Glenrose Xaba once again showed her class when she blazed through the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10 km Challenge winning her fifth consecutive race in the highly popular sold-out event across the country.
After winning the Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha legs of the 2025 Spar Grand Prix Series, Glenrose stormed across the finish line at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday morning in Emmarentia over a toughy hilly course. She blitzed the route in 33:07 to leave her rivals trailing in her wake.
Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) clocked 33:42 for second, while Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) claimed third in 34:35.
The evergreen Van Zyl,38, came out of the blocks like a bullet, setting the early tone before easing off and letting the race settle. That’s when Xaba hit her stride.
She went shoulder-to-shoulder with Abaraya and her compatriot Selam Gebre, until the six-kilometre mark, when she broke free like a sprinter pulling clear on the final bend.
Glenrose Xaba and Irvette van Zyl surrounded by a trio of Ethiopian athletes. Photo: Greg Caldecott
“Irvette got us to a very fast start, and I am grateful for that. Then Selam and Diniya forced the pace until about four kilometres,” said Glenrose.
“From six kilometres, I just focused on my splits and on my own running,” she said.
“I am very happy to be the first South African to win all five SPAR Grand Prix races this year, and to have won the SPAR Grand Prix for the third time.”
Five SPAR victories in one season, three Grand Prix titles overall, was a clear reminder that Glenrose Xaba is setting the benchmark for women’s road running in South Africa.
Abaraya, showing strong form after a year of consistent improvement, admitted the Jozi route was no walk in the park.
“I had a good race today, although I found the hills very challenging,” she said.
Van Zyl, meanwhile, was thrilled to be back in the mix. Her trademark grit shone through even after a shaky buildup.
“I went into the race with no expectations. I felt horrible yesterday and even wondered if I would be able to run. I just wanted to do my best.”
A veteran of the series and a three-time Grand Prix champion herself, Van Zyl credited Xaba for elevating the competition.
“Glenrose has given everyone the belief that they can do better, and I think the international athletes will soon struggle to win the SPAR Grand Prix again,” said Van Zyl.
Further back in the field,Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s ultra marathon marvel, treated the 10km as a tune-up for the upcomingSanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 19 October. Despite experiencing an injury setback that threatened her participation in the race, she still pitched up to finish in 11th position.
“I love the vibe and the experience of running in a women’s only race. I find lining up with thousands of other women inspirational.”
Gerda Steyn at the finish of the Spar Jozi 10k Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
That energy was everywhere with 12,000 women pounding the pavement in the 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run, turning the streets into a celebration of strength and solidarity.
Among those cheering was Deputy Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Peace Mabe, who praised SPAR for championing women’s sport and social causes.
JOHANNESURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 05: during the 2025 SPAR Womens Grand Prix 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Marks Park Sports Club on October 05, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)
“It’s only through sponsorship that women’s sports will flourish,” she said.
“I would like to congratulate SPAR for their support for women’s road running and netball, but also for their campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.”
When Gerda Steyn toes the line at the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge on Sunday morning in Johannesburg, it will be the final speed test for South Africa’s golden girl of distance running ahead of her biggest marathon of the year.
The multiple Comrades and Two Oceans champion confirmed she will use the 10km race at Marks Park Sports Club as her last tune-up before the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in two weeks’ time.
For Steyn, renowned for her endurance over gruelling ultra distances, the SPAR race offers the perfect chance to sharpen her speed against the country’s and continent’s best.
“The SPAR race is special because it is women only. I am always in Johannesburg at this time of year and so I always try to run it. The route is lovely, and the spirit is awesome.”
“I love running the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge,” said Steyn.
Her presence adds extra lustre to an event already buzzing with anticipation. While defending champion Glenrose Xaba will chase a clean sweep of five out of five SPAR Grand Prix titles in 2025, much of the spotlight will inevitably fall on Steyn.
The 34-year-old’s ability to bring marathon strength and ultra-marathon grit into the fast-paced world of 10km road racing makes her an irresistible drawcard.
For fans, Steyn’s participation is not just about whether she can crack the podium on Sunday, but about witnessing the careful fine-tuning of an athlete at the peak of her career.
She will be joined by her Hollywood AC teammate and fellow road-running starIrvette van Zyl, a three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion making a return to the series.
With Cape Town looming large, every stride in Johannesburg will be a statement of intent.
Together, they bring both experience and prestige to a sold-out field of 12,000 runners.
The single-lap 10km course through Emmarentia, Greenside, Linden and Parkview, with its steady climbs and long straights, promises to be a fitting stage for Steyn’s final dress rehearsal before the marathon spotlight shifts to the Mother City.
In a field featuring Ethiopian and Kenyan contenders, as well as South African frontrunners like Xaba and Karabo Mailula, the race will be fiercely contested
Yet, for many eyes will be fixed on national icon Steyn using the SPAR challenge not only to test her legs but to inspire thousands of women running alongside her.
The Stormers have never beaten the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championhip (URC). On Friday night at DHL Stadium, John Dobson’s men intend to smash that hoodoo.
Fresh off a 35-0 demolition of defending champions Leinster, the Capetonians know there’s no room for complacency.
“We saw how well Ospreys played in Pretoria and we know our record against them is a draw and two losses,” Dobson warned.
“The feeling is one of desperation to back up last week because you don’t want it to be a fluke.”
“If something goes wrong [against the Ospreys], we’d have to win every game on tour. So it’s very, very important from that point of view.”
With props Ali Vermaak and Sazi Sandi set for their first outings of the season, the Stormers want another statement win before their European road trip
“While we were happy with the result last week, we know that there can be no complacency heading into this match against an Ospreys side that have proven tough customers for us in the past,” Dobson stressed.
The Stormers know they must strike hard and early to exorcise their Ospreys ghost. Victory would not only break the hoodoo but also give them a flying start before Europe beckons.
The Vodacom Bulls will face Leinster in a United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday without two of their backline sparks, Jan Serfontein and Cheswill Jooste, both injured in last week’s 53–40 shootout against the Ospreys.
Harold Vorster steps in at inside centre, with Sebastian de Klerk moving to the wing and Stravino Jacobs recalled. In the pack, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg retains the No 4 jersey after covering for Cobus Wiese’s HIA, while Sintu Manjezi joins the bench.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann expects Leinster to arrive wounded but dangerous after their 35–0 defeat to the Stormers.
These are images that you rarely, if ever, see: Five thousand runners preparing for an event that could change their lives and certainly boost their self-confidence. DJs are getting the runners going three hours before the start. Videographers and photographers in their droves in the crowd. And then, when the event starts right on time, there are over 30 camera drones in the air.
ULTRA GOBI series 2025 began on schedule today (1 October) with the first competitions(A: 121km team / B: 121km stage / C: 17km), but the ‘experience day’ wasn’t necessarily about the results. It was exciting to observe the orderly chaos instead. Each participating working group has its own colour: green stands for media professionals and blue for volunteers, for example. Around 238 volunteers were needed, and 2611 people applied to be involved.
One of the lucky ones is Linying, a dentist from Shandong who has taken time off from her job at a hospital in Chengdu to be here again. “I like the spirit of the event, and I want to play my part in making it a success.” Perhaps she will compete in one of the upcoming editions herself. Linying completes the half marathon in under 90 minutes and the full marathon in under four hours. “ULTRA GOBI motivates and inspires a healthy lifestyle!”
Hailing also from Chengdu, Huang Jiang is a data analyst at UESTC. Today, however, he is sweating his way through the first of four stages in the 121 km team competition in temperatures of 30°C. ‘ULTRA GOBI is a great experience; it’s already worth every drop of sweat,’ he says. He and his colleagues have big sporting ambitions: “We want to finish in the top ten!”
The destination for the first day is in the middle of nowhere, where a tent city has been set up for the 5,000 participants. This includes restaurants, activity zones, and everything else you could need. Spectacular images are also captured here by camera drones. And this is only the beginning of the journey.
Champions! The one question we’re asked so often and it’s the one I find the most difficult to answer. Impossible to answer. Cue the music. Cue the lights. Camera zooms in on my face. Lights become brighter. The audience goes quiet. Room feels warmer.
“Rory, for one million rand, why do you run?”
Rory looks around for a lifeline, but he’s used them all. He used ‘Phone a friend’ when he felt discouraged and needed some encouragement to go for a run. He used 50/50 when it was starting to drizzle one day and he decided against going outside. And he wasted his ‘Ask the audience’ that one time when he needed advice on what to do with those silly soft flask thingies that bounce around in your pocket like a half alive fish. So here he was, forced to answer the most difficult question of his whole entire life.
Champions, do you know why you run? If I had to ask you for one reason, what would it be? For me, it’s like asking for my favourite song or favourite movie. It literally depends on when you ask, what mood I’m in, where I am, what the weather is doing, and how strong my coffee was. But here I sit with one million rand (or the equivalent of two days’ electricity on a pre-payment meter) on the line. For the sake of the money, this is why I run:
Sometimes I run because I feel fat and the thought of maybe one day needing a mirror to see, um, well, that stuff down there terrifies me.
Sometimes I run because I have no content left in my brain. I’ll have nothing at all. And, without fail, every single time, within the first kilometre, I have at least 10 more ideas for videos to record on the driver’s seat of my car, half a one-man comedy show and a week’s worth of stuff for my radio show too.
Sometimes I run because I miss all my other crazy beautiful people who also run. Also, there’s just something special about getting out of your car at 04h52 in the morning and seeing other lunatics who are doing the same!
Sometimes I run because I have FOMO after seeing someone else’s run on social media, with photos captioned, “Easy shakeout with my besties!” Easy shakeout? You did 22km in 2 hours Barbara! Stop showing off!
Sometimes I run because I feel anxious and Google tells me that running is the best thing for anxiety. I disagree. A R100-million Powerball win would do the job too.
Sometimes I run because I remember how absolutely amazing it feels when you finish and that beautifully perfect and delicious rush of accomplishment you get when you stop your watch at the end. You feel invincible. OK, I lie. None of this is true. It’s because I know there’s a triple shot flat white waiting for me.
Sometimes I run because I remember I’ve signed up for that little 90km run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and in the words of someone famous but I can’t remember who, “Those 90km are not gonna run themselves!”
So, Champions, for one million rand, why do I run? I’ll tell you. Because somewhere between that first and last kilometre, while I’m doing it to keep lean and healthy, to get my creative juices flowing, to calm the FOMO, to kill the anxiety, to get that coffee at the end, to see my friends and to train for that beautiful 90km fun run, I remember it’s the one place the scam callers can’t find me! I love you. 2-nils.
Global sports company PUMA has renewed and extended its partnership early with HYROX, the World Series of Fitness Racing, which is expected to draw more than 1.3 million participants around the world this season. Until 2030, PUMA will provide official sportswear for HYROX, featuring shoes with industry-leading NITRO™ technology, and become the exclusive title partner for the HYROX World Championships. PUMA has also signed three additional elite HYROX athletes as global brand ambassadors.
HYROX, which has successfully created a major movement in the industry by combining running and functional training into one fast-paced competition, is the world’s fastest growing fitness sport. PUMA recognized the great potential of this sport early on and has partnered with HYROX since the first race in Hamburg in 2017 before becoming a global partner in 2023. Since then, PUMA has used the partnership as a successful platform to increase brand awareness with the sport’s many passionate participants and provides performance products that are tailored to the needs of the athletes.
“HYROX, which has grown enormously in recent years, is one of our strategically most important partnerships as a sports brand, and a great showcase for our innovative performance products, such as our combination of NITRO™ technology and industry leading PUMAGRIP,” said PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld. “Our products have proven that they support the different requirements of athletes in this very versatile sport and help them to achieve great results. We are very encouraged by the great feedback we have received from athletes and partners alike, which helps us position ourselves even stronger as a sports brand.”
Earlier this year, PUMA introduced its first performance collection for HYROX to include both apparel and footwear and will continue to expand this offering throughout the coming years, adding to its successful PUMA x HYROX collections more product innovations and athlete-driven storytelling, as the partnership continues to evolve toward 2030.
As part of Wednesday’s announcement at the first major of the season in Hamburg, PUMA also announced an exciting expansion of its roster of elite HYROX athletes.
PUMA’s newest HYROX ambassadors include Men’s Open Doubles world record holder, Jake Williamson, Women’s Pro Doubles world record holder and Australia’s fastest female, Joanna Wietrzyk, and Hidde Weersma, the Dutch athlete who won the Men’s pro 25-29 World Championships in 2024 and is the strength and conditioning coach of the NOCNSF – the body responsible for the participation of Dutch athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
They are now part of a roster of more than 60 PUMA-athletes in the sport, including recently crowned 2025 HYROX World Champion Linda Meier, 2024 HYROX World Champion Megan Jacoby and three-time HYROX World Champion and Men’s Pro world record holder Hunter McIntyre.
PUMA’s Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Richard Teyssier, commented: “The continuation of this partnership for the next years reinforces PUMA’s commitment to the growth of fitness racing and provides the right platform to increase our brand awareness within the HYROX community and beyond. On top of that, bringing together these outstanding athletes to our global team underlines our commitment to championing the next generation of fitness talent and to win the hearts of HYROX racers, positioning PUMA as the community’s most trusted and innovative brand”.
“This partnership marks a defining milestone in our journey, and the progress we’ve made has been nothing short of remarkable. Last year, we solidified this collaboration with PUMA becoming the official global apparel and footwear partner for all HYROX events, and today, extending this partnership to 2030 sets the stage for the next chapter of our evolution,” Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder of HYROX, added.
“From our very first race in Hamburg in 2017, PUMA has been with us since day one – a rarity in the world of sports partnerships. This relationship has not only shaped the identity of HYROX but has been truly foundational to the growth of the sport itself. This extended partnership allows us to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation, inspiring athletes, and ensuring that HYROX remains accessible to competitors of all levels, across the globe. PUMA’s Go Wild philosophy aligns seamlessly with the HYROX spirit – fearless, authentic, and relentlessly driven. Together, we’re excited to continue challenging limits and empowering individuals to unlock their full potential.”
With a remarkable 100% year-on-year increase, HYROX continues to soar in popularity. The 2024/25 season saw 74 events being held and attracted more than 650,000 participants. As the sport’s momentum continues, the 2025/ 26 season is set to draw 1.3 million participants across over 100 events by 2026, cementing HYROX as a global fitness phenomenon.
Celebrating the unique and early renewal of their contract extension, PUMA will be present in HYROX hometown for over four action-packed days at the Hamburg Exhibition Halls. The event will feature the first Major of the season, with elite racing taking centre stage as top tier athletes compete at the highest level. Over 15,000 athletes will compete in the ultimate test of strength and endurance and PUMA’s vision for HYROX for the next five years begin to unfold.
For more information about PUMA Go Wild, visit www.puma.com, or follow our journey on social media @PUMA.
Lythe Pillay was only 12 years old when Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 setting a new record 400m of 43.03. Now, the boy who once sat wide-eyed in front of the TV is sprinting alongside his idol, and winning medals with him.
South Africa’s 4x400m relay team of Pillay, Udeme Okon, Zakithi Nene and Van Niekerk snatched bronze at theWorld Athletics Championshipsin Tokyo, clocking 2:57.83 in pouring rain.
But for Lythe, the medal was more than bronze. It was a childhood dream realised.
“It was a huge honour winning a medal with my childhood hero Wayde van Niekerk in the 4x400m relay with Team SA at the World Champ,” Lythe revealed to Modern Athlete with the impressive bronze medal dangling from his neck at the VIP tent at the finish of a Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Heritage Day.
Just a couple of days after returning from the global showpiece in Japan, the 22-year-old from Benoni was at the sold-out event which drew 14,400 participants to support his girlfriend who participated as one of the Boxer Athletic Club elite athlete contingent.
“I enjoy all sports, and it was awesome just coming out supporting my girlfriend and seeing a sport from a different crowd and a different perspective.
“I could just admire the work other athletes put in themselves. I can’t run far to save my life. So I marvel at all the athletes that turned out today. It’s a great vibe seeing the runners sharing their experiences with each other. I am just glad to be part of it all.”
But Pillay’s story circles back to Van Niekerk. He still remembers watching in awe as a grade 1 schoolboy when the South African stunned the world in Rio.
“It’s crazy because I always said I’m here because of Wayde. I saw the Olympics live from home. When I saw the line-up I thought the Americans will take it as per usual.
“And all of a sudden I see this guy from Bloemfontein, South Africa breaking the World 400m record. Seeing that made me believe that perhaps I can do it too.”
“South Africa now has more sub-45 runners than ever before. So there has been massive growth. The word I like to use is inflation.
“I’m honoured to be part of that movement and to be able to get a medal with Wayde.
“We have great athletes now and it’s also a great feeling. I could be mistaken but Team SA had the youngest team in the field and it gives us hope and inspires us to know that once Wayde retires, we will still be in a good space.”
Now, with seniors like Van Niekerk alongside emerging stars such as Zakithi Nene and Gardeo Isaacs, Pillay believes the 400m is in safe hands.
“I have now transitioned from a junior into senior ranks. We now have a very nice steam of senior and junior athletes. We are in a very healthy place and I am a firm believer that a lot of us are here because of what Wayde did.”
For Pillay, Van Niekerk is more than a teammate. He is proof that South African sprinters can take on the world and win.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled powerhouse prop Ox Nche for Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina at Twickenham in London.
Nche, a late withdrawal in Durban last week, returns to the front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit. Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel and Bongi Mbonambi are back on the bench in the only other changes to the match-day 23.
Ox Nche is back as Rassie Erasmus makes a few minor tweaks to the #Springboks side for Saturday's Castle Lager Rugby Championship decider in London 🐂 Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 👍#ForeverGreenForeverGold
“This match is a Final for us, and we know how dangerous Argentina can be, so we selected combinations we feel will be best suited for this game,” said Rassie.
“There are minimal personnel changes, with the bulk of the team having done the job for us last week against the Pumas in Durban and our other Rugby Championship matches.
“Ox and Grant could have played last week if we really needed them, but Boan (Venter) and Morne (van den Berg) did really well, while Jesse was rotated in the last two matches and is raring to go.
“The same applies to Bongi, who last played against Australia, and who is excited for this opportunity.
“Their experience, combined with the younger players in the team, makes this an exciting squad, which is exactly what we need in a match that will essentially be the Rugby Championship decider.”
Eben Etzebeth wins his 138th cap in the second row, while Siya Kolisi will lead the side in his 98th Test.
The rest of the starting XV is unchanged, with Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu again at halfback and Damian Willemse at fullback.
“They may be out of the title race, but they have beaten the All Blacks, Wallabies, and British & Irish Lions this season. It’s going to be another hard grind.”
The Boks will know exactly what result is needed after Australia face New Zealand earlier in the day.
Durban’s beachfront will turn into a blur of fast-twitch muscle and pounding footsteps on Sunday, 12 October, when Elroy Gelant lines up for the 2025 Boxer Super Run with one clear target – a sub-14-minute clocking.
Elroy, who finished fifth last year in 13:49, is determined to keep the heat on a stacked men’s field.
“My goal is straightforward: to go under 14 minutes, ideally dipping under 13:50 to keep the pressure on the field,” he says.
The stakes are high, with a R147 200 prize purse on offer and R20 000 to the men’s and women’s winners.
For Elroy, that money is more than just numbers on a cheque.
“It highlights Boxer’s commitment to rewarding elite athletes and growing the sport,” he explains.
“It helps with essentials like training gear, and even personal dreams like building a home. In a tough profession like ours, incentives like this push us to go harder and also attract top international talent. I’m all for it; it makes the racing even fiercer.”
For him, the 5km is short enough to go flat out and long enough to sting.
“For elites like us, it’s a chance to chase personal bests and national records on a flat, fast course like Durban’s,” he adds.
“The Boxer Super Run is special because it brings elites and everyday runners together in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
“It’s not just about speed, but about celebrating running along the promenade with the ocean breeze. And it promotes fitness for all ages, which I love.”
But Elroy hasn’t forgotten the social runners.
“To everyone lacing up for the Boxer Super Run, you’ve got this! Whether it’s your first 5km or your hundredth, arrive with a smile, soak up the energy, and remember that running is about joy, not just the finish line.
“High-five a stranger, cheer on your wave mates, and celebrate every step. Durban’s energy will carry you through!”
He’ll have plenty of company at the sharp end. Former SA champion Gladwin Mzazi returns for a second crack:
“I entered the Boxer Super Run Durban because it is so well organised. The event has amazing vibes and excellent marshals along the route. I’m looking forward to strong competition, and my goal is to run under 14:15.”
Andries Sesedi, making his debut, is relishing the speed test:
“The Boxer 5km is known for being fast, so I want to deliver my quickest time. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my ability as a speed athlete, and I’m excited to aim for a new personal best.”
Meanwhile, Bennett Seloyi is eyeing his own PB.
“I’m determined to run a PB on the day,” he says.
“Boxer AC is a fantastic team with top runners, especially my friends Kabelo (Mulaudzi), Chris (Mhlanga), and Andries (Sesedi).”
Organisers are expecting fireworks.
“We’re excited to welcome Elroy Gelant back to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Marketing.
“We love that he has set a clear goal, pushing himself while raising the bar for the rest of the field. We also can’t wait to see Gladwin Mzazi, Andries Sesedi, and Bennett Seloyi in action. It promises to be an electrifying elite men’s wave.”
With Durban’s promenade set to echo with cheers, quick strides, and high-fives, the stage is set for a5km showdown that could rewrite the record books.
