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Adidas celebrates running community and club support in SCTM ambition

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Adidas celebrates running community and club support in SCTM ambition
By Adnaan Mohamed

The pulse of the Mother City’s running scene beats strongest far from the elite start line, in the clubs and communities that shape every stride taken across its roads. With the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (SCTM) pursuing Abbott World Marathon Major status, adidas has placed the spotlight on the network of runners who have turned the sport into a city-wide movement.

From the Sea Point promenade to the streets of Khayelitsha and the shaded routes of Constantia, running has grown into a shared culture. Clubs such as Running Late Club, adidas Runners Cape Town, VOB Running Club and Khayelitsha Athletics Club have become central to that rise, offering structure, support and a sense of belonging.

adidas Runners Cape Town captain Drew Ngcaba said the impact of community extended beyond performance.

“adidas Runners saved my life. When I was recovering from knee surgery, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t train and I was in a dark place. But the community kept me going. Serving the community kept me going. That’s what it means to me,” said Ngcaba.

He added that the growth of the sport in Cape Town has been rapid.

“Running in the last few years has become a must-do. Races sell out within hours. It’s not just about elites anymore; brands like adidas create spaces where everyone can experience running. It elevates the whole city.”

At VOB Running Club, captain Elydia de Monk (pictured below) has witnessed the marathon’s evolution over more than a decade.

“Years ago, it was just another marathon. Now it’s exhilarating, there’s so much excitement. You see international runners and familiar faces on the route and it’s grown into something incredibly special for our city,” she said.

De Monk said the club’s focus remained on participation and milestones.

“My highlight is helping members run their first marathon, their first half and their first ultra. Crossing the finish line with them, that’s special. It’s about being part of someone’s first.”

In Khayelitsha, running has become a platform for identity and opportunity. Khayelitsha Athletics Club captain Siphiwo Melani (pictured below) said the sport offered more than physical benefits.

“When you’re outside, you think running is just waking up and running. Then you discover the community behind it, the organisation and structure. It gave me purpose and a sense of belonging,” said Melani.

He recalled a defining moment during the marathon.

“There was a young girl on the side of the road cheering. She didn’t know me, she just saw the Khayelitsha vest. That’s when I realised this is bigger than me. Khayelitsha is not a jungle. There are good things happening here. When thousands of people come to run here, it makes me proud. We are rewriting the story.”

Collaboration among clubs has also increased, with groups training together and supporting each other’s events as participation numbers continue to climb.

As Cape Town strengthens its bid for global marathon recognition, it is these communities that remain the foundation, carrying the city’s ambitions one step at a time.

Chery boosts Durban 10K race incentives

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Chery boosts Durban 10K race incentives

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K will offer more than fast times and coastal scenery on Sunday, 12 July, with one participant set to win a brand-new Chery vehicle valued at R279 900.

The incentive continues a trend that has seen Chery South Africa reward runners across the series since 2022. Eighteen vehicles have already been handed over, including the most recent winner at the Gqeberha leg in March.

“July is Durban’s time to shine on the road and to win big,” said race founder Michael Meyer. “We are excited to launch the Durban leg of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, offering runners the chance to experience road running at its very best, whether they are elite competitors or social runners.

“One of the standout moments of the day will once again be the opportunity for one lucky participant to drive away in a brand-new Chery vehicle.”

The race will start at 08:00 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finish at Sunkist Lawns along the Durban Promenade, a route known for its flat, fast profile.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Cindy Choromansky

Meyer said the partnership continues to enhance the event experience.

“Our valued partnership with Chery South Africa continues to bring excitement and meaningful rewards to the series, enhancing the experience for every runner on race day. Prizes of this nature not only elevate the event but also reflect our ongoing commitment to inspiring active lifestyles and creating memorable moments for both participants and their supporters.”

Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, said the brand remains committed to the series.

“We are proud to once again celebrate the spirit of Durban’s running community. Rewarding one lucky participant with a Chery vehicle allows us to honour the commitment and passion of runners while embracing the energy of this remarkable city.

“Durban’s coastal lifestyle and vibrant culture align strongly with the versatility of our vehicles, and we are honoured to support an event that continues to unite people through health, achievement, and community connection. We look forward to continuing to grow our Chery South Africa family.”

To qualify for the draw, runners must enter the race, collect their race number, start and complete the 10km distance.

The Durban race forms part of the 2026 series, which began in Gqeberha and will continue in Cape Town, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Websites:  www.runyourcityseries.com

Junior Boks clinch U20 title as ‘The Tank’ and ‘The Chef’ help dismantle Australia

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Junior Boks clinch U20 title as ‘The Tank’ and ‘The Chef’ help dismantle Australia
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Junior Springboks wrapped up the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship with a game to spare after a commanding 56-17 victory over Australia in Gqeberha on Sunday.

It was a polished, high-tempo display that reflected a side growing in confidence and cohesion under coach Kevin Foote, with game management, attacking variety and squad depth all on show.

Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed nicknamed ‘The Chef’ for his ability to carve open opposition defences again proved central to South Africa’s control of the contest. The playmaker dictated territory and tempo with maturity, mixing tactical kicking with sharp distribution to keep Australia on the back foot throughout.

Foote emphasised the balance within his squad, saying: “Our DNA is physicality, but it’s also skill.” Ahmed has been a key driver of that identity, particularly in victories over Argentina and Australia, where his decision-making under pressure has stood out.“

While Ahmed steered the game, ‘The Tank’ Ethan Adams provided the cutting edge. The explosive outside back delivered a series of outstanding individual tries, combining raw power with refined skill. He broke tackles with the force of a runaway train and then showed balance and control in tight spaces, turning half-chances into decisive moments.

Adams’ impact gave South Africa a consistent source of momentum, with his ability to beat defenders shifting the game firmly in the hosts’ favour.

The Junior Boks also benefited from their depth, with the introduction of last year’s U20 World Cup wining flyhalf Vusi Moyo adding another layer to their attack. The tactical adjustment allowed Ahmed to move into midfield at times, where he remained influential, attacking the line and linking effectively with the outside backs.

This dual-playmaker approach enabled South Africa to stretch the Australian defence and maintain unpredictability across phases. As highlighted within the camp, it allowed the team to “show our hands and our backs” in a more fluid system.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Foote acknowledged there are still areas to improve, particularly at the breakdown. He praised the team’s effort, saying: “We showed a lot of grit… super proud of everybody.”

That grit was evident in the Junior Boks’ discipline and defensive organisation. They applied sustained pressure, forcing errors and yellow cards from Australia while maintaining their own composure.

Captain Riley Norton pointed to the squad’s unity as a key factor: “It’s about character and love… the off-field connections have been unbelievable, and that transfers onto the field.”

The performance underlined the team’s progress across the tournament. The forwards provided a solid platform, the bench added impact, and the backs executed with accuracy.

Preparation has played a role in that development, with a demanding build-up helping to build continuity and sharpness following a slower start in previous campaigns.

Although the title is secured, the Junior Boks remain focused, with a final fixture against New Zealand still to come. The message from within the squad is clear: “We can’t take our foot off the gas.”

With the World Rugby U20 Championship approaching, South Africa’s depth, structure and attacking threat position them as strong contenders, with a dominating pack of forwards ably led by skipper Norton combined with ‘The Chef’s’ control and ‘The Tank’s’ finishing providing a potent combination for the pacy outside backs to flourish.

Photo Credit: x.com/SAJuniorRugby

‘Comrades is never going to be as bad as this’, says Carla Molinaro after False Bay 50 win

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on ‘Comrades is never going to be as bad as this’, says Carla Molinaro after False Bay 50 win
By Adnaan Mohamed

Stephen George and Carla Molinaro delivered commanding performances in punishing conditions to win the Balwin Properties False Bay 50km on Saturday.

The coastal ultra marathon, which started in Kleinmond and finished at Gordon’s Bay Primary School, tested runners with persistent rain and strong winds from the outset.

Balwin Properties False Bay 50km winner Stephen George Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

George, representing Strand Athletic Club, successfully defended his title in 3:18:24 after a controlled effort through the second half of the race.

“It was cold and there were strong winds, but I managed to run easily,” he said. “It was difficult, but after 26km I was feeling okay. The weather was too much wind and cold.”

Asisipho Josiah Matoman of RCS Gugulethu AC finished second in 3:20:51, with Mthandazo Qhina from Impala Marathon Club third in 3:25:11.

In the women’s race, Molinaro of Hollywood Athletic Club International underlined her class with victory in 3:38:15, finishing ninth overall in a strong all-round showing.

“It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. That wind and that rain was a bit savage,” she said.

Despite the conditions, Molinaro said the route remained a highlight.

“The course is so beautiful that it kind of distracts you a little bit.”

She added that the weather forced her to adjust her approach during the race.

“It turned out to be worse than I expected. I wasn’t even looking at my pace. I was running on feel. The conditions didn’t lead to quick times today, but it was still a good race and fun out there.”

Carla Johnson of Maverick AC took second place in 3:43:12, followed by Nedbank Running Club’s Deanné Laubscher in 3:47:50.

With the Comrades Marathon approaching, Molinaro said the race served as valuable preparation.

“I kept thinking Comrades is never going to be as bad as this. If we can do this, it will make us stronger for race day,” she said. “I’ll still do a couple more long runs, around three hours, then taper.”

In testing weather along the False Bay coastline, both winners showed composure and endurance, navigating the elements to secure decisive victories.

Get your Balwin Properties False Bay 50 Full Race Results here

Team South Africa secure double silver as records tumble in Gaborone

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, News, RacingLeave a Comment on Team South Africa secure double silver as records tumble in Gaborone

Picture credit: Anton Geyser for Athletics South Africa

Team South Africa will leave Botswana with two silver medals, US$40,000 in prize money and three new national records after the World Relays came to an end in Gaborone on Sunday.

The fierce rivalry between the host nation and the South Africans delivered a dramatic 4x400m final with Botswana getting the upper hand this time around.

The team of Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi delivered the perfect ending to the championships, sparking wild celebrations in the passionate home crowd. They crossed the finish line in a new championship record of 2 minutes 54.47 seconds with the South Africans taking over two and a half seconds off their previous national record to secure the silver in 2:55.07.

The massive SA record was due in large part to Pillay’s unprecedented split of 42.66 in the second leg, making him the fastest ever in 4x400m relay history.

Earlier in the afternoon, SA’s men’s 4x100m team of Mvuyo Moss, Cheswill Johnson, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine had set the tone by securing the silver behind the USA (37.43), also in a new national record.

Their new SA and African record of 37.49 eclipsed the record set by Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Nkoana and Simbine on their way to Olympic silver in Paris in 2024.

Simbine stormed past several teams down the home straight and just ran out of metres to overtake the USA’s Pjai Austin, who had the South African star hot on his heels.

The third SA record of the championship belonged to the SA women’s 4x100m team of Viwe Jingqi, Kayla la Grange, Gabriella Marais and Joviale Mbishe, who didn’t manage to reach the final but still had plenty to celebrate after breaking the 26-year-old record in the heats in a time of 43.22 seconds.

The other notable performance came from the mixed 4x400m team of Gardeo Isaacs, Rogail Joseph, Bradley Maponyane and Marlie Viljoen. 

Despite running close to the SA record in the heats, they just missed out on a place in the final but made the most of their second chance to qualify for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing in Sunday’s repechage, where they needed a top-two finish. 

They crossed the line first, winning in 3:12.77 to book their tickets to China alongside the SA men’s 4×100 and 4x400m squads. By reaching their respective finals, the SA men’s squads have also secured their qualification at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this September.

 

Junior Boks reshuffle as Australia challenge looms

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, RugbyLeave a Comment on Junior Boks reshuffle as Australia challenge looms
By Adnaan Mohamed

Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has made measured changes to his match-23 for Sunday’s U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kick-off is at 16h10, with New Zealand facing Argentina earlier at 14h00.

The South Africans were convincing in their opening win over Argentina and Foote has largely kept faith with that combination, making a single change to the starting pack. Wasi Vyambwera comes in at blindside flank, adding fresh energy to a forward unit that laid a strong platform in the tournament opener.

The backline sees two adjustments, with Khuthadzo Rasivhaga starting on the left wing and Akahluwa Boqwana selected at fullback. Both players will be expected to add attacking edge against an Australian side known for its skill and tempo.

On the bench, Luan van der Berg replaces the injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp and Jade Muller come into the matchday squad to provide loose forward and backline cover.

Foote said the team had taken valuable lessons from their opening performance.

“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement,” he said.

The coach stressed the need for consistency across the full match.

“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and who boasts strong skill sets across the park.”

The Junior Boks will again run out in front of a passionate Eastern Cape crowd after a strong turnout in the opening round.

“The support we received against Argentina last week was absolutely fantastic, and we are excited to be playing in front of the passionate Eastern Cape rugby fans once again,” Foote said.

South Africa will look to build on their early momentum, with execution and discipline expected to be key against a well-organised Australian outfit.

Junior Springboks:
15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka

Replacements:
16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller

Photo Credits: x.com/SAJuniorRugby

Shortest Comrades Up Run could boost Gerda Steyn’s R2m bid

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Shortest Comrades Up Run could boost Gerda Steyn’s R2m bid
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Comrades Marathon will be run over the shortest Up Run distance in recent history, a development that could significantly favour multiple champion Gerda Steyn as she targets both victory and a lucrative payday.

Race organisers have confirmed that the 99th edition, scheduled for Sunday, 14 June, will cover 85.777km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The distance is 133 metres shorter than the 2024 Up Run and nearly a kilometre shorter than the 2019 route.

In an event where pacing and energy management are decisive, even marginal reductions in distance can influence outcomes at the elite level. For Steyn, who has dominated the women’s race in recent years, the shorter course presents an opportunity to push the pace from early on while still maintaining control in the closing stages.

The adjusted route comes amid ongoing infrastructure developments along the traditional course. Comrades Marathon Race Director Sue Forge said organisers had worked closely with authorities to finalise a safer and more efficient layout.

“The ongoing roadworks have had a significant impact on the route and our planning. However, thanks to the outstanding collaboration and support of the municipalities, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Durban Metro Police and Msunduzi Traffic Police, we have been able to finalise a route that not only provides a slightly shorter distance for runners, but also improves the management of road closures, traffic flow, infrastructure removal and post-race clean-up,” Forge said.

While the start in Durban and finish at Scottsville Racecourse remain unchanged from 2024, several key adjustments have reduced the overall distance.

“We have changed the set-up of the finish at Scottsville and shortened the finish straight, while out on the route, the biggest change is that from 45th Cutting to Cowies Hill, where runners will move in a contra-flow direction. This means they will run on the other side of the road to previous years, against the normal traffic direction, which will also reduce the gradient of that section slightly,” Forge explained.

“Meanwhile, we have retained the Umlaas Road cut-through, working closely with SANRAL and the appointed contractors to remove a 12-metre section of the new roadside barriers and surface the area, enabling runners to cross directly. This adjustment will once again save runners approximately 870 metres,” she added.

The official route measurement was completed on 25 and 26 April under the supervision of World Athletics-accredited measurer Mike Rooke, using a calibrated bicycle to ensure accuracy.

Historically, comparisons with earlier races remain difficult. Before 1969, distances were recorded in miles and often estimated, with the Up Run generally listed at around 54 miles, or approximately 86.886km.

Despite that uncertainty, the 2026 race is widely regarded as the shortest modern Up Run, a factor that could have implications for record attempts.

Steyn already holds the women’s Up Run best time after clocking 5:49:46 in 2024, becoming the first woman to break six hours on the route. With performance incentives linked to both time and pace, she stands to earn a substantial bonus if she improves on that mark.

“With the shortest route on record for the Up Run being run this year, coupled with lucrative cash incentives for runners to chase the best time and best pace records, we may see those records fall again in 2026,” said Forge.

The men’s Up Run record of 5:24:49, set by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008, has also come under increasing pressure in recent years.

All indications point to a faster race in 2026, with the revised route likely to encourage aggressive strategies from the leading contenders. For Steyn, the combination of form, experience and course conditions could place her firmly on track for another dominant performance.

Faith Cherono targets sub 30 personal best in Cape Town 10K

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Faith Cherono targets sub 30 personal best in Cape Town 10K

Kenya’s Faith Cherono will line up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 10 May with a clear objective, to test her limits against the clock on one of the country’s fastest courses.

The 27-year-old made a strong impression on her South African debut at the Gqeberha leg of the series in March, finishing second in 30:44, the second fastest time of her career.

“It was a good experience and a nice event,” Cherono said. “I was happy to join South African athletes and also athletes from all around the world. I felt at home – welcomed, supported.”

Her performance in Gqeberha confirmed her form early in the season and placed her among the leading contenders for the Cape Town race, where a deep elite field is expected.

Cherono indicated that her preparations have progressed without disruption in the build-up to the race.

“Training is going well. No issues. I am motivated and building one brick at the time. I will miss Brenda, who is very strong. So I hope to have other strong competitors to help and share the load.”

Her training partner and compatriot Brenda Jepchirchir, who won in Gqeberha, will not compete in Cape Town. That absence could leave Cherono to take on a more prominent role in dictating the pace.

Despite the competitive field, Cherono’s primary focus remains on achieving a fast time rather than racing for position.

“I am aiming to run a PB and will do my best to push to the limit,” she said. “I am more interested in running a fast time than trying to win the race or make the podium. My plan is to focus on the time and I’m willing to take the risk.”

Cherono holds a lifetime best of 30:06, and a performance below that mark would not only represent a personal milestone but could also place her within reach of the South African All-Comers record. A sub-30-minute performance, while ambitious, would mark a significant achievement on the African continent.

Race organiser Michael Meyer welcomed Cherono’s return, noting the importance of attracting international athletes of her calibre.

“We are excited to welcome Faith Cherono to the start line of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” Meyer said. “Her entry adds real depth and international quality to the women’s field and further strengthens what is shaping up to be a world-class race in the Mother City.”

The race will start on Marine Drive in Milnerton and finish in the Cape Town CBD, with conditions traditionally favourable for fast times.

With a competitive field assembled and pacing likely to be aggressive from the outset, attention will centre on whether Cherono can convert her intent into a breakthrough performance.

Websites:  www.runyourcityseries.com

For the friend they lost, the body that survived, and the finish line they reached

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on For the friend they lost, the body that survived, and the finish line they reached

Whatever you’re running for, nothing should stop you

Eighty-nine kilometres. Twelve hours.

On paper, it’s a test of endurance. In reality, it’s something far deeper. Because what defines a journey like this isn’t the distance – it’s the reason someone keeps going when their body is ready to stop.

And somewhere along the way, every runner is forced to answer a deeply personal question: What are you running for?

Every June, thousands of South Africans answer that question with their feet. Before dawn, they gather on the streets of Durban or Pietermaritzburg, stepping into a race that will test far more than physical strength.

They will blister, cramp, and question every decision that brought them there. And yet, most will cross the finish line – sometimes with minutes to spare, sometimes on hands and knees, already thinking about next year.

No rational explanation fully captures it. But a human one does.

They are running for the mother who gave everything and never asked for anything back. For the body that survived what it wasn’t meant to. For the coach who refused to let them quit. For the friend they lost. For the version of themselves they are still chasing.

Ask any runner what they are running for, and the race quickly becomes something else entirely. Beneath the surface is a story that belongs to all of us. A story of endurance, resilience, overcoming and triumph. Not stopping when everything screamed stop.

A race you don’t run alone

Because while the road is personal, it is never walked alone.

At 5am, long before race day, a runner presses start on a training app in the dark. Somewhere else, someone checks in to make sure they made it home safely.

On race day, that connection becomes something more.

  • A message at just the right moment.

  • A voice note that lands when the body is ready to give in.

  • A support crew tracking every kilometre, willing them forward from a distance.

For families, friends, and spectators, the race unfolds in real time, refreshed on phones, shared across conversations. The journey extends far beyond the road itself.

These moments don’t feel like technology. They feel like presence, and Cell C has the privilege of enabling the connections that matter most.

Not just on race day, but in every early morning training run, every check-in, every message of support, every moment that keeps people moving forward.

Because while purpose carries runners forward, connection is what keeps them going. It’s more than about technology – greater is what it enables, the connection to the support from family and friends – the tribe that helps them power forward.

A brand that knows the road

Cell C arrives at the 2026 Comrades having run its own race.

Over the past few years, the company has navigated one of the most demanding turnarounds in South African business, rebuilding, reshaping, and emerging with a clearer sense of purpose. Its listing on the JSE in November 2025 was not a finish line, but the start of a new chapter.

It’s a journey defined by resilience – by asking hard questions and continuing forward when stopping would have been easier.

That shared understanding is what grounds its presence at the Comrades Marathon, as the official partner of the Ultimate Human Race since 2024. 

Everyone has a reason

This is what the campaign brings to life – the stories that often go unseen.

  • The first-time runner proving something to themselves.

  • The comeback after injury, illness, or loss.

  • The 58-year-old honouring a father who never finished.

  • The woman who kept training through treatment because the road gave her something nothing else could.

These stories are not extraordinary because they are rare. They are extraordinary because they are shared.

Nothing should stop you

Because somewhere along those 89 kilometres, every runner answers the same question: what are you running for?

While the race may be measured in distance and time, it is purpose that carries people to the finish line  and connection that keeps them moving when it matters most.

Cell C’s message to every runner, every supporter, and every South African watching is simple:

Whatever your reason, whatever your road #NothingShouldStopYou #SkaFelaMoya

The 2026 Comrades Marathon takes place on 14 June 2026. Cell C is the proud official partner of the Comrades Marathon Association since 2024. Visit cellc.co.za for more information.

RMB targets untapped Trail Running market with UTD strategy

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on RMB targets untapped Trail Running market with UTD strategy

By Matshelane Mamabolo

RMB is betting on the road less travelled and in South Africa’s evolving sports economy, that may prove to be a calculated advantage.

While most major sponsors continue to pour resources into rugby, cricket and football, the bank has turned its attention to trail running, a fast-growing but still under-commercialised discipline. At the centre of that strategy is the RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD), now in its second year under RMB’s title sponsorship.

The move reflects a deliberate attempt to enter a space where visibility is easier to secure and long-term influence more attainable.

“We saw an opportunity where there wasn’t significant investment in a rapidly growing sport,” RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead Michael Edwards said. “Globally, trail running is expanding commercially, but in South Africa, participation growth is even more striking.”

That growth, reportedly in the triple digits locally, has shifted trail running from the margins toward the mainstream. Unlike traditional codes, where sponsorship inventory is crowded and returns are often diluted, trail running offers what Edwards describes as a “blanker canvas”.

“In traditional sports, there’s already a lot of investment. The opportunity to truly shift the needle is smaller,” he said. “With trail running, we saw a chance to make a big impact from the outset.”

Early indicators suggest that impact is materialising.

At UTD, increased prize money has strengthened the elite field, drawing international competitors, while the addition of a 14km race has widened participation at entry level. The strategy is two-pronged: elevate the top end while simultaneously growing the base.

“We’re not just focusing on elite athletes,” Edwards said. “We’re equally invested in bringing new runners into the sport and giving them something to aspire to.”

Yet the commercial case extends beyond participation metrics.

Trail running’s defining asset is its environment which is a factor that fundamentally reshapes how events are experienced and marketed.

“The mountain is the stadium,” Edwards said. “And that changes everything.”

UTD spans more than 160 kilometres of rugged terrain within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, positioning the event at the intersection of sport, tourism and environmental stewardship. That alignment allows RMB to anchor its sponsorship in something more tangible than branding alone.

“We’re not just investing in an event,” Edwards said. “We’re investing in the preservation of the landscapes that make the sport possible.”

That includes ongoing trail maintenance, a largely invisible but essential component of the ecosystem that supports both competitive racing and recreational use throughout the year.

RMB’s broader trail running portfolio, which also includes Ultra-Trail Cape Town, is built around three pillars: growth, impact and brand alignment. The choice of discipline is not incidental.

“It’s about grit, discipline and long-term commitment,” Edwards said. “You don’t arrive at the finish line without putting in years of work. That resonates strongly with us as a brand.”

The emphasis on authenticity speaks to a wider shift in the sponsorship landscape, where audiences are increasingly sceptical of superficial partnerships that lack depth or continuity.

RMB’s response has been to adopt a long-term horizon.

“We don’t believe in coming in, making noise, and leaving,” Edwards said. “Sustainable partnerships are where you see real value, for the event, for the community, and for the brand.”

The risk, however, lies in whether trail running can sustain its current growth trajectory and translate participation into consistent commercial returns. For now, momentum appears to be on RMB’s side.

If that trend holds, the bank’s early move into the sector could position it ahead of competitors in a space that is only beginning to attract serious investment.

In a saturated sports market, RMB has chosen endurance over immediacy and in trail running, that may be the point.

Photo Credits: Courtesy RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg