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Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

By Adnaan Mohamed

The “world’s most beautiful marathon” the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) will once again take over the Mother City on 11 and 12 April 2026, with ballot entries opening for Blue Number Club (BNC) Members from 15 September 2025.

BNC MEMBERS CAN ENTER HERE FROM 15 SEPTEMBER:

For the Interim Board, the coming edition of the TTOM is about more than simply sending runners around the Peninsula.

“The 2026 edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will not only celebrate TTOM’s rich legacy but also set new benchmarks for excellence and inclusivity,” explains interim chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.

“We know this event holds a special place in many runners’ hearts and are therefore committed to elevating the race experience to new heights, ensuring that every runner, whether seasoned or first-time, feels part of something truly remarkable.”

That legacy runs deep. For more than half a century, the Two Oceans has been a celebration. It’s a race that can break quads but lift spirits sky-high.

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon by Devin Paisley

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer calls it part of South Africa’s sporting DNA.

“For over half a century, it has tested endurance, united runners from across the globe, and become part of South Africa’s sporting soul,” he says.

For Meyer, taking over as staging and commercial partner brings responsibility as much as pride.

“We are humbled to step into this role, with a responsibility to honour its legacy while building an even brighter future.

“Our commitment is to put runners at the heart of everything we do, deliver value to our sponsors, showcase Cape Town’s unrivalled beauty, and drive meaningful impact.

“We are especially grateful to the City of Cape Town, whose passion and support allow the Two Oceans Marathon to flourish as the world’s most beautiful race.

The TTOM is about safeguarding tradition, elevating the experience, and charting the best path forward for decades to come.

To every runner, supporter, partner, and citizen of Cape Town: Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we can honour the past, celebrate the present, and stride confidently into the future.”*

For title sponsor Totalsports, the race mirrors the very essence of running, heart, courage and community.

Jonathan Stein, Head of Business at Totalsports, says: “It is a privilege to welcome every runner to the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Known as The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, this event is more than a race. It is a celebration of endurance, passion, and the unshakable spirit of the running community.

Crossing the start line takes courage, but it is the commitment, discipline, and countless hours of preparation that bring you here today.

Whether this is your first Two Oceans or your fifteenth, you are part of something remarkable, a community united by the love of running and the pursuit of personal goals.

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon by Devin Paisley

“At Totalsports, we believe that the greatest runs are not measured only in distance or time, but in heart. As you take on every hill, every bend, and every breathtaking view, know that you are running with heart, and that is what makes this marathon so special. On behalf of Totalsports, I wish you a memorable race and an unforgettable journey.”

When race weekend arrives, the city will once again throb with energy, flooding the streets with pounding feet echoing off the mountain, and stories unfolding with every kilometre.

Some will chase records, others redemption. All will chase the horizon, running where two oceans meet, on the most beautiful stage the marathon world has to offer.

Race Day Details

  • Ultra Marathon (56km): Saturday, 11 April 2026 | Start: Newlands | Finish: UCT Rugby Fields | Cut-off: 7 hours | Entry: SA Licensed R840 | Rest of Africa R1030 | International R3080
  • Half Marathon (21.1km): Sunday, 12 April 2026 | Start: Newlands | Finish: UCT Rugby Fields | Cut-off: 3h30 | Entry: SA Licensed R450 | SA Unlicensed R525 (incl. temp licence) | Rest of Africa R830 | International R2160

New for 2026: every Ultra and Half Marathon entrant will receive an exclusive event T-shirt as part of their entry.

Ballot Timeline:

  • Blue Number Club: 15 Sep – 31 Oct 2025
  • Ultra Applications: 17–24 Sep 2025
  • Half Applications: 18–25 Sep 2025
  • Draw Announcements & Payments: 25–31 Oct 2025
  • International & Rest of Africa: from 1 Oct 2025

More info: twooceansmarathon.org.za

Tshepo handed dramatic late lifeline as Zeney books semifinal spot

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Tshepo handed dramatic late lifeline as Zeney books semifinal spot

Tshepo Tshite and Zeney van der Walt provided the highlights on an otherwise gloomy day for the South African team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday. By Karien Jonckheere

In the men’s 1500m semifinals, Tshepo was left devastated after missing out on a spot in Wednesday’s final by an agonising six thousandths of a second, edged on the line by Britain’s Neil Gourley. But his luck soon turned when Olympic champion Cole Hocker was disqualified for jostling in the closing metres, handing Tshite the final automatic qualifying spot after he finished sixth in 3:36.93. 

Meanwhile, Zeney booked her place in Wednesday’s semifinals of the 400m hurdles after finishing fourth in her heat in 55.32 seconds. While not particularly pleased with her time, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist was happy to have got the job done after running twice already in the 4x400m mixed relay heats and final just two days ago.

The rest of South Africa’s hurdlers were not as successful. Marioné Fourie hit a hurdle and lost her rhythm in her 100m hurdles semifinal, running into the next barrier and eventually being disqualified from the race. Having missed 10 weeks of training with a broken shoulder, she was simply pleased to have reached the semifinals, however.

“I didn’t actually expect to go to the semis. I was just aiming to come to world champs and run a time… I think overall it wasn’t too bad, but things happen and I have to learn from it,” she said afterwards.

Sabelo Dhlamini was fifth in his 400m hurdles heat in 49.50 seconds, so missing out on a semifinal spot by just one place, but was nevertheless inspired by his first World Championships experience at the age of 30.

“Running in such a stadium that has so many fans screaming at you is actually motivating,” he said afterwards. “I could feel the hairs on the back rising up over every hurdle that I attacked because I knew that sometimes people crumble under such pressure, but I think I held my own until the seventh hurdle. That’s where I started overthinking and things like that, so that’s where my race kind of went offline, but I’m happy with what I did today regardless.”

While it was a promising sign that three South Africans qualified for the 110m hurdles at the World Championships for the first time, neither of the trio progressed past the heats. World champs debutants John Adesola and Mondray Barnard both ran 13.57 seconds for sixth place in their respective heats, while Antonio Alkana was seventh in his, in 13.64 seconds.

“I had a bit of a bad start and started hitting hurdles from I think 1 already,” explained Antonio, a two-time Olympian. “My hips were low between the hurdles and that just messed up everything.”

Earlier in the day, Elroy Gelant was disappointed to finish 33rd in the men’s marathon in 2 hours 16 minutes 23 seconds, but satisfied to have at least reached the finish, with so many of the field having dropped out as the Tokyo heat took its toll.

“I’m disappointed with the position but happy with the finish,” he said.

Cheswill Johnson could only manage one legal jump of 7.55m in the long jump qualification, which was not enough to progress to the final, while Miré Reinstorf failed to clear a height in the women’s pole vault qualification. 

Nene ready to ‘swim with the big sharks’ in world champs medal bid

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Nene ready to ‘swim with the big sharks’ in world champs medal bid

Zakithi Nene arrived in Tokyo as one of the standout 400m contenders, having lowered his personal best multiple times this season, including a world-leading 43.76 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi. By Karien Jonckheere

Reflecting on his season, Nene reckoned: “I’m very much happy with how the season played out. I’ve been very consistent in running low 44s and breaking the 44 barrier as well, with the new PB of 43.7. So I’m very much chuffed with how things transpired, and the momentum that I’ve built throughout, and I’m just looking to draw strength from that.”

The KZN star certainly looked to be building on those performances as he cruised through his opening heat in the 400m in Tokyo on Sunday, looking supremely comfortable as he coasted to victory in 44.34 seconds to book a spot in the semifinals.

Nene’s journey to the Japanese capital hasn’t been without challenges, however. A grade 2 hamstring tear during warm-up before a meet in Budapest posed a serious setback. But, while the leg remains strapped, the two-time Olympian reckoned: “I felt good. That tear that I picked up in Budapest got me a little worried, given that it was five weeks before the championship, but I was able to recover well. 

“I wasn’t going to jump on that flight from South Africa to Japan if I wasn’t confident that I could be competitive, and I showed that right now.” 

While confidence is high, the 27-year-old was still feeling the pressure coming into these championships as the world leader. So he turned to veteran Akani Simbine to ask for advice. “I was just asking how you deal with having a target on your back, going from being the hunter to being the hunted. And one thing he said that stuck with me is you’ve got to own it. And that’s what I’m doing right now.

“Pressure is self-inflicted. It’s all about how you choose to navigate around it. It’s either you sink or you swim, and I’m ready to swim with the big sharks.”

Looking ahead, Nene’s ambitions are clear: “What am I hoping for in Tokyo? I’m hoping to put my best foot forward. I’m hoping to make the final and challenge for the podium and challenge for that gold medal.” 

Looking at his form so far, Nene is certainly in the mix to do just that, starting with tomorrow’s semifinals, happening at 14h45 (SA Time) followed by the final on Thursday.

Seutloali Smashes OUTsurance Gun Run Record

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Seutloali Smashes OUTsurance Gun Run Record

By Adnaan Mohamed

On a sprightly Spring morning in Cape Town where the absence of the Atlantic breeze felt like nature’s starter’s pistol, Joseph Khoarahlane Seutloali once again proved he is no stranger to rewriting the script.

The reigning Totalsports Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon champion from Lesotho tore through the streets like a man chasing the horizons smashing the OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon record in a blistering time of 1 hour 2 minutes and 27seconds. He beat Joel Mmone’s 2015 Gun Run time of 1:02:31.

Close to 9000 runners lined up at the start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road in ideal weather conditions in Green Point, and finished the challenging but spectacular 21.1km route on the lush green grass of Green Point Common.

Like a thoroughbred biding his time in the pack, Seutloali running in the colours of Hollywood Athletic Club shadowed his rivals up the Sea Point to Camps Bay climb before unleashing a surge that broke the race wide open.

Anthony Timoteus (1:03:05) from the Athlete’s Academy clung on for silver, 38 seconds adrift, while defending champion Lloyd Bosman (1:03:24) from the Nedbank Club settled for third.

Coached by the highly respected Andrew Booyens, Seutloali’s winning time was just 11 seconds shy of his lifetime best of 1:01:56 for the distance, set on a much flatter and faster route in Gqeberha in 2019.

Tymebank Langa’s William Kaptein (1:04:09) was fourth. Kaptein was followed by clubmates Yanga Malusi (1:04:09) and Edward Jack (1:04:32).

In the women’s race, KwaZulu-Natal’s Busisiwe Chamane from the Black Diamond Club literally and figuratively shined as bright like a diamond.

Busisiwe Chamane Photo: OUTsurance Gun Run

Having swapped soccer boots and volleyball nets for running shoes only in 2020, she has risen swiftly through the ranks.

In Green Point, she seized her biggest prize yet, clocking 1:17:45 ahead of Nedbank’s Anel Terblance (1:18:39) and Carla Johnson (1:20:20) from Asics Running Club. Terblanche’s Nedbank AGN teammate Deanne Laubscher (1:22:50) finished fourth with Tymebank Langa’s Alexa Townsend (1:23:02) crossing the finish line in fifth position.

Elsewhere, the Gun Run’s supporting acts provided their own theatre. Adam Lipschitz (29:18) sprinted to the men’s 10km title on Saturday. Bruce-Lynn Damons (29:32) was hot on his heels, with William Kaptein (30:07) claiming third.

Triathlete Shanae Williams (33:30) edged Kyla Jacobs (33:37) in a thrilling women’s 10km race, and trail king Philani Sengce (1:13:14) secured a third straight crown, striding home more than two minutes clear.

For Seutloali, the road ahead is painted with Olympic dreams, but on Sunday morning, The Mother City belonged to him. and to Chamane, who showed that sometimes the most unlikely journeys can end at the front of the pack.

HALF MARATHON RESULTS: MALE TOP 10
Pos Name Time
1 Joseph SEUTLOALI (#1699)
HOLLYWOODBETS ATHLETIC CLUB KZN		 01:02:27
2 Anthony TIMOTEUS (#1538)
ATHLETE ACADEMY BOLAND		 01:03:05
3 Lloyd BOSMAN (#1621)
NEDBANK SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS		 01:03:24
4 William KAPTEIN (#1209)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:00
5 Yanga MALUSI (#1664)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:09
6 Edward JACK (#1204)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:32
7 Desmond MOKGOBU (#1219) 01:06:18
8 Siboniso SOLDAKA (#1893)
CAPE TECHNIKON ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:07:30
9 Raydon BALIE (#1617)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:07:38
10 Steven GEORGE (#1507)
STRAND ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:08:58
WOMEN TOP 10
Pos Name Time
1 Busiswe CHAMANE (#1746)
BLACK DIAMONDS ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:17:45
2 Ane TERBLANCHE (#1705)
NEDBANK RUNNING CLUB WP		 01:18:39
3 Carla JOHNSON (#1795)
ASICS ATHLETIC CLUB CAPE TOWN		 01:20:20
4 Deanne LAUBSCHER (#1095)
NEDBANK GAUTENG NORTH		 01:22:50
5 Alexa TOWNSEND (#1304)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:23:02
6 Lizel OLDEWAGE (#1101)
PAARL ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:22
7 Melissa LAING (#1411)
ATLANTIC ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:34
8 Lisa Kathryn GEFFEN (#1377)
ATLANTIC ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:42
9 Nadia LOMBAARD (#1806)
BOXER CGA		 01:24:27
10 Burnedette BREYTENBACH (#3138)
MONTANA ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:24:3

Find the full results here: OUTsurance 2025 Gun Run

SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Akani Simbine and Gift Leotlela ensured South Africa had two representatives in the 100m final for the first time in World Athletics Championships history in Tokyo on Sunday. But a medal was not to be for the duo, with Leotlela finishing fifth in 9.95 seconds and Simbine seventh in 10.04. By Karien Jonckheere

After a false start from Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who was then disqualified, it was Jamaica’s Oblique Seville who outgunned the pack to take gold in a speedy 9.77 seconds, with his compatriot Kishane Thompson second in 9.82 and defending world champion and Olympic gold medallist Noah Lyles settling for bronze in 9.89 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, Simbine explained he had suffered cramp at the beginning of the race – something he wasn’t able to overcome to perform at his best.

“I cramped up a bit at the start and just couldn’t recover from that,” he said. “We’re just going to reassess how the body is and hopefully I’m good to go for the [4x100m] relay.”

Unlike Simbine, who has now featured in seven major championship finals, Leotlela was competing in his first after an impressive two days, which included running a blistering 9.87 seconds in the heats.

“It was amazing, I don’t want to lie, starting from last night, and I got a lot of confidence from the heats… I ran three sub-10s in two days, so I’ll take that as a big win.”

Adriaan Wildschutt finished in 10th spot in the 10,000m final earlier in the evening after losing touch with the leaders with just under a lap to go. He finished in 28 minutes 59.47 seconds, with the gold going to Frenchman Jimmy Gressier in 28:55.77 seconds.

“I just had to stay connected and conserve as much energy as possible and see how hard I could close. I didn’t quite have it towards the end, but I was there with 300m to go and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Wildschutt.

Earlier in the evening, both Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay eased through their respective heats to book places in the 400m semifinals. Current world leader Nene won his heat in 44.34 seconds with Pillay second in his heat in 44.73.

“Not a lot of athletes can say they’ve gone into world championships as world leader and that’s an achievement on its own that one should be proud of. So I’m wearing my bib with pride, I’ve got a target on my back, but I’m ready to defend it,” he said of the special blue numbers reserved for those who have run the fastest times of the year in each event. 

The other South Africans to impress on Sunday were Marioné Fourie, who finished second in her 100m hurdles heat in 12.86 seconds to book a spot in Monday’s semifinals, while Tshepo Tshite finished sixth in his 1500m heat in 3:36.36 to also progress to the next round.

Steyn sharpens, Mosiako shines at Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Steyn sharpens, Mosiako shines at Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets turned into a purple battleground on Saturday as South Africa’s finest lined up against East African pace at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K.

Elite start of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

The second edition of the well-organised race started and finished at the historic Wanderers Club. The popular 10km and 5km sold-out event attracted a whopping 8000 participants, who enjoyed the warm, windless, conditions over a challenging hilly route through the streets of Illovo and Sandton.

Kenya’s Frida Ndinda claimed the women’s crown in 35:18. The 24-year-old Kenyan just managed to hold off off the fast finishing 35-year-old South African ultra-marathon queen, Gerda Steyn, who clocked 35:52 for second. Tuks youngster Karabo Mailula, 23, completed the podium in 36:12.

For Steyn, a four-time Comrades and six-time Two Oceans Marathon champion, the Joburg10K was less about silverware and more about sharpening speed ahead of next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“The race went off so fast, I decided to hold back early,” she said.

“I worked my way through, got into second, and could see the leader, but ran out of road. I’m very happy with how strong I felt.”

The men’s race was a very different story. Thabang Mosiako, South Africa’s half-marathon champion, blasted from the gun and never looked back, storming to victory in 29:45.

National marathon champion Bennet Seloyi (30:00) was second, with the evergreen Stephen Mokoka (30:04) in third.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Hollywood AC

“I told myself I’m going from the start,” Mosiako said.

“With guys like Stephen, you can’t wait … this madala doesn’t want to get old. Breaking 30 here was a surprise, but it shows my shape is coming back.”

For Steyn, it was a steady tune-up. For Mosiako, a statement of intent. And for Joburg, another reminder that the city’s streets remain a proving ground for champions.

Male

View All Male

Pos Name Time
1 Thabang MOSIAKO 00:29:44
2 Bennett SELOYI 00:29:59
3 Stephen MOKOKA 00:30:03
4 Namakoe NKHASI 00:30:09
5 Chris MHLANGA 00:30:25
6 Simon SIBEKO 00:30:32
7 Tsietse SELLO 00:30:33
8 Pakiso MTHEMBU 00:30:35
9 Lebenya NKOKA 00:30:37
10 Cwenga NOSE 00:30:43

Female

View All Female

Pos Name Time
1 Fridah NDINDA 00:35:17
2 Gerda STEYN 00:35:51
3 Karaboá MAILULA 00:36:11
4 Dikeledi MAJARA 00:36:31
5 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:37:06
6 Nobukhosi TSHUMA 00:38:32
7 Rutendo NYAHORA 00:39:03
8 Melinda JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:39:09
9 Ntsoaki MOLAHLOEÁ 00:39:14
10 Melissa JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:40:03

FULL HOLLYWOODBETS JOBURG 10K 2025 RESULTS

Around 8000 participants painted the streets of Sandton, Illovo and Melrose purple at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Gift Leotlela got South Africa’s campaign at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo off to a speedy start on Saturday, blazing to a new personal best time in the 100m heats and booking a place in Sunday’s semifinal. By Karien Jonckheere

The 27-year-old has struggled with injury throughout his career, and even in the buildup to these championships, struggled with a tendon issue behind his knee. But there was no sign of that as he tore down the Tokyo track, finishing in 9.87 seconds to record the fastest time of the night – something he admitted afterwards, he wasn’t specifically targeting.

“I was just focused on executing my race and focusing on myself, and it came so I was really happy with that,” said Gift afterwards.

“It felt really good. I haven’t been putting my races together this season, so I actually put it together and everything clicked, the body was feeling good, and it was really a good run.”

Also comfortably through to the semifinals was a confident-looking Akani Simbine, who won the final heat of the night in 10.02 seconds.

“Very comfortable, very controlled. I think today was just about getting into the stadium and feeling the energy, and also controlling the race and controlling the pace of the race,” said Akani. “I think that was the whole plan – not spending too much energy today so that tomorrow I have a full tank to go into the semifinals and the final.”

Earlier in the day, the South African quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Miranda Coetzee, Leendert Koekemoer and Zenéy van der Walt combined to set a new national and continental record in the 4x400m mixed relay. They finished third in their heat in 3 minutes 11.16 seconds to not only set the new mark, but also book a place in the final later in the evening.

“We were very happy. Our main goal was just to get into that final and running an area record is just a bonus,” said Zenéy afterwards. Speaking about his impressive leg of 44.14 seconds, 18-year-old Leendert added: “I basically just stuck to my race. I ran my own race, didn’t focus on other people and then when I executed what my style fits, it all worked out at the end.”

Just one race later, the Kenyan team eclipsed the new record in their heat, but the time didn’t stand as they were disqualified for a lane infringement.

Later in the final, Coetzee was replaced by Shirley Nekhubui in the SA team, who finished in sixth spot in a time of 3:11.89 while the United States took the gold in a championship record of 3:08.80.

Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan Mohamed

Wellington has always been a theatre of drama for the Springboks. From that famous 36-34 ambush in 2018 to the nail-biting 16-16 draw a year later, the Cake Tin has witnessed South Africa’s grit under the fiercest spotlight.

On Saturday morning, Siya Kolisi and his men return to the capital with the Rugby Championship title race wide open, the Freedom Cup on the line, and pride at stake against their oldest foes.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick knows exactly what it will take.

“Last week we had two soft moments early in the game, and it cost us,” he reflected on the 24-17 defeat in Auckland.

“This time, we need to be at our best for the full 80 minutes. We must be clinical, execute with precision, and turn opportunities into points.”

It is a simple equation against the All Blacks: blink, and you bleed.

Kolisi, who will lead the Boks for his 96th Test, echoed Stick’s call for composure. The chatter around South Africa’s new-look backline being too young, too raw, too untested, doesn’t faze him.


“There’s a good mixture of players in this team,” he said.

“Some have been here before, some have lifted two World Cups. It’s not a completely new side. The new faces bring something different, and that excites me.”

For Kolisi, the challenge feels familiar yet fresh.

“It’s going to be intense, like a World Cup final in the way you need to stay calm and composed. But this is its own battle. There’s enough motivation to win this game and to make our country proud.”

The Freedom Cup adds its own layer of symbolism. South Africa claimed it last year for the first time since 2009, and defending it on New Zealand soil would be another statement of intent.

More importantly, a win would keep them in reach of both the Rugby Championship title and the No 1 world ranking.

The All Blacks will be ready, the crowd baying, the weather unpredictable. But as Kolisi leads his men out one truth remains: matches in Wellington are rarely forgotten.

Teams

New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.

South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.

Springbok Team Photo in Wellington Credit: SA Rugby

Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 09.05 SA time
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets are about to become a purple river of determination as 8,000 runners lace up for the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on Saturday.

At the front of this human tide will be two giants of the long road, Comrades champions Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana, swapping ultra-endurance for the short, sharp burn of 10 kilometres.

Gerda Steyn Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and six Two Oceans crowns, will don the purple of the host club, Hollywood Athletic, as she tests her mettle against speed merchants like Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula and Ntsoaki Mohlahlu.

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k Women’s Elite Field Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

For her, this race is less about medals and more about sharpening her blade for October’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“This course isn’t flat as a pancake, it’s more like a stack of flapjacks with some tricky layers in between,” Steyn smiled.

“It teaches you to manage effort, race dynamics and strategy rather than just staring at your splits. Those are the lessons I’ll carry into Cape Town.”

On the men’s side, three-time Comrades Down Run winner Tete Dijana admits he’ll be running on foreign turf. Against the jet-heeled Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Cwenga Nose, the Mafikeng marvel is realistic:

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Male Elite Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I don’t have their speed, 10km is their playground. My time is only 32 minutes, slower than Glenrose Xaba! But racing them gives me strength. If they ever come to Comrades territory, I’ll show them who’s boss,” he chuckled.

At a lean 38kg, Dijana carries more grit than bulk, his focus firmly fixed on defending his Comrades throne.

“Among men, you can’t dance between marathons, Two Oceans and Comrades in one season. Only someone like Stephen Muzhingi managed that. I won’t gamble, I’ll always choose Comrades.”

Saturday’s 10K may be a sprinter’s stage, but with distance icons Steyn and Dijana on the line, the city will witness two ultra-legends trading their long-distance strides for shorter, sharper tactical duels.

The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Soweto Athletics Clubs are ready to host South Africa’s biggest one-day race

Johannesburg, 11 September 2025 – The 30 th edition of “The People’s Race” is ready and will take place
on Sunday 30 November 2025. Entries are open, and the race is thrilled to confirm that entries received are
already into the thousands.
The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics
Clubs and has confirmed that all is on track with the race organising team, race office, partners and
sponsors remaining committed as per the hugely successful 2024 Soweto Marathon – the country’s biggest
one day road race.

Returning to Nasrec, Soweto, and hosted by The City of Johannesburg; the African Bank Soweto Marathon
route remains unchanged, treasuring the eight significant heritage sites on the marathon route; including
the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital; Walter Sisulu Square; the Regina Mundi Catholic Church; Credo
Mutwa Cultural Village; Morris Isaacson High School and June 16 Memorial Acre; Vilakazi Street and the
Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that the Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race and that
the job of the NPC is to execute another remarkably run iconic event that is unrivalled in passion, spirit,
unity and celebration; just like they did in both 2023 and 2024.
“We are grateful to once again have the trust of the athletics clubs of Soweto. The support given to us from
all our other partners, clubs, governing bodies and runners has been nothing short of extraordinary. We
know the standard our community expects and promise you nothing short of exceptional from start gun to
finish line.”

It is noted with concern, that Mr Ishe / David Sathikge was expelled by Athletics South Africa on 01 July
2023 and he is not allowed to address any meeting relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity. Both
Mr. Benjamin Khunou and David Sathikge are also precluded from holding any administrative position in
the sports of athletics, as expressed by general counsel of ASA, who have unanimously resolved to expel
them from the sport. Finally, Stan Itshegetseng has also been placed on indefinite suspension by the CGA
Board, pending a disciplinary hearing, so he too is not allowed to address any correctly constituted meeting
relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity.
Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the
retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km. To enter,
runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the
male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home
R250 000.

The Soweto Athletics Clubs look forward to hosting every single participant.

Date: Sunday 30 November 2025.
Venue: Start & Finish: Nasrec Stadium, JHB.
Categories: Standard Marathon (42.2 km): 05:30; Half Marathon (21.1 km): 06:30; 10 km run: 07:30.

For more information, please visit www.sowetomarathon.com
Issued on behalf of The Soweto Marathon NPC, by Caroline Malan – [email protected]