The stakes just got higher for South Africa’s fastest 5K specialists. When theBoxer Super Run Joburg hits Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November 2025, athletes will be chasing more than just personal bests, they’ll be racing for a slice of a R147 200 prize purse.
Both the elite men’s and women’s champions will earn R20 000 each, while payouts extend to the top eight finishers in both races. Age-group podiums in the Open Wave will also share in the spoils, rewarding standout performances from Juniors to 70+ runners.
“Our goal is to elevate the profile of short-distance road running by rewarding top performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“The 5K may be short, but it demands both raw speed and tactical precision. With strong incentives on the line, we’re expecting world-class racing.”
The Joburg edition marks the first time the Boxer Super Run series lands in Gauteng, following successful events across South Africa that have drawn large, social fields alongside elite competition.
Known as the most social 5K in the country, the event blends festival atmosphere with serious racing at the sharp end.
“By offering R147 200 in prize money, we’re celebrating the dedication of South Africa’s elite athletes,” addsLee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.
“We want to inspire every runner, from elites to social participants, to give their best on race day.”
The event schedule will see the Open Wave start at 07:00, followed by Super Social Waves from 08:00 to 09:30, before the spotlight shifts to the Elite Women at 09:45 and Elite Men at 10:00. A 1km Kids’ Race rounds off the day at 10:30.
ELITE WOMEN’S WAVE Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg
With its blend of high stakes, fast racing, and festival spirit, the Boxer Super Run Joburg is set to deliver an explosive debut where seconds matter and every stride could mean silverware and lucrative prizemoney.
Boxer Super Run Joburg – Key Details
Date: Sunday, 9 November 2025 Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Johannesburg Distance: 5km Prize Purse: R147 200 (R20 000 to each elite winner) Start Times:
07:00 – Open Wave
08:00–09:30 – Super Social Wave
09:45 – Elite Women
10:00 – Elite Men
10:30 – Kids 1km Race
Follow: Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superrun5k
The 2025 race’s cancellation meant that the city’s second evaluation could not be completed, but AbbottWMM has thrown its full support behind organisers and sponsors for prioritising safety.
SCTM by Diwan Krige
“We fully support the decision to cancel the 2025 event in the interests of runners, volunteers and staff,”AbbottWMM said, also applauding title sponsor Sanlam for offering to fund entries for all 2025 participants in 2026 or 2027.
AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone praised the local team:
“I’d like to thank race director Clark Gardner and his team for their brave actions under pressure. We look forward to being back in Cape Town next May to see both the runners and the race cross that finish line.”
Race organiser Clark Gardner called the development a milestone moment:
“We’re ecstatic that, should we pass stage 2 in 2026, all finishers will receive an Abbott World Marathon Majors star. It’s a huge step toward becoming Africa’s first Major, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with our incredible running community.”
SCTM by Diwan Krige
The 2026 race, taking place on May 24, will also host the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships, whose finishers will likewise receive provisional stars.
Ballot entries open on November 6, setting the stage for what could be a historic year for Cape Town, and for African marathon running.
Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery says the Boks are bracing for a fired-up Japanese side eager to repeat history when the teams clash at Wembley on Saturday, the opening Test of South Africa’s gruelling five-week European tour.
Japan beat South Africa 34–32 in their first match of pool play at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton in England. At the time it was described as the “greatest Rugby World Cup shock ever”.
@EddieJonesRugby has declared his current squad “better than the 2015 side” that stunned the rugby world in the ‘Miracle of Brighton’, when Japan famously toppled the Boks at the World Cup.https://t.co/AlSUYliIBo via @RugbyWorldCup
With stops in Paris, Turin, Dublin, and Cardiff to follow, the Boks are kicking off what Flannery likened to a “mini–World Cup”, facing fresh opposition each week.
“Japan showed resilience in the first half despite picking up yellow cards, and they showed how well they can defend against one of the best attacking teams,” said Flannery.
“Australia scored six tries against us in the first game in the Rugby Championship, so we are aware that Japan are not just a good attacking side; they can defend well too, and in the last quarter, they came back into the game. They would be disappointed that they didn’t win.”
Japan, smarting from a 19-15 defeat to the Wallabies, will arrive in London hungry and dangerous, and Flannery knows it.
“I’m expecting that Eddie [Jones] will be building up his team all week and they’ll believe that they can win and rewrite history by beating the Boks at Wembley,” he said.
“We need to ensure that we are as well prepared as we can be.”
The vastly experienced Jones, now 65-years old, has already turned up the heat, boldly declaring his current squad “better than the 2015 side” that stunned the rugby world in the ‘Miracle of Brighton’, when Japan famously toppled the Boks at the World Cup.
Flannery, the Bok defence guru, believes that controlling the team’s rhythm after the Rugby Championship remains a key priority, keeping the game plan tight and composed rather than loose and frantic.
And while the road ahead is long, the Irishman sees opportunity in the challenge.
“It’s a great challenge for us,” Flannery said.
“For this tour, we have five different opponents from week to week. That’s how the World Cup will work as well, with a short turnaround between matches, so your ability to stay mentally fresh and keep bringing energy all the time will be good for us.”
As the Boks prepare to charge out under the Wembley lights, they know the Brave Blossoms won’t be mere spectators.
The men from the Land of the Rising Sun are champing at the bit, ready to test South Africa’s mettle in a match that promises sparks, steel, and perhaps another chapter in rugby folklore.
Adriaan Wildschutt has done it again. The South African road running sensation added another national record to his growing collection on Sunday, turning heads in Spain with a breathtaking run at the Valencia Half Marathon.
In his first-ever outing over 21 kilometres, the 27-year-old from Ceres clocked 59 minutes and 13 seconds, slicing 23 seconds off Stephen Mokoka’s previous South African record of 59:36, set in 2020.
Wildschutt’s performance placed him fifth overall in a fiercely competitive race won by Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha in 58:02.
Adriaan Wildschutt trains hard on the track Photo: Facebook
His record run comes just weeks after Maxime Chaumeton (26:55)broke Wildschutt’s SA 10km record (27:28) set earlier this year at theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K, marking a golden period for South African distance running.
The Olympic finalist, who represented South Africa in the Paris 2024 Games in the 10 000m, said he thrives on setting ambitious goals and putting them in plain sight.
“So many people have been asking me why I put my goals out there for everyone to see and potentially criticize,” Wildschutt explained in a post on social media.
“My response is simple … I like challenging myself, and I’m not scared to fail. I feel like I thrive under pressure, even if it’s pressure I put on myself. In the end, I’m doing this for myself and no one else.”
Wildschutt represents Western Province Athletics (WPA) when he competes in South Africa. He is however based in the USA.
Adriaan Wildschutt in action in the colours of Western Province Athletics (WPA) Photo: Supplied
After completing his collegiate career and earning his MBA from Florida State, Wildschutt moved to Arizona and joined the HOKA NAZ Elite professional running squad.
Running in the HOKA Northern Arizona Elite colours, Wildschutt battled gusty winds over the final stretch but refused to ease up.
“It was quite windy the last 8k, and I know I can go even faster,” he said.
“For now, I’m very grateful to God and everyone who’s always supporting me.”
The Valencia performance marks Wildschutt’s fourth South African record, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most versatile and consistent distance runners. He already owns national bests over 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02), and 10 000m (26:50.64). These achievements speak to years of relentless training and discipline.
WPA President Farouk Meyer praised the athlete’s record-breaking form, noting that his path to road-running success was forged on the track.
“Adriaan once again proved that if elite athletes want to perform on the road, they need to build their speed on the track,” said Meyer.
“He’s a perfect example of this philosophy. WPA is extremely proud of him.”
From Ceres to the world stage, Wildschutt continues to show that South African distance running is alive and kicking. And, in his case, sprinting into fresh territory with every stride.
Fans have an opportunity to secure the hottest seats in town with tickets for Season 4 of Betway SA20 going on sale today. The anticipated fourth season will take place in a new festive window between 26 December 2025 and 25 January 2026, giving holiday-goers and those on staycations access to non-stop cricket action and entertainment.
The opening match at Newlands on Boxing Day between defending Champions MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants promises electrifying fireworks to start the season. The clash will set the tone for an exciting lineup of opening-week fixtures in Pretoria, Paarl, Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg. All tickets can be purchased on www.SA20.co.za and at all stadium ticket offices.
Following last season’s record-breaking attendance figures and ticket sales, the League returns with even more energy, thrilling matchups, and unforgettable fan experiences across the six stadiums in the country. Returning with an even bigger bang, fans can expect something for everyone: world-class cricket, IG-worthy vibes, dance-cam moments and more.
“The opening of ticket sales is a true marker that Season 4 is around the corner,” Betway SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said. “It has been encouraging to see the demand for tickets during the exclusive pre-sale window, with the opening match and the Final at Newlands already drawing a lot of interest and demand. We’re looking forward to being a part of everyone’s festive season plans.”
With all six 19-player squads confirmed following a record-breaking auction, the attention moves to the star quality of local and international players who will be lighting up the stage. Fans will be treated to some of world cricket’s superstars, with Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Faf du Plessis bringing their experience and flair to the competition.
Off the field, the 20th Players will be giving fans a front-row voice and bringing them closer to the incredible action like never before. Each of the six 20th Players represent a city where the six teams are based and will lead the fan movement in their region through their diverse voices and entertaining online personalities. Join Anele Mdoda (Gqeberha), Leandie du Randt (Pretoria), Moshe Ndiki (Johannesburg), Nadia Jaftha (Cape Town), Schalk Bezuidenhout (Durban) and Vafa Naraghi (Paarl) as they lead the chorus to get fans to put their hands up in the air in the stands and online.
From behind-the-scenes moments, social media takeovers, matchday fit-checks, competitions and activations, the 20th Players bring the Betway SA20 experience to life; keeping fans connected both in stadiums and online.
Tickets for all fixtures are available through SA20’s official ticketing partner, Ticketpro, via www.SA20.co.za and at the six stadium ticket offices.
After last season’s unprecedented demand, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early and follow @SA20_League on social media for updates on matches, giveaways, and exclusive 20th Player content. All news and fixtures can also be found at www.sa20.co.za
Notes: For more information, follow #BetwaySA20 on all social media platforms. Twitter: @SA20_League Facebook: @SA20League Instagram: @sa20_league TikTok: @sa20_league YouTube: @SA20_League
For Betway SA20 media queries contact Lerato Malekutu-Zondi [email protected] 083 452 6330
For most 16-year-olds, a ‘crash’ might mean a scraped knee and a bruised ego after falling off a bicycle. For King Price Xtreme’s Cayden Robert, it’s far more serious: A high-speed motorbike accident that left him with a back injury and a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally.
Cayden has spent nearly a decade chasing his dream of becoming a professional motorbike racer with a global track record. Since the age of six, he’s dedicated every day, every weekend, and every ounce of focus to racing. So, since his crash sidelined him in August, the biggest challenge hasn’t been the pain. It’s been the pause.
“The moment I hit the ground, I knew it was a big one,” Cayden recalls. “I was shocked, irritated, and just couldn’t believe it had happened.”
This disbelief quickly turned into disappointment. Simple things like bending over to tie his shoelaces were difficult, but what really hit hard was the loss of rhythm. “It’s frustrating not being able to ride or train like I’ve been doing for so long,” he says. “But I just keep telling myself to stay positive, because I will get back on the track.”
For a rider used to the fast lane, recovery has forced Cayden to slow down and look inward. The mental battle, he says, is tougher than the physical one: “Seeing my physical improvements day-by-day improves my mental state,” he explains. “The two go hand in hand. The better I feel physically, the stronger I feel mentally.”
Cayden leans on prayer and visualisation, spending quiet moments focusing on his goals and imagining himself back on the bike. “I talk to God a lot,” he says. “And I visualise where I want to be: Racing again. Doing what I love.”
For all his focus and drive, Cayden is quick to credit his support system for helping him stay grounded, saying that he wouldn’t have coped as well without it. “My parents and brothers, my mentors, my teammates, and the King Price Xtreme crew. We’re all one big family. This experience has brought us even closer and made us more determined than ever.”
Mental toughness is something most athletes develop over years. But for a teenager like Cayden, it’s already become a defining trait. “Racing teaches you a lot about resilience,” he says. “You have highs and lows all the time. But this crash has shown me how important it is to stay positive.”
Cayden’s story is a reminder that even the fastest riders sometimes need to slow down to find strength. It’s also a testament to the fact that real champions are built in the quiet moments between races, when faith, family, and fierce determination keep the engine running.
And, when Cayden’s finally fit to race again, it’ll be proof that champions are defined by comebacks, not setbacks.
In a cruel twist of fate that left thousands adrift, the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was called off before dawn on Sunday, sunk not by human error, but by gale-force winds that tore through the city overnight like a rogue wave smashing a fragile pier.
Adnaan Mohamed – Interview with eNCA after shock cancellation of Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
At 4:45am, race organisers pulled the plug on the 42.2km spectacle after hurricane-strength gusts ripped through Green Point, toppling scaffolding, mangling tents, and whipping banners into what looked like seaweed tossed by a storm tide
By 5am, runners’ phones buzzed with the devastating message: “Race cancelled.”
For the 24,000 athletes who had trained for months with some already limbering up at the start line, it felt like being swept under by an unexpected breaker just metres from shore.
“A Bigger Force Had the Final Say”
Clark Gardner Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is devastated at the cancellation of our very special event,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the marathon.
“We have worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation.
“We wish to thank our participants, sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and understanding.”
Safety First Amid the Storm
As winds howled across the city, the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) including theCity’s Disaster Risk Management, SAPS, medical teams, and safety officials convened emergency meetings. The consensus was as clear as still water: the race could not go on.
“The route is unsafe, as the wind is constantly gusting in Woodstock, and the infrastructure at the start and finish venue has been compromised,” said Colonel Christo Engelbrecht of SAPS.
“It’s unsafe for runners and pedestrians in that whole area, and that’s why the race has had to be cancelled. It was a collective decision made by the whole team.”
Even elite runners took the blow with grace. Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s marathon queen, believes it’s important that runners respect the decision of the race organisers.
“There is not a lot that we can do about this. It’s unfortunate that it has happened and of course it’s a disappointment, but we as SA runners are resilient and are built in a way that we can process this in a positive way.
“People can still celebrate the fact that we are still healthy and can still enjoy the day. I believe now is the time just to look at the positives and not dwell too much on the what ifs”
Runners Left High and Dry
Not everyone, however, was ready to float quietly away. Long-time participant Garlen Fredericks, who has run the race for a decade, vented online:
“This smells like sabotage. This is like getting the bride to church on time and then you cancel the wedding. We are deeply disappointed as runners.”
“Wind, what wind? My first reaction was that it’s fake news. People want to run. We are in utter shock and disbelief. Don’t tell me it’s God.
“How is Cape Town supposed to get World Abbott Marathon Major Status as a race? We live with danger every day. Surely all the mitigations were in place?”
A City Weathering the Blow
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, himself a champion of the marathon’s World Marathon Major ambitions, acknowledged the heartbreak but defended the call:
“All the runners must be disappointed, as are we all. But I’m grateful to the event organisers for taking a decision with runners’ safety in mind after heavy winds blew down some race infrastructure this morning.
“The City is committed to hosting events of the highest global standards, and that includes sometimes making difficult calls like this one.”
Refunds and Carryovers
SCTM initially confirmed the race’s no-refund policyremains in effect.
However, on Sunday afternoon,title sponsor Sanlam announced that it will be offering every 2025 marathon entrant a sponsored entry for either May 2026 or 2027.
This offer will be extended to all 2025 marathon entrants, regardless of whether the race succeeds in its bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event.
A Dream Blown Off Course
SCTM wind damage on the route Photo: Supplied
What was meant to be a celebration of endurance and unity turned into a storm-tossed shipwreck of emotion, organisers standing firm at the helm, and runners left stranded, their medals and milestones swept away by a force no one could tame.
For now, Cape Town’s dream of World Marathon Major status remains afloat but battered. This is a sober reminder that even the best-laid race plans are at the mercy of the elements.
The next edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is planned for May 2026, when organisers and runners alike will hope for calmer seas.
Deon-Lee Hendricks and Tayla Kavanagh successfully defended theirSanlam 10k Peace Runtitles in spectacular fashion at the 2025 edition of the race on Saturday morning.
As part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathonweekend, the sold-out 10km field of 11,000 runners, along with another 3,500 in the 5km Peace Run, turned the Mother City’s streets into a blur of motion, colour, and courage.
Hendricks significantly Improves previous time
For Hendricks, the Athletics Academy star, it was a triumph of rhythm and resilience. Clocking 29:27, the 28-year-old from Cloetesville near Stellenbosch, not only defended his crown but also shaved more than 20 seconds off his winning time from last year.
“This is such a high-profile race, so winning it twice in a row is really a blessing,” said Hendricks, catching his breath after the finish.
“We had to start slower because of the wind, doing over 15 minutes for the first half and under 14 for the second. I came here to give it my all to defend my title, so I’m blessed.”
Potchefstroom track talent Luan Munnik took second in 29:39, followed by Bruce-Lynn Damons of TymeBank Langa in 29:55.
The men’s top three in the 2025 Peace Run 10km, Deon-Lee Hendricks, Luan Munnik and Bruce-Lynn Damons. Photo: Johann Minnaar
“This was my first time here, and what a crazy experience, It’s nothing like being on the track,” said Munnik.
“The first five kays were tactical, but then Bruce-Lynn pushed the pace, and Deon-Lee and I went to the front. He got away in the last mile, but it was great to race with such competitive guys.”
Kavanagh Runs into the Record Books
In the women’s race, Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood Athletics blazed to an electrifying 31:37, a 16-second personal best and the fastest 10km by a South African woman in 2025.
The Durban dynamo now moves up to 11th on the all-time SA list, with only legends like Glenrose Xaba, Elana Meyer and Colleen De Reuck ahead of her.
“Today I really wanted to go for the win again,” said Kavanagh, glowing with satisfaction.
“Last year was such a great race, and I had a lot of fun again. I think the more fun you have, the faster you run. Even though it was windy, I focused on my plan, to run hard, and I’m super happy with the way I executed it.”
Helping her stay on pace was Olympian Ryan Mphahlele, her official pacesetter and former teammate from the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Latvia.
“Fortunately, I had Ryan to help me,” she added. “I was able to stick to him and run the time my form said I could.”
Behind her, Carina Viljoen claimed silver in 33:02, with Irvette van Zyl third in 33:29, ahead of Kyla Jacobs and Cian Oldknow.
The women’s top three in the 2025 Peace Run 10km, Tayla Kavanagh, Carina Viljoen and Irvette Van Zyl. Photo: Johann Minnaar
Viljoen, gracious in defeat, praised Kavanagh’s masterclass:
“Luckily, I heard what Tayla was aiming for today, so I knew I had to let her do her thing and just focus on my own race. I really had fun and I’m happy with another second place here.”
Peace Run 10km Results
Men:
Deon-Lee Hendricks (Athletics Academy) – 29:27
Luan Munnik (Potch Track) – 29:39
Bruce-Lynn Damons (TymeBank Langa) – 29:55
Angelo Booysen (Correctional Services) – 29:59
Dylan van der Merwe (Boxer) – 30:15
Women:
Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) – 31:37
Carina Viljoen (Temp) – 33:02
Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) – 33:29
Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) – 33:57
Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) – 34:35
Peace Run 5km Highlights
Men: Nicolas Sebolai (SA) – 15:27 Women: Laura Antonia Rehberg (Germany) – 19:38
With two start lines in Green Point and a dazzling cast of global talent, the 2025 edition promises a race painted in speed, pride, and possibility.
“This is the best and strongest field the African continent has ever seen,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
“With eight Platinum Label and 10 Gold Label athletes, they will help us bring the first Abbott World Marathon Majors race to Africa. Given the quality of this field, I think race records could tumble again, as they did in 2024.”
Gardner added, “We’re proud to host this event, but we also carry the responsibility to develop running across Africa. You can see that in our South African lineup — all capable of sub-2:10. This is part of our journey toward global recognition.”
A Festival of Running
Before the marathoners hit the road, Saturday’s Peace Trail and Peace Run events will set the tone for a weekend-long running festival. From the 43km mountain challenge at dawn to the family-friendly 5km, more than 41,000 runners will take part across road and trail. Chip timing and staggered wave starts will keep every stride smooth and safe.
Men’s Race: Fire on the Asphalt
The men’s field looks set to ignite. Kenya’s Ronald Korir (2:04:22) and Bethwell Chumba Kibet (2:04:37) bring serious pace, but South Africa’s Elroy Gelant, fresh off a 2:05:36 national record in Hamburg, could light up the home straight.
Elroy Gelant by Tobias Gingsberg
“I’ve grown and matured as a runner,” said Gelant.
“When I first ran Cape Town, I had a 2:12. Now I’m at 2:05, and I think I’ve reached the stage where I really understand and love the marathon. When that happens, things start to come together.”
Other challengers include Othmane El Goumri (Morocco), Asefa Boki Kebebe (Ethiopia), Justus Kangogo (Kenya), and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, who will act as pacemaker before chasing glory himself.
Veteran star Stephen Mokoka, a three-time champion, is chasing a fairytale fourth title. “This is my fifth Cape Town Marathon. I’ve won three and finished second once. I’m hoping I can repeat history,” he smiled.
Three-time winner of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Stephen Mokoka, is hoping to add a fourth win in five starts. Photo Tobias Ginsberg
Women’s Race: Speed Meets Grace
The women’s race is equally electrifying. Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti (2:16:56) and Angela Tanui (2:17:57) bring major marathon pedigree, while Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete and the 2015 World Champion, Mare Dibaba, are ready to test their mettle.
Flying the flag for South Africa, Gerda Steyn returns with pride in her stride. “It’s an honour to line up in a great South African race against such a high-quality field,” she said. “The crowd carried me in 2021, and I can’t wait to feel that again.”
“adidas takes immense pride in partnering with some of the world’s best athletes, including Justus Kangogo, Angela Tanui, Gerda Steyn, and Adam Lipschitz. We’re thrilled they’ll be part of this landmark race,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas.
Wheelchair Division: Wheels of Fire
The men’s and women’s wheelchair champions return for another showdown. Sho Watanabe (Japan) and Michelle Wheeler (USA) will defend their titles against fierce challengers, including Geert Schipper (Netherlands).
“I’ll face this race as a challenger, not just a defending champion,” said Watanabe. Schipper added with a grin, “I’m going fast from the gun — I’m a big guy, so I can’t wait for a sprint!”
Wheeler added, “It feels like coming home. The volunteers and crowds make Cape Town special — I’m looking forward to that again.”
Prize Money & Incentives
Top finishers will share a massive R4.5 million prize purse, with winners taking home US$25,000 each and bonuses for course or national records. The first South African man and woman will pocket R25,000 each, while age-group and local category prizes ensure everyone has something to chase.
Watch It Live
Fans can catch every stride of the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon live on SuperSport from 05:50 to 11:00, with international coverage beamed across multiple continents.
The Mother City is set to host a marathon that could rewrite its record books. The2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, staged on Sunday, 19 October, features a lightning-fast field.
The line-up includes two men under 2:05, four more below2:06, and another four beneath2:07.
The women’s line-up boasts athletes with personal bests of 2:16, 2:17 and 2:18, plus two more who have broken2:20. This combination thas pundits sharpening pencils for new course records.
Records on the Edge
Both course records set in 2024 are within striking distance. Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola ran 2:08:15, while South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba scorched the women’s mark at 2:22:22, eclipsing national and continental times. Xaba’s performance sliced nearly two minutes off Gerda Steyn’s former SA record and redefined the standard for women’s marathon running on African soil.
On the men’s side, Tola’s time edged close to the South African all-comers mark of 2:08:04 (an aided downhill mark from 1986). The fastest legal time on South African soil remains Stephen Mokoka’s 2:08:31 (2018), a benchmark now squarely in the elite field’s sights.
The front pack reads like a who’s who of marathon royalty. Kenya’s Ronald Korir (PB 2:04:22) and Bethwell Chumba Kibet (2:04:37) headline, joined by Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri (2:05:12). Yet the man drawing the loudest local attention is South Africa’s Elroy Gelant, fresh from a national-record 2:05:36 in Hamburg.
“My goal is to improve on my previous best SCTM time. Running in front of a home crowd gives me wings. The Cape Town route is honest and fast. I believe we can push it to new limits.,” said Elroy Gelant
Season form now places Gelant atop the 2025 pecking order, followed by Korir and El Goumri. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana (national record 2:06:18) and Kenya’s Justus Kangogo also loom as pace-setters. Veterans such as three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, despite turning 40 in 2025, remain potential disruptors.
Women’s Race: Fire Meets Form
Women Elite runners in action at the SCTM Photo: Caleb Bjergfelt
The women’s contest promises equal drama. Winfridah Moraa Moseti of Kenya headlines with a 2025 PB of 2:16:56 from Tokyo, while compatriot Angela Tanui and Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete bring sub-2:19 speed.
“The course, the crowd, the energy, it all pushes you forward. If the weather plays along, we can chase history,” said Winfridah Moraa Moseti
Back home, Gerda Steyn returns following wins at Two Oceans and Comrades; her marathon PB of 2:24:03 suggests she may be primed to reclaim speed over the classic 42.195km distance.
Wheelchair Division: Rivals Roll Again
The wheelchair races set up a rematch between Japan’s Sho Watanabe and the Netherlands’ Geert Schipper, separated by a photo-finish in 2024 when both clocked 1:37:33.
“This race always comes down to heart and timing. Cape Town pushes us to the limit—literally.” — Geert Schipper
Defending women’s champion Michelle Wheeler (USA) returns, while an international crop of newcomers adds depth and unpredictability to the field.
The Road to Major Status
Beyond trophies and split times, the 2025 race carries extra weight: the event is in Phase 2 of theAbbott World Marathon Majorscandidacy process, aiming to become Africa’s first Major.
The race’s Platinum and Gold Label athletes help tick essential boxes for that bid.
With a world-class elite line-up, a scenic yet fast route, and passionate local support, Cape Town looks poised to sprint into the global marathon spotlight once more.
