Category: News

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.

By Adnaan Mohamed

By the time Glenrose Xaba toes the start line at SuperSport Park on 2 August, she won’t just be chasing another victory—she’ll be sprinting toward legacy. The reigning queen of the SPAR Grand Prix Series has already blazed through the first two legs in Cape Town and Durban, leaving a trail of scorched tarmac in her wake. 

Now, with Tshwane looming on the horizon, Glenrose is poised to lace up for what could be a defining third straight win in this year’s women-only 10km road running saga.

Like a finely-tuned engine running on confidence and grit, Glenrose arrives in Centurion fresh off a record-breaking triumph at the Foskor Half-Marathon, where she stopped the clock at 1:10:03—toppling Elana Meyer’s long-standing course mark and capturing her sixth national 21km crown.

“This gives me more confidence and I’m looking forward to having a good race in Tshwane because I want to keep my SPAR Grand Prix title,” she said, her words brimming with purpose. 

“I want to motivate black athletes, women and upcoming athletes to know they can achieve anything. The SPAR Grand Prix series is where I started as a road runner. I love the SPAR women’s only races, so to win it again will be a motivation not only for me but for other athletes as well.”

But in the high-speed theatre of the Grand Prix, nothing is gifted—only earned in sweat and lung-busting surges.

Rivals on Her Heels

Breathing down Glenrose’s neck is Ethiopian dynamo Selam Gebre (Nedbank), trailing by just three points in the overall standings. Gebre, sharp as a spike on the track, will be hunting for an upset and ready to snatch the yellow bib from Glenrose’s shoulders.

And the elite women’s pack is anything but passive. Karabo Mailula (Tuks), Ethiopian teammate Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank), and Boxer’s formidable quartet—Cacisile Sosibo, Zanthe Taljaard, Lebo Phalula, and Carina Swiegers—are all poised to pounce should Xaba falter.

 Adding further spice to the mix is Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya, the Hollywood Athletics ace Cian Oldknow, and seasoned campaigner Kesa Molotsane, all capable of turning the race into a tactical chess match on legs.

Age is Just a Number

The veterans are also running their own battles within the war. Lebo Phalula, already shining in the open field, has been untouchable in the 40-49 division. Boxer’s Judy Bird is aiming for a third consecutive win in the 60+ category, while Wiepke Schoeman looks to extend her junior dominance. The 50-59 age group remains the tightest of them all, with Anne Stewart holding a slim four-point cushion over Elizabeth Potter—a rivalry as finely balanced as a photo finish.

The Route: No Easy Miles

The Tshwane course is no flat parade lap—it’s a rolling gauntlet. Starting and finishing at SuperSport Park, runners will wind through a patchwork of suburbia and commerce, with the road rising sharply early on, like a question posed to the legs: how much do you really want this?

At 7.3km, the course crests at 1,469 meters—altitude and fatigue teaming up to test every athlete’s resolve. But what goes up must come down, and the final kilometres promise a flying descent back to 1,417 meters, tailor-made for those with something left in the tank.

This isn’t just a race. It’s a crucible of courage, a celebration of feminine strength, and a proving ground for greatness.

For Glenrose, a third straight win would cement her dominance. But with the field stacked and the hills unforgiving, she’ll need to run not just with her legs, but with her heart. Because in Tshwane, legends aren’t born—they’re raced into being.

By Adnaan Mohamed

In the deep blue cauldron of the Singapore Sports Hub, Pieter Coetzé sliced through the water like a torpedo on a mission, delivering South Africa’s first medal at the World Aquatics Championships — and not just any medal, but gold, shimmering like sunlight on a still pool.

The 21-year-old backstroke specialist, who entered the final as the third-fastest qualifier, summoned a storm over the last 50 metres of the 100m backstroke final. Powering past Olympic titans like Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and France’s Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, Pieter touched the wall in a breathtaking African record of 51.85 seconds — just a fingernail away (.25) from Ceccon’s world record.

For much of the race, it looked like the tide might turn in Ceccon’s favour. But the Pretoria based swimmer surged with the calm fury of a rip current, dragging hopes and records in his wake. Ceccon finished second in 51.90, Ndoye-Brouard third in 51.92, while Olympic 200m champion Hubert Kos was left gasping in fourth at 52.20.

“It was awesome,” beamed Pieter, still dripping with victory. 

“I always thought it would happen eventually,” Pieter reflected poolside. 

“The competition was very deep here, so there were eight guys who could have won it. I knew that going into it and to get away with the win is awesome.”

“In my mind, it was just a matter of time, but to do it this year is amazing.”

The psychology student from TUKS, whose mental strength matches his physical prowess, was unfazed by the stopwatch.

“It was more about the win tonight than the time. If I won with a second slower time, it would still be as good. I think in a final, you don’t really think about the time at all.”

Now, with golden momentum in his stroke, Coetzé sets his sights on the 50m and 200m backstroke events — the rest of the field has been warned: the shark has tasted blood.

Meanwhile, another South African young gun made a splash. Chris Smith, just 19, blitzed his 50m breaststroke heat in 26.82 and dropped even more time in the semifinals, clocking a personal best 26.77 to qualify joint fifth for Wednesday’s final. Only Koen de Groot of the Netherlands was faster in the semis, swimming 26.71.

Aimee Canny, ever consistent, reached the semifinals of the 200m freestyle after a solid morning swim of 1:57.53, but couldn’t match the pace in the evening, placing 12th overall with 1:57.72.

Wednesday promises more ripples from the South African camp. Smith will dive back into the fray for the 50m breaststroke final, while Olivia Nel — fresh from a medal-laden campaign at the World University Games — will test the waters in the 50m backstroke heats. Matt Sates is also set to stir things up in the 200m individual medley, and Team SA will plunge into the mixed 4x100m medley relay.

One night in Singapore, Pieter Coetzé showed the world that South African swimming isn’t just staying afloat — it’s surging forward with tidal force.