first major of the season in Hamburg, PUMA also announced an exciting expansion of its roster of elite HYROX athletes.

PUMA’s newest HYROX ambassadors include Men’s Open Doubles world record holder, Jake Williamson, Women’s Pro Doubles world record holder and Australia’s fastest female, Joanna Wietrzyk, and Hidde Weersma, the Dutch athlete who won the Men’s pro 25-29 World Championships in 2024 and is the strength and conditioning coach of the NOCNSF – the body responsible for the participation of Dutch athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

They are now part of a roster of more than 60 PUMA-athletes in the sport, including recently crowned 2025 HYROX World Champion Linda Meier, 2024 HYROX World Champion Megan Jacoby and three-time HYROX World Champion and Men’s Pro world record holder Hunter McIntyre.

PUMA’s Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Richard Teyssier, commented: “The continuation of this partnership for the next years reinforces PUMA’s commitment to the growth of fitness racing and provides the right platform to increase our brand awareness within the HYROX community and beyond. On top of that, bringing together these outstanding athletes to our global team underlines our commitment to championing the next generation of fitness talent and to win the hearts of HYROX racers, positioning PUMA as the community’s most trusted and innovative brand”.

“This partnership marks a defining milestone in our journey, and the progress we’ve made has been nothing short of remarkable. Last year, we solidified this collaboration with PUMA becoming the official global apparel and footwear partner for all HYROX events, and today, extending this partnership to 2030 sets the stage for the next chapter of our evolution,” Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder of HYROX, added.

“From our very first race in Hamburg in 2017, PUMA has been with us since day one – a rarity in the world of sports partnerships. This relationship has not only shaped the identity of HYROX but has been truly foundational to the growth of the sport itself. This extended partnership allows us to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation, inspiring athletes, and ensuring that HYROX remains accessible to competitors of all levels, across the globe. PUMA’s Go Wild philosophy aligns seamlessly with the HYROX spirit – fearless, authentic, and relentlessly driven. Together, we’re excited to continue challenging limits and empowering individuals to unlock their full potential.”

With a remarkable 100% year-on-year increase, HYROX continues to soar in popularity. The 2024/25 season saw 74 events being held and attracted more than 650,000 participants. As the sport’s momentum continues, the 2025/ 26 season is set to draw 1.3 million participants across over 100 events by 2026, cementing HYROX as a global fitness phenomenon.

Celebrating the unique and early renewal of their contract extension, PUMA will be present in HYROX hometown for over four action-packed days at the Hamburg Exhibition Halls. The event will feature the first Major of the season, with elite racing taking centre stage as top tier athletes compete at the highest level. Over 15,000 athletes will compete in the ultimate test of strength and endurance and PUMA’s vision for HYROX for the next five years begin to unfold.

For more information about PUMA Go Wild, visit www.puma.com, or follow our journey on social media @PUMA. 

Lythe Proud to Podium with Wayde at World Champs

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Lythe Proud to Podium with Wayde at World Champs

By Adnaan Mohamed

Lythe Pillay was only 12 years old when Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 setting a new record 400m of 43.03. Now, the boy who once sat wide-eyed in front of the TV is sprinting alongside his idol, and winning medals with him.

South Africa’s 4x400m relay team of Pillay, Udeme Okon, Zakithi Nene and Van Niekerk snatched bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 2:57.83 in pouring rain.

But for Lythe, the medal was more than bronze. It was a childhood dream realised.

“It was a huge honour winning a medal with my childhood hero Wayde van Niekerk in the 4x400m relay with Team SA at the World Champ,” Lythe revealed to Modern Athlete with the impressive bronze medal dangling from his neck at the VIP tent at the finish of a Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Heritage Day.

Just a couple of days after returning from the global showpiece in Japan, the 22-year-old from Benoni was at the sold-out event which drew 14,400 participants to support his girlfriend who participated as one of the Boxer Athletic Club elite athlete contingent.

“I enjoy all sports, and it was awesome just coming out supporting my girlfriend and seeing a sport from a different crowd and a different perspective.

“I could just admire the work other athletes put in themselves. I can’t run far to save my life. So I marvel at all the athletes that turned out today. It’s a great vibe seeing the runners sharing their experiences with each other. I am just glad to be part of it all.”

But Pillay’s story circles back to Van Niekerk. He still remembers watching in awe as a grade 1 schoolboy when the South African stunned the world in Rio.

“It’s crazy because I always said I’m here because of Wayde. I saw the Olympics live from home. When I saw the line-up I thought the Americans will take it as per usual.

“And all of a sudden I see this guy from Bloemfontein, South Africa breaking the World 400m record. Seeing that made me believe that perhaps I can do it too.”

Pillay believes Van Niekerk’s achievement lit the fuse for a new wave of 400m talent.

“South Africa now has more sub-45 runners than ever before. So there has been massive growth. The word I like to use is inflation.

“I’m honoured to be part of that movement and to be able to get a medal with Wayde.

“We have great athletes now and it’s also a great feeling. I could be mistaken but Team SA had the youngest team in the field and it gives us hope and inspires us to know that once Wayde retires, we will still be in a good space.”

Now, with seniors like Van Niekerk alongside emerging stars such as Zakithi Nene and Gardeo Isaacs, Pillay believes the 400m is in safe hands.

“I have now transitioned from a junior into senior ranks. We now have a very nice steam of senior and junior athletes. We are in a very healthy place and I am a firm believer that a lot of us are here because of what Wayde did.”

For Pillay, Van Niekerk is more than a teammate. He is proof that South African sprinters can take on the world and win.

Elroy eyes sub-14 at Durban’s Boxer Super Run

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Elroy eyes sub-14 at Durban’s Boxer Super Run

By Adnaan Mohamed

Durban’s beachfront will turn into a blur of fast-twitch muscle and pounding footsteps on Sunday, 12 October, when Elroy Gelant lines up for the 2025 Boxer Super Run with one clear target – a sub-14-minute clocking.

Elroy, who finished fifth last year in 13:49, is determined to keep the heat on a stacked men’s field.

“My goal is straightforward: to go under 14 minutes, ideally dipping under 13:50 to keep the pressure on the field,” he says.

The stakes are high, with a R147 200 prize purse on offer and R20 000 to the men’s and women’s winners.

For Elroy, that money is more than just numbers on a cheque.

“It highlights Boxer’s commitment to rewarding elite athletes and growing the sport,” he explains.

“It helps with essentials like training gear, and even personal dreams like building a home. In a tough profession like ours, incentives like this push us to go harder and also attract top international talent. I’m all for it; it makes the racing even fiercer.”

For him, the 5km is short enough to go flat out and long enough to sting.

“For elites like us, it’s a chance to chase personal bests and national records on a flat, fast course like Durban’s,” he adds.

“The Boxer Super Run is special because it brings elites and everyday runners together in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

“It’s not just about speed, but about celebrating running along the promenade with the ocean breeze. And it promotes fitness for all ages, which I love.”

But Elroy hasn’t forgotten the social runners.

“To everyone lacing up for the Boxer Super Run, you’ve got this! Whether it’s your first 5km or your hundredth, arrive with a smile, soak up the energy, and remember that running is about joy, not just the finish line.

“High-five a stranger, cheer on your wave mates, and celebrate every step. Durban’s energy will carry you through!”

He’ll have plenty of company at the sharp end. Former SA champion Gladwin Mzazi returns for a second crack:

“I entered the Boxer Super Run Durban because it is so well organised. The event has amazing vibes and excellent marshals along the route. I’m looking forward to strong competition, and my goal is to run under 14:15.”

Andries Sesedi, making his debut, is relishing the speed test:

“The Boxer 5km is known for being fast, so I want to deliver my quickest time. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my ability as a speed athlete, and I’m excited to aim for a new personal best.”

Meanwhile, Bennett Seloyi is eyeing his own PB.

“I’m determined to run a PB on the day,” he says.

“Boxer AC is a fantastic team with top runners, especially my friends Kabelo (Mulaudzi), Chris (Mhlanga), and Andries (Sesedi).”

Organisers are expecting fireworks.

“We’re excited to welcome Elroy Gelant back to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Marketing.

“We love that he has set a clear goal, pushing himself while raising the bar for the rest of the field. We also can’t wait to see Gladwin Mzazi, Andries Sesedi, and Bennett Seloyi in action. It promises to be an electrifying elite men’s wave.”

With Durban’s promenade set to echo with cheers, quick strides, and high-fives, the stage is set for a 5km showdown that could rewrite the record books.

Glenrose storms to historic SPAR Grand Prix hat-trick in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, RacingLeave a Comment on Glenrose storms to historic SPAR Grand Prix hat-trick in Gqeberha

By Adnaan Mohamed

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – Glenrose Xaba once again turned the SPAR Women’s Challenge into her personal racetrack on Saturday morning, streaking down Marine Drive like a sprinter on rails to seize her fourth straight victory of the 2025 Grand Prix Series and, with it, another chapter of history.

The Boxer Athletic Club dynamo, nicknamed “SuperCharger” for the way she ignites races with a sudden burst of speed stopped the clock at a searing 31:57, her white cap bobbing like a beacon at the head of the pack as she tore through the Windy City air.

She sliced the tape ahead of Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh (32:01), while Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (32:04) , clad in Nedbank green, clung on for third.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 27: Glenrose Xaba (L) , Diniya Abaraya and Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood (R) during the 2025 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix 10km Challenge at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha. Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images)

Glenrose has now sprinted into an unassailable 115-point lead with one race to spare, making next weekend’s Johannesburg leg little more than a victory lap.

She becomes the first black South African athlete to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times, adding her name once more to a glittering roll call that includes Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Namibia’s Helalia Johannes and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

On a crisp morning made for fast times, Glenrose toed the line looking refreshed, having chosen to sidestep Wednesday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K. When the gun fired, she immediately leaned into the race like a runner unwilling to wait for destiny.

Her usual rival Selam Gebre tried to shadow her stride for stride, joined by Abaraya, and for a while the trio ran in formation, as though the podium had already been sketched in pencil.

But Gebre, her legs heavy from a fourth-place finish at the Buenos Aires Marathon earlier this month, faltered once Glenrose pressed the accelerator.

Resplendent in her trademark white cap, Glenrose’s surge was as decisive as it was devastating down the home straight.

The contest for gold was over; the race had become a chase for silver. Kavanagh, digging into her reserves with the grit of a runner who refused to fade, clawed her way past Abaraya to snatch second.

For Glenrose, the victory was all the sweeter because she had not felt at her sharpest.

WATCH | Glenrose Xaba makes history at the Spar Grand Prix in Gqeberha Video: Adnaan Mohamed

“I was not 100 percent. My body was not responding well,” she admitted afterwards.

“The course was very fast. Last year I ran a course record. Today I did 31 high because my body was not responding well. I tried my best to push my pace, but I could not push much.

“But I told myself, ‘Let me keep the pace’ and then in the last three kilometres I said, ‘let me give myself a push’.”

And push she did, storming home to the delight of the Gqeberha crowd and swelling her bank balance with a R200 000 payday for clinching the overall Grand Prix prize.

The race itself was a sell-out, with 5 000 runners filling the streets in a celebration of women’s running.

For one lucky participant, it was about more than medals and times: Nomandla Lunguza of Kariega, Uitenhage walked away with a Hyundai EXTER, the fifth vehicle SPAR and Hyundai have given away this season.

“At Hyundai Automotive South Africa, we believe excellence comes in many forms. Whether you are leading the race or simply showing and giving it your all. That is why we are proud to be part of the SPAR Women’s Challenge, where every woman out there is a winner in her own right,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“Accordingly, the SPAR Women’s Challenge alignment with the Hyundai EXTER is aimed at highlighting this vehicle’s strength. It is built to handle life’s daily demands with ease and flair. Just like the event itself, the Hyundai EXTER is as versatile and vibrant as the women who inspire us every day.”

For Glenrose Xaba, though, the car on Saturday was running on her own high-octane, Supercharged engine.

And with one more race to go, she has already driven her way into history.

Hyundai Exter winner, Nomandla Lunguza, with Clinton Bezuidenhout, Dealer Principal at Hyundai Gqeberha. Photo: Michael Sheehan / Gallo Images

The final leg of the SPAR Grand Prix will take place on Sunday morning, 05 October 2025 at Marks Park Sporting Club in Emmerentia, Johannesburg.

SPAR GRAND PRIX RESULTS: GQEBERHA

Results of the SPAR Grand Prix women’s 10km race held in Gqeberha on Saturday, 27 September 2025.

Open: 1 Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 31:57, 2 Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 32:01, 3 Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) 32:04, 4 Karabo Mailula (Tuks) 32:43, 5 Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 33:02, 6 Karabo More (Boxer) 33:15, 7 Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) 33:47, 8 Carina Swiegers (Boxer) 35:47, 9 Nicola Wills (Boxer) 35:56, 10 Lizandre Mulder (Kovsies) 36:10

U20: Chanell Groenewalt (Boxer) 38:16, 2 Hlengiwe Nkosi (Madibaz) 39:32, 3 Abbie Mitchell (Madibaz) 41:25, 4 Ilke Wolmarans (Elite) 47:03, 5 Entle Komani (Kowie) 48:50

40-49: 1 Janie Grundling (Peak) 37:03, 2 Nerida Lubbe (Nedbank) 39:20, 3 Ntombesintu Mfunzi (Nedbank) 42:38, 4 Cindy Marais (Charlo) 43:50, 5 Natascia de Ridder (Elite) 48:23

50-59: 1 Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 39:42, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 42:23, 3 Davera Magson (Nedbank) 45:33, 4 Liezl van Zyl (Nedbank) 46:32, 5 Burinta Strydom (Run 4 Christ) 46:54

60-69: 1 Judy Bird (Boxer) 41:42, 2 Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) 45:13, 3 Christine Claasen (Nedbank) 46:41, 4 Lelanie Cornelius (NA) 49:39, 5 Johanette Oosthuizen (Body Concept) 50:44

70-79: 1 Margie Saunders (Nedbank) 45:06, 2 Rozetta Kemp (Run 4 Christ) 56:30

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Comrades Marathon Loses a Humble Hero

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades Marathon Loses a Humble Hero

By Adnaan Mohamed

Farewell to Jetman Msuthu (1957–2025)

South Africa has bid farewell to one of its true road-running heroes. Jetman Msuthu, Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number 7532, passed away on 15 September 2025 at the age of 68, just days after the loss of his wife.

Born in the village of Lukholo near Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Msuthu began running at 18 and carried his stride into history. Between 1988 and 2016, he completed 14 Comrades Marathons, collecting three gold medals, 10 silvers and a bronze.

His greatest moment came in 1992 when, after finishing second, he was later crowned champion following Charl Mattheus’s disqualification.

That victory made him only the second man of colour, after Sam Tshabalala, to win the Ultimate Human Race.

Though denied the joy of breaking the winner’s tape on race day, Msuthu wore the mantle of champion with pride and humility for the rest of his life.

He also represented South Africa at the 1993 100km World Championships in Belgium, helping secure team gold. His final Comrades, in 2016, was a steady farewell run in 9:38:48.

Tributes have flowed from across the running fraternity. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo called him “a legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.”

Former chair Cheryl Winn said, “He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.”

Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce remembered him as gracious and humble, while 1991 winner Nick Bester recalled him as both friend and teammate.

“It’s with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Jetman, a friend and teammate representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where we won the gold medal in the team category,” recalls Nick.

“Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers.

“Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed!”

Jetman Msuthu’s name is etched in the history of the Comrades Marathon and in the hearts of those he inspired. His stride has stilled, but his legacy will continue to pace generations of runners.

The Champion Who Carried the Comrades Spirit

“A legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.” — CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo

“He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.” — Former CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn

“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was.” — Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce

“Our friend and teammate… he will be missed.” — 1991 Comrades winner Nick Bester

Rest in peace, Comrades Champion.

5FM TO AMPLI5 THE BREAST INTENTIONS COLOUR RUN 2025

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 5FM TO AMPLI5 THE BREAST INTENTIONS COLOUR RUN 2025

5FM is proud to announce that it will be Ampli5ing the Breast Intentions Colour Run 2025– not only tackling the tough topic of breast cancer awareness with the whole family, but also having a ton of fun and, more importantly making a practical, life-saving difference

The highly anticipated Breast Intentions Colour Run 2025 will be taking place from 10h00 on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at the scenic Thaba Eco Trails in Johannesburg. This vibrant, family-friendly event is more than just a fun run – it’s a bold step toward empowering women and saving lives.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise funds for 100 life-saving mammograms for women in under-resourced communities. With every ticket sold, participants will directly contribute to the “Give Hope. Fund a Scan.” campaign, making a tangible difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM says, “5FM is not just about playing banging tunes and having EPIC parties. It’s also about making a meaningful, practical impact. Through this partnership, we’re amplifying women’s health initiatives and showing that we and the 5 Nation are here to help, not just talk. Together with Breast Intentions Colour Run, we’re creating a movement that’s massively fun, but also loud, proud, and purposeful.”

The day promises to be a celebration of wonderful women, stories of triumph, colour, fitness, and hope, featuring:
• A scenic 5km fun run/walk through Thaba Eco Trails
• Colour powder stations for a splash of fun
• Live DJ entertainment at the finish line
• Delicious food and drink stalls
• A feel-good, family-friendly atmosphere

5FM will be featuring insightful, inspiring content on the topic in the lead-up to the event and giving away 50 tickets to lucky listeners, and will also bring MASSIVE energy on the day with a 5 Weekend Breakfast Live broadcast from 07h00 to 10h00, on-site activations and the 5FM Chill Lounge, ensuring an EPIC experience for a wonderful cause.

Stay tuned to 5FM, download the 5FM app for iOS and Android, visit www.5fm.co.za and follow the station on all social media for ticket info and more information.

Champions Crowned at the 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Champions Crowned at the 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race

UCT men’s and TUKS women take top honours

Port Alfred, 15 September 2025: The 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race wrapped up on the Kowie River this weekend, delivering three days of thrilling competition, fierce rivalries, and standout performances that showcased the depth of South African university rowing.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) powered to victory in the men’s A Division winning the Cambridge Rudder trophy, while University of Pretoria (TUKS) defended their crown in the women’s A Division with another dominant performance earning themselves the Isis Blade trophy. Stellenbosch University (MATIES) secured third place podium finishes across both men’s and women’s divisions, underlining their strength in depth.

More than 300 athletes representing 36 crews from 10 universities lined up across multiple categories, with every race serving up high-intensity action.

Standout Moments
– “Chloe Cresswell, fresh off her U23 World Championship silver medal, steered TUKS to the Women’s 8+ final victory.
– UCT’s men showed composure and power in their final sprint to claim the A Division title.
– Walter Sisulu University (WSU) impressed on debut, pushing seasoned opposition to the line and earning plaudits for their performance.

On-Water Voices

Chief Umpire Gordon Dodge praised the crews: “This year’s RMB Universities’ Boat Race was a phenomenal showcase of grit, determination and teamwork. Conditions were challenging, but we were treated to a series of thrilling, hard-fought races with many crews showing remarkable improvement. RMB once again went above and beyond to make the event truly memorable for our university athletes.”

This year marked the 10th edition since RMB became headline sponsor in 2015, and saw the strongest women’s field in years, with multiple universities entering more than one crew – a clear sign of the sport’s growth and transformation.

Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead, said: “RMB is proud to support the athletes, universities and rowing community that made this event possible. This regatta continues to be a platform for discovering South Africa’s future champions, and we congratulate every crew that raced on the Kowie this weekend.”

The 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race delivered speed, excitement, and competitiveness on water — cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events on the South African student sporting calendar.

Visit the RMB and USSA websites, RMB social media platform and USSA Instagram page for regular updates.

The final positions in the men and women’s A Division are as follows:

Men’s A division: 

  1. UCT 
  2. TUKS
  3. MATIES
  4. UJ
  5. UFH
  6. WITS
  7. NMU
  8. UWC
  9. RHODES
  10. WSU 

Women’s A Division: 

  1. TUKS
  2. UCT
  3. MATIES
  4. WITS
  5. UJ
  6. UWC
  7. WSU
  8. NMU
  9. UFH
  10. RHODES

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Radhi Harris: SA’s Great Hope on the F1 Grid

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Radhi Harris: SA’s Great Hope on the F1 Grid

By Adnaan Mohamed

The hum of engines may soon echo louder across South Africa, with the nation edging closer to a Formula 1 Grand Prix return in 2027. As preparations gather speed, eyes are turning not only to circuits like Kyalami and Cape Town’s proposed street track, but also to the next generation of drivers who might one day carry Africa’s colours onto the world stage.

At the centre of this conversation is Radhi Harris, an eight-year-old karting prodigy from Crawford on the Cape Flats. To Wesleigh Orr, four-time world karting champion and founder of Worr Motorsport, Harris is not merely a promising youngster, he is a potential game-changer.

“That’s the game-changer in the generation now. In the next three or four years there will be a Grand Prix here in Africa. So, that’s gonna put a lot of focus on the F1 teams and everyone involved in motorsport to find the talent out of Africa,” says Orr.

“Radhi could be the next Lewis Hamilton.  However, we need a driver from Africa on the F1 circuit. So, there is going to be huge interest… There will be scouts in the next three or four years looking for natural talent. And we just think Radhi is gonna be that guy.”

A Star in the Making

Harris first caught international attention when, on his overseas debut, he stormed to victory in Spain’s Tillotson Bambino class. That triumph was no fluke. Since then, he has strung together a series of titles that have made him one of South Africa’s most consistent young drivers.

“I think Rahdi Harris is one of the few young drivers that we’ve had in the country that is consistent across the board in terms of results,” Orr explains.

“When drivers don’t have the advantage of the bigger teams and they are still running in front, then I think the ability is there. I think Radhi’s charisma and the way he conducts himself is also a big part of why he is so good.”

In 2023, Harris finished runner-up in his very first competitive race, a performance that earned him kart number 23. The following year, he captured the Western Province Regional Championship, then the South African National Bambino Championship, before claiming the T4 Nations Cup World Championship in Valencia. He now races in the faster, more technical Micro MAX class, and still holds the lap record at Cape Town’s iconic Killarney track.

Racing in the Blood

Racing prodigy Radhi Harris in his element of the track Photo: Supplied

Motorsport is woven into the Harris family’s story. His grandfather, Zarier Harris, carved out a reputation as a street racer in his Toyota TRD during the 1980s and 1990s, while his father, Raaziegh, continued the tradition in the GTI Challenge at Killarney.

“Radhi was head-hunted by Wesleigh,” recalls Raaziegh.

“In his first race he ever did he finished second in 2023. And that is how he got his kart number 23… He then went on to win the T4 Nations Cup World Championship. He is now currently racing Micro MAX which is a step-up from the Bambino Class.”

For the Harris family, Rahdi’s rise feels like destiny, the next chapter in a lineage of speed.

Building a Path to F1

With Rahdi now signed to Worr Motorsport, his journey is backed by one of South Africa’s most ambitious karting outfits. Orr leads the international charge, while Hugh Orr oversees operations in the Western Cape and Neo Phasha trains up-and-coming talent at the academy. Together, they have built a structure designed to take African drivers from karting circuits to the world’s biggest stage.

Radhi Harris Photo: Instagram

“Signing a talent like Rahdi inspires our South African-based team to strive even harder to help our drivers achieve their dreams in motorsport,” says Orr.

“Our focus is on empowering African drivers with the skills, discipline, and support needed to compete on the global stage. We have one ambitious goal and that is to produce an African Formula 1 driver.

“Through rigorous training, top-tier equipment, and a passion for excellence, we hope to pave the way for African drivers to leave their mark in the world of motorsport.”

As South Africa positions itself for a long-awaited Formula 1 revival, Radhi Harris stands poised as a symbol of what that return could mean. He is not only navigating corners on karting tracks but also steering into a future where Africa claims its place on the F1 grid.

At just eight years old, Harris already drives like a racer with the road ahead mapped out. If the stars align, and the circuits are built, he could be the homegrown engine that powers South Africa into Formula 1 history.

New Heights, Old News: Duplantis Does It Again, Breaking A World Record In Tokyo

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on New Heights, Old News: Duplantis Does It Again, Breaking A World Record In Tokyo

– Mondo Duplantis breaks pole vault world record for the fourteenth time and fourth time in 2025.

– Swede secures gold and continues to etch his name into the history books as the greatest of all time.

– A pole vault clean sweep for PUMA as Emmanouil Karalis and Kurtis Marschall take second and third place.

PUMA athlete Mondo Duplantis has soared to another pole vault world record, jumping a gravity-defying 6.30m to take home a third consecutive gold at the World Athletics Championships.

Having already broken the world record three times this year, the Swede stepped onto the runway in front of a packed Japan National Stadium to make it four for good measure, redefining what is humanly possible in the pole vault.

Wearing his signature PUMA EvoSPEED Naio NITRO™ Elite spikes, and with cool-headed confidence, the 25-year-old made history look routine. Again. Turning centimetres into milestones with unmistakable ease.

Despite being the most competitive men’s pole vault field ever, it was PUMA athletes that swept the podium, with Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis (6.00m) and Australia’s Kurtis Marschall (5.95m) taking home the silver and bronze medals.

The results evidence PUMA’s position as trailblazers of track and field innovation, and pioneers of the future of fast.