Category: News

By Adnaan Mohamed

Christine Njoki celebrated National Women’s Day alongside 15 000 participants mostly clad in a sea of pink when she comfortably defended her title at the Cape Town leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race on Saturday morning.

The 26-year-old Kenyan sensation ran like a clock wound to perfection, ticking off the kilometres until the finish banner draped across the Grand Parade in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Time: 31:16. Effort: effortless.

^{Video by Jacky McClean}

A week ago, Christine torched Durban in 30:14, rewriting the Allcomers record. Cape Town was slower, but only because the city threw her a hillier tune, overcast skies, shifting light, a course that asked for patience instead of pure fire. Christine answered with the control and precision of a champion.

“The race was enjoyable,” she said afterwards with a broad smile on her face.

“I particularly enjoy running in South Africa. Last week the weather was good in Durban. Today it was a little bit colder, and the route was tougher. Durban’s route was also much faster because Cape Town had a lot of hills.

Christine who earned R30 000 for her efforts, said she was glad she could successfully defend her title in the Mother City.

“I had a great experience last year which helped me to be mentally prepared for the race. I came here to run my own race. I enjoyed the course and the fans along the road; they were cheering for me.

“They motivated me on the way. It feels good to run in Cape Town. I knew it was going to be tough, but I knew what to expect.”

For Christine, the win was about more than the clock. It was a day of celebration for women in support of PinkDrive.

“Let’s come together, support each other, motivate each other, and empower women,” she urged.

“I know that I have motivated women in Cape Town through the Totalsports Women’s Race. I will go back to Kenya and my coach will give me the plan for the next race.”

^{Jane Chacha, Christine Njoki, and Clare Ndiwa Photo: Adnaan Mohamed}

Christine was followed by her Kenyan compatriots Jane Chacha (32:19) and Clare Ndiwa (32:20) who finished second and third respectively. Ethiopian Selam Gebre (32:32) was fourth with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (32:48) in fifth place.

Another Ethiopian Seniya Bereka 33:00 was sixth, with Transfora Ngimbudzi (33:21) from Tanzania claiming the seventh spot.

The first South African to cross the finish line, Karabo More claimed 8^th place in a deserving time of 34:05.

“It feels great (to be the first South African),” says More.

“As soon as I saw the big girls, I was like oh my goodness I’m just here for the time, but I just had to run with the heart. I ran my own race. It feels great to do the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town.”

When asked about the upcoming Totalsports Women’s Race in Joburg, More said: “I’ll run my own race again and try to push to the end.”

RESULTS: 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town

Date: Saturday 09 August 2025

Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town

Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town

Top 10 Elite Women

1 Christine Njoki (Kenya) 31:16, 2 Jane Chacha (Kenya) 32:19, 3 Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) 32:20, 4 Selam Gebre (Ethiopia) 32:32, 5 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 32:48, 6 Seniya Bereka (Ethiopia) 33:00, 7 Transfora Ngimbudzi (Tanzania) 33:21, 8 Karabo More (South Africa) 34:05, 9 Getenesh Agafaw (Ethiopia) 34:12, 10 Siftolina Chemeda (Ethiopia) 34:32

^{Featured Image: Christine Njoki by David Sullivan}

EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race

DATE:	CITY:	RESULTS:
Sunday, 03 August 2025	Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Start Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell ParadeFinish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade	Christine Njoki (Kenya) 30:14
Saturday, 9 August 2025	Totalsports Women’s Race Cape TownStart Venue: Darling Street, Cape TownFinish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town	Christine Njoki (Kenya) 31:16
Sunday, 17 August 2025	Totalsports Women’s Race JoburgStart Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks ParkFinish Venue: Marks Park, EmmerentiaStart Time:10km: 08:005km: 08:10	COMING UP NEXT

By Adnaan Mohamed

Five months ago, Kyla Jacobs was cradling a newborn in her arms. This Saturday, 9 August she’ll be cradling ambition as she makes her return to competition at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town. 

The Boxer Athletics Club runner will take her marks not just as an athlete, but as a mother, and a symbol of a different kind of endurance. It’s the kind born in the dark, sleepless hours of new motherhood.

Kyla is blazing a trail for every woman who’s ever questioned whether she could bounce back after giving birth to her first child.

“Being part of an event that empowers women through sport is truly special and something I’m deeply passionate about,” she says.

“People often look to the winner of a race for inspiration, but lining up alongside so many women from different walks of life gives you an entirely new perspective. There’s inspiration in every single woman out there.”

After giving birth to her daughter, Lienke, Kyla could have taken a longer recovery jog through postpartum life. But instead, she chose to lace up and line up, using the Totalsports Women’s Race as her comeback canvas.

“More than any other, this race reminds me how strong women are – especially moms!” she explains.

“I’m excited to draw strength and inspiration from all the incredible women and mothers taking part, and I hope to inspire my little girl, Lienke, and all the other little girls out there to never give up on their dreams.”

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the joy of running and the essence of womanhood with everyone on the day.”

Kyla admits that while the goal is always to win, her focus this time is on testing her fitness, enjoying the moment, and racing with her heart – not just her watch.

“I’m looking forward to that adrenaline rush when the gun goes off – and of course, the celebrations at the finish line,” she smiles.

“My message to fellow entrants is that being healthy and fit is a privilege. Sharing that with a community of like-minded, goal-driven, strong women is both a blessing and a powerful force. Count your blessings, show up fully, and remember you are capable of anything you put your mind to.”

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous sees in Jacobs a living embodiment of the event’s ethos.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome Kyla Jacobs to the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town, not only for her event debut but also for her inspiring return to racing after pregnancy,” says Crous.

“Kyla embodies the spirit of every woman taking part. She’s a strong, independent woman who balances life’s many roles with determination and grace. It’s a true honour to celebrate her journey and her comeback on National Women’s Day, alongside thousands of women who share that same strength.”

The 2025 edition of the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on Women’s Day promises more than fast feet and photo finishes.

With a 10km and 5km route, the event champions sisterhood, strength, and survivorship, all while supporting PinkDrive, a non-profit that’s been a beacon in the fight against breast cancer.

And as thousands of runners stretch their legs beneath Cape Town’s skyline, Lady Zamar’s voice will carry across the Grand Parade, an anthem for resilience and rebirth.

Kylas’ story isn’t just about a comeback. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest races often begin after the finish line of another. And sometimes, the fiercest competitors wear baby carriers between training sessions.

Start: Darling Street, Cape Town
Finish: Grand Parade
10km Start: 08:00
5km Start: 08:10
Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

SUPPORTING: PinkDrive – www.pinkdrive.org
HASHTAGS: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
Info: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
WhatsApp: 064 815 4116

In the deep blue crucible of Singapore’s World Aquatics Championships, South African swimming sensation Pieter Coetzé sculpted history by becoming the only man to reach the podium for all three backstroke events at the global showpiece.

By the end of the meet, the 21-year-old South African had notched an unprecedented trifecta: gold in the 100m backstroke, silver in the 200m, and, on the final day, silver in the white-knuckle 50m dash. With this feat, Coetzé’s name is now rippling through record books like the wake of a ship breaking uncharted waters.

He entered the 50m final as the third-fastest qualifier, having shattered the African record in the semifinal. But Pieter wasn’t done.

Launching off the blocks like a torpedo fired with purpose, he blazed across the surface in a flash in 24.17 seconds rewriting the African record again and tying with Russian Pavel Samusenko for silver.

Only Kliment Kolesnikov, the Russian maestro and world record-holder, was faster, clinching gold in 23.68 seconds, a championship record.

“I don’t think I’ve ever tied in a final at this level, so it’s pretty cool,” Pieter beamed, water still streaming from his brow like silver confetti.

“I’m very happy. I don’t really train for the 50, I train for the 200, so to be able to go down so far and win a medal in the 50 is amazing.”

That’s the marvel of Pieter: a swimmer forged for endurance, yet capable of explosive brilliance in the shortest burst of battle. While others specialize in a single gear, he swims with a full gearbox.

“Kliment went very fast. That’s an extremely fast time, so it was an honour to be in that race and hopefully I can push myself and also get below 24 seconds,” he added, his ambition swimming far beyond the scoreboard.

In doing so, Pieter equalled a monumental milestone set by South African Olympic legend Roland Schoeman in 2005—three medals at a single long-course world championship.

Significantly every one of Pieter’s medals came hand-in-hand with a personal best and an African record, each a flag planted on a new peak of his own making.

“It’s amazing. It’s something I always dreamed of,” said Coetzé, voice tinged with quiet reverence. “I can see myself making strides towards being the swimmer I always knew I could be… I’ve always believed it, and a part of me had always known, so now to see it in front of me is amazing. I’m very proud and blessed.”

On the same day, South Africa’s women’s 4x100m medley relay quartet of Olivia Nel, Rebecca Meder, Erin Gallagher, and Aimee Canny delivered a spirited surge of their own. Clocking 3:59.47, they smashed both national and African records. Though they missed the final by a mere heartbeat, their unity and pace hinted at a force soon to rise.

“It was so good,” said Olivia. “A little before the relay, we were all just taking a little peek at the African record because we realised the group of girls we were sitting with, and we totally knew it was possible, so the fact that we got that was so awesome.”

When the water finally stilled in Singapore, South Africa had placed 11th on the swimming medal table. This position is carried largely on Pieter’s broad shoulders and relentless drive.

SA’s medal haul was a clear signal that the tides of South African swimming are shifting, and Pieter Coetzé is riding the crest as a catalyst.

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Suncoast strip in Durban became a runway of dreams on Sunday, as Kenyan speedster Christine Njoki scorched through the Totalsports Women’s Race 10km course in a searing 30:14, shattering the Allcomers Record and defending her title in emphatic style.

Running like the wind had whispered secrets to her feet, Christine danced ahead of the pack, eyes on the prize and on history.

“The race wasn’t easy. I wanted to chase the record,” she said, referring to the Women’s Only 10km World Record of 29:27 held by fellow Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich.

“But I missed it. The next time I come here I know I will prepare well so that I can chase the record.”

Though the world mark survived the challenge, Christine’s personal best and record-setting run was a stirring start to the 2025 series.

“I feel so happy to defend my title today,” she added.

“I enjoyed running with my fellow women. To see your physical toughness, it’s good to run with only women. Next week I’ll run the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town. If the weather is the same as today, I know I will run another PB there.”

Behind Christine, it was a Kenyan clean sweep: Clare Ndiwa in second and Jane Chacha third, stamping the East African nation’s dominance with fierce efficiency.

But the most resonant strides may have come just off the podium.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala, like a mountain spring suddenly turned torrent, surged into national history with a fourth-place finish in 31:53, obliterating the previous Lesotho 10km record.

“The race was absolutely perfect, the weather was absolutely perfect,” she beamed.

“I didn’t know that I was on record pace. I was just pushing with Tayla (Kavanagh)… We were just very focused. I am so excited—I’ve been trying to run sub-32 for so many years.”

It was a breakthrough wrapped in relief, gratitude, and years of grit.

“I’m so excited for Mr Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports) for trusting me without a doubt,” she added.

“Finally I’ve done it today.”

South Africa’s Tayla Kavanagh, Khatala’s teammate and pace partner, also dipped under the 32-minute barrier for the first time, matching her 31:53 for fifth place and a personal best that glowed with promise.

This year’s Durban leg wasn’t just about medals and minutes—it was about pushing the needle on what’s possible. In a bold show of intent, title sponsor Totalsports and Stillwater Sports had dangled a R1 million carrot for any woman brave and fast enough to rewrite the world record. While that prize remains unclaimed, the message was clear: women’s road running is ready to sprint into a new era.

Stillwater Sports MD Michael Meyer lauded the women who ran and the thousands who cheered:

“Well done to Christine Njoki on defending her title and setting a new Allcomers Record—a powerful way to launch the 2025 series!

A big shoutout to Neheng Khatala for setting the new Lesotho Record. We are incredibly proud to have welcomed 8000 runners and walkers. This is more than a race—it’s a celebration of women and a commitment to causes that matter.”

One of those causes is PinkDrive, the breast cancer awareness initiative supported by the race. With every step, every cheer, and every milestone, the message was one of hope and strength.

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous echoed that energy:

“Congratulations to each and every one of the 8000 incredible women who joined us at the start line.

“Your energy brought this celebration of women’s strength to life. We’re excited to carry this through to Cape Town and Johannesburg!”

With the Cape Town and Joburg legs looming—on 9 and 17 August respectively—the bar has been set high, and the fire has been lit. From Durban’s palm-lined streets to the foot of Table Mountain and the parks of Emmarentia, the Totalsports Women’s Race series is more than a footrace—it’s a fast-moving revolution.

Next Stops:

Cape Town – Saturday, 9 August | Start: 08:00

Johannesburg – Sunday, 17 August | Start: 08:00

In proud support of PinkDrive
Live performances by Lady Zamar at all three races #LoveTheRun | #PinkDrive | #TotalsportsWomensRace

Visit:  www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

By Adnaan Mohamed

Under a punishing Pretoria sun, with the tarmac like an undulating wave beneath thousands of pounding feet, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba once again confirmed her class by showing she is well on course to rewriting the script of South African women’s road running.

With the Tshwane leg of the SPAR Women’s 10km Grand Prix Series hanging in the balance like a photo finish, Xaba summoned one last kick to edge Ethiopian challenger Diniya Abaraya by two seconds.

Glenrose stopped the clock at 32:39, her third SPAR 10km victory of the season and a giant stride closer to becoming the third South African and the first black woman to claim the Grand Prix crown three times.

“I thought I had dropped them, so I wasn’t aware how close they were,” admitted Glenrose, her voice still catching her breath at the finish line in Centurion’s SuperSport Park, where a sold-out field of 17,000 women had converged like a vibrant sea of mint green determination.

The opening stretch saw veteran Irvette van Zyl surge out like a sprinter shot from a starter’s pistol, reminding everyone why she’s a three-time series champion.

But the race soon took on the shape of a familiar duel: Xaba, the Ethiopian pair of Abaraya and Selam Gebre, and Kenya’s Debrah Cherotich formed a lead pack that chewed up the hills together until Xaba broke away with three kilometres to go, only to be nearly reeled in again.

Abaraya, runner-up in 32:41, was left in awe: “I am amazed at how powerful she is, taking the lead from the start and staying there,” she said, still feeling the sting of Tshwane’s hills. Gebre (33:17) took third, while Cherotich (33:38) claimed fourth.

Xaba, who shattered the South African marathon record in 2:22:22 at last year’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and just clinched her sixth national half marathon title a week ago, credited her resilience to her inner circle.

“My coach, Violet, and Caster Semenya help me in so many ways, keeping me injury free and working out strategies for me,” she said.

But she was just as quick to salute her East African rivals. “They are making us competitive internationally.”

Now 30, with a stride as relentless as her ambition, Xaba sees her victories as stepping stones for the generation that follows.

“They can see my success and believe they can succeed too,” she said with quiet conviction.

Even Van Zyl, now 38 and fresh off a gold at the Comrades Marathon, beamed at the new wave cresting behind her. She finished a solid eighth in 34:42, but her heart was clearly with those ahead of her.

“I am so thrilled to see a South African winning again. I’ve watched Glenrose since she started, and I am so impressed by her,” said Irvette, passing the baton not just in spirit, but with sincere admiration.

With two races left in Gqeberha on Saturday, 27 September and Johannesburg on Sunday, 5 October left in the SPAR Grand Prix Series, Xaba is well on course to making history.

In step with the rhythm of women’s empowerment, SPAR used the Tshwane SPAR Women’s Challenge platform to extend its impact beyond the finish line.

In support of the fight against Gender-Based Violence and to help End Period Poverty, donations were made to the Basadi Ba Moshito Foundation and Love Justice International.

The symbolic gesture came via the “Rope Runner,” who bounced through all 10 kilometers in her signature skipping style, proving once again that change, much like running, starts with a single determined step.

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K has shattered expectations — and the stopwatch — selling out in record time nearly a month before the start gun fires on 24 August 2025. Like a well-trained sprinter exploding out the blocks, all 10,000 entries were snapped up in a flash, underscoring the meteoric rise of this three-year-old race through the ranks of South Africa’s road-running elite.

What began in 2023 as the youngest sibling in a five-part national series has grown into a force of nature — an electrifying surge of sneakers and spirit set to thunder through the purple-lined streets of the Jacaranda City.

Now in its third edition, the TSHWANE 10K is no longer the new kid on the starting line but a pace-setter in its own right, attracting everyone from Olympians to everyday joggers chasing glory or camaraderie — or just a Sunday well spent.

“Reaching capacity well before race day is a phenomenal achievement and a clear testament to the growing stature of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K within South Africa’s road running scene,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

“It’s incredible to witness such overwhelming support for an event that is only in its third year. This success is the result of a collective effort — from our dedicated sponsors and partners to the passionate running community that continuously supports and believes in the series.”

Indeed, this is no ordinary fun run. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES has carved out a bold new chapter in the South African sporting calendar — turning city streets into ribboned runways for athletic artistry.

Each event is a footrace and a festival, a celebration of community spirit and competition, where runners don’t just chase finish lines, but personal milestones.

And Tshwane’s turn in the spotlight promises more than just scenic urban kilometres. As race day dawns, a scarlet wave will rise and roll down Stanza Bopape Street — a moving sea of red event shirts that Meyer describes as a goosebump-inducing spectacle: 

“There’s nothing quite like seeing a wave of red sweep through the streets as thousands of runners come together to #RunYourCity — it’s a moment that captures the true spirit of the event.”

The Tshwane leg is the fourth stop in a yearlong series that has already witnessed blistering performances:

• Gqeberha – Adriaan Wildschutt’s 27:28 and Jane Gati Chacha’s 31:45
• Cape Town – Kabelo Mulaudzi clocking 27:49 and Glenrose Xaba lighting up the tar in 32:00
• Durban – Mulaudzi again with 27:41, and Kenya’s Clare Ndiwa tearing up the coast with 30:50

But this is not just a race against the clock. With every stride, the RUN YOUR CITY movement champions a greater cause. In partnership with CANSA (the Cancer Association of South Africa), the series runs with purpose, raising funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

Entrants are encouraged to lace up with heart — and donate online as they sign up to take part in the campaign toward a cancer-free future.

So, if you blinked and missed your shot at Tshwane, you’ll have to wait or head to Joburg. But one thing’s certain — this red tide isn’t receding anytime soon. The RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is sprinting into legend, one sold-out city at a time.

Next up: Tshwane on 24 August, followed by Joburg on 24 September — the series’ fiery finale.

By Adnaan Mohamed

In the fast lane of Durban’s Suncoast promenade, where pounding feet paint a picture of power and purpose, the queen of last year’s race, Christine Njoki, is back—and this time, she’s not just chasing a title, but perhaps history itself.

The Kenyan dynamo, who scorched the tarmac in 2024 with a blistering 31-minute victory in the Totalsports Women’s Race, is returning to defend her crown on Sunday, 3 August 2025.

Last year, she cut through the humid coastal air like a hot blade through butter, leaving a world-class field in her slipstream. But this year, the stakes are higher—a R1 million carrot dangles ahead for the first woman to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record of 29:27.

Christine, already a two-city champion after conquering both Durban and Cape Town, is striding back into familiar territory with the graceful ferocity of a cheetah returning to its hunting ground.

“My experience at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban was amazing—there was incredible energy from both the runners and the organisers,” she says. 

“I’m coming back because of the love and support from the fans, the race organisers, and of course, the opportunity to defend my title.”

But for Christine, this race is more than just a victory lap—it’s a celebration of resilience, femininity, and the everyday battles women overcome.

“Not only does the event celebrate women’s passion and hard work, but it also acknowledges the unique challenges we face. It’s truly an honour to compete in such an empowering race.”

Durban’s beachfront will become a battleground where elite feet fly and hearts race. Among the top contenders are fellow Kenyan Jane Ghati Chacha, who’s fresh off a win in Gqeberha, Lesotho’s ever-tenacious Neheng Khatala, and South Africa’s own Tayla Kavanagh, each of them sharpening their spikes for a shot at glory—and gold.

The million-rand world record incentive has added an electric charge to the starting line, turning a race into a revolution.

“It’s an incredibly motivating incentive,” Christine admits.

“Every woman lining up in Durban will give her best to challenge the world record. It’s a powerful statement that women are valued and celebrated in society through the Totalsports Women’s Race. 

“My primary goal will be to improve on my previous time. If I feel strong after the halfway mark, I’ll definitely push to challenge the world record.”

For Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, Christine’s return is like bringing fire back to the flame.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christine Njoki, the reigning Totalsports Women’s Race Champion in both Durban and Cape Town, back to Durban for what promises to be an electrifying day of world-class women’s racing. Christine’s return adds incredible excitement to this year’s event, and we can’t wait to see her in action.”

But the Totalsports Women’s Race isn’t just a fast-footed showdown. It’s a moving tribute to women across South Africa and beyond, from Olympians to everyday heroines. The race supports PinkDrive, a non-profit fighting breast cancer through awareness, education, and mobile screening for the medically uninsured.

And as if the day wasn’t already humming with energy, South African songbird Lady Zamar will lift spirits even higher with her soulful, empowering performance, providing the perfect soundtrack for a day where strength, unity, and speed collide.

From the rhythmic drumbeat of thousands of running shoes to the emotional resonance of solidarity, the Totalsports Women’s Race is more than a competition—it’s a celebration, a movement, and maybe this year, the scene of a world record.

So, as the sun rises over Snell Parade, all eyes will be on Christine Njoki—the defending champion, ready to blaze another unforgettable trail through Durban’s streets.