PUMA has revealed the all-new Deviate Pure NITRO™ – a non-plated running shoe that injects speed into everyday runs and is the missing piece to your shoe rotation.
The latest addition to the award-winning Deviate franchise, this is the first shoe in the line-up to be built using an evolved NITROFOAM™ but does not feature PUMA’s PWRPLATE. For runs with purpose, Deviate Pure NITRO™ strips back speed to its purest form, delivering a smooth, responsive and energy-fuelled ride that eats up the miles, getting faster with every step.
Light on your feet and easy on your legs, Deviate Pure NITRO™ weighs in at 220 grams – 30 grams lighter than its carbon plated sister shoe, Deviate NITRO™ 4, making this the perfect partner for smooth tempo runs.
The engineered mesh upper is breathable, with a plush collar and padded tongue that offer support and comfort. PUMA’s industry-leading PUMAGRIP outsole enables runners to hit the road with confidence, picking up speed whatever the weather.
“Deviate has been our leading franchise since PUMA relaunched in road running,“ said Romain Girard, VP Innovation at PUMA. “Our ambition with Deviate Pure NITRO™ was to make speed more accessible but still retain the performance benefits that have made Deviate loved by runners across the globe. The result isn’t just a run; it’s an experience of natural speed.“
Deviate Pure NITRO™ Specifications
Price: R3199
Weight:
UK8 (M): 220g
UK4.5 (W): 180g
Stack Height: 38MM/30MM
Drop: 8mm
Deviate Pure NITRO™ launches globally on 4 June and will be available to purchase on PUMA.com, in PUMA Retail stores, Totalsports, Sportsmans Warehouse and Takealot.
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship(URC) playoffs will feature three South African teams after a dramatic final round delivered a cocktail of celebration and frustration for the country’s franchises.
The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers earned prized home URC quarter-finalswith emphatic statements in Pretoria and despite defeat in Cardiff respectively, while the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions scraped into the playoffs after stumbling in Limerick. The Hollywoodbets Sharks ended their campaign with a fireworks display in Durban.
The Bulls charged like a runaway scrum at Loftus Versfeld, flattening Benetton Rugby 45-19 to secure fourth place and a home quarter-final against Munster Rugby. Johan Ackermann’s men crossed for seven tries and stretched their winning streak to six matches.
Sergeal Petersen bagged a brace, while Willie le Roux, Johan Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese, Celimpilo Gumede and Ruan Nortje also powered over. Handre Pollard added five conversions with the precision of a metronome steering a backline orchestra.
Benetton’s resistance came through Louis Lynagh’s double and a try by Rhyno Smith, though the visitors spent most of the evening chasing shadows across the Highveld turf.
In Wales, Cardiff slammed the brakes on the Stormers’ hopes of a top-two finish with a gritty 22-16 victory at Cardiff Arms Park. The Cape side burst from the blocks like sprinters off the starter’s gun, but Cardiff’s defence became a brick wall around the tryline.
Adre Smith scored early for the Stormers, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a conversion and three penalties. Cardiff struck through Jacob Beetham’s brace, Tom Bowen and Ioan Lloyd to seal a quarter-final rematch in Cape Town.
The Lions, meanwhile, slipped to a 24-17 defeat against Munster in Limerick, leaving them with the daunting challenge of facing defending champions Leinster Rugby in Dublin.
Down in Durban, the Sharks signed off in style by crushing Zebre Parma 54-19. Siya Kolisi produced a captain’s farewell worthy of a stadium ovation with two tries, while Jaco Williams, Zekethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, Emmanuel Tshituka, Le Roux Malan and Ross Braude also crossed the whitewash.
The result secured 10th place for the Sharks and offered a glimpse of a side beginning to sharpen its claws for future campaigns.
South African sprinter Gift Leotlela produced a major statement at the opening meeting of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League season after storming to victory in the men’s 100m in Shanghai on Saturday.
Leotlela clocked 9.97 seconds in a race decided by the narrowest of margins, with the top three separated by hundredths of a second in a dramatic photo finish.
Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala took second in 9.98 after being added late to the field, while American sprinter Kenny Bednarek matched that time for third place.
It marked the firstDiamond League victory of Leotlela’s career and continued a strong rise for the South African, who carried a personal best of 9.87 into the meeting.
“It means a lot to win my first-ever Diamond League,” Leotlela said afterwards.
“It is a first time in China for me, so to finish number one was a great feeling. I wanted to come here and enjoy myself and make a good start to the season.”
Leotlela said he focused more on execution than the clock in a field packed with proven international performers.
“I knew I am in great shape, but I didn’t want to think about time, just focus on my race. I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong.”
The performance will strengthen belief that Leotlela can challenge consistently on the global stage this season, particularly with major championships looming later in the year.
“The main goal for me in 2026 is to win the Commonwealth Games and then on to the Ultimate Championships at the end of the season,” he said.
South Africa’s Akani Simbinefinished sixth in 10.05, while Botswana Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo crossed seventh in 10.12 after balancing 100m and 400m races earlier this season.
The 2026 Wanda Diamond League season continues in Xiamen on 23 May before travelling to stops including Rome, Paris, London and Zurich ahead of the final in Brussels on 4 and 5 September 2026.
Inspired by Cape Town’s running culture and coastal identity, the range blends performance apparel with bold African-inspired design. The collection features Dusky Petrol and Lucid Aquamarine colourways, complemented by gold detailing symbolising the marathon’s growing global ambition.
The range includes technical race jackets, training T-shirts, caps, visors and the latest version of the adizero Boston 13 running shoe.
The Boston 13 features adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole and energy rod system, alongside a uniquely African print design created specifically for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
The collection is available online and at selected adidas stores nationwide.
“Every year theSanlam Cape Town Marathon takes a stride forward with regards to its scale and stature. This race is unique as it is distinctly African symbol of community, culture, and world-class running,” said Tom Brown.
“This collection allows runners and supporters alike to celebrate this special moment as Cape Town continues its push toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.”
As part of the build-up to race weekend, adidas will also host a marathon activation at the historic Union Castle Building square at the V&A Waterfront from 16 to 24 May.
The pop-up hub will stock official marathon merchandise and serve as a gathering point for runners through a series of daily events and community activities.
Among the scheduled events are long runs, recovery sessions, taper runs and shakeout runs, alongside product customisation opportunities. A DHL Stormerssigning session is also planned for 19 May.
Runners preparing for race weekend will also have access to pre-race hair and nail services, while finishers can return with their medals for free engraving after the event.
The activation is aimed at creating a race-week atmosphere for local and international runners visiting Cape Town ahead of one of Africa’s flagship road running events.
TheAbsa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Cape Town 10Kis shaping into a race that could leave scorch marks on the Mother City’s streets this weekend, with elite athletes targeting fast times, national bragging rights and a slice of history.
The women’s race has emerged as the main attraction with the elusive sub-30 minute barrier firmly in sight for the first time on South African soil.
Kenya’s Faith Cherono enters as the quickest athlete in the field with a personal best of 30:06 and is expected to drive an aggressive pace from the opening kilometre. Fellow Kenyan Jackline Rotich also arrives with proven pedigree and should add further pressure at the front.
South African attention, though, will centre on Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanaghin a contest carrying the feel of a championship prize fight.
Xaba has become the country’s dominant road runner in recent seasons, producing performances as smooth and relentless as a train gathering speed downhill. Kavanagh has rapidly climbed the ranks and continues to show the fearless racing instincts needed to survive a brutal pace on a fast course.
“Cape Town is known for quick times and strong competition,” said Xaba. “When the field moves hard from the start, everyone gets pulled into the race.”
Kavanagh believes the race could deliver something special.
“A sub-30 has been hanging in the air for years,” she said. “This field has the athletes capable of chasing that mark.”
The men’s race also carries serious firepower.
Kenyan speedster Felix Kibet Masai leads the entries with a lightning-fast 27:24 personal best and will start among the favourites alongside South African veteran Stephen Mokoka, whose experience and tactical awareness remain among the sharpest in the domestic road running scene.
Kabelo Mulaudzi, Tanzania’s Jummanne Ngoya and a powerful local contingent including Bongelani Mkhwanazi and Chris Mhlanga should ensure the pace remains fierce throughout.
Mokoka expects an uncompromising race from the gun.
“When athletes with these personal bests line up together, the pace naturally becomes aggressive,” he said. “You need to be ready for every move.”
With cool rainy, coastal conditions expected, deep international fields and national stars eager to seize the spotlight, Cape Town’s roads are set to become a high-speed theatre for one of the most anticipated races on the local calendar.
See full list of male and female elite contenders below:
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.
TheAbsa 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-newChery 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.”
“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.
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.
Kevin Foote reflects on the performance of the #Juniorboks after Round 2 in the #TRCU20 🗣️
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.
TheJunior 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.
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’sDeanné Laubscher in 3:47:50.
With the Comrades Marathonapproaching, 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.
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.
