HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

HYROX, the globally renowned fitness race, made a powerful impact in Johannesburg, delivering a high-energy, record-breaking event that drew athletes and spectators from across South Africa and beyond. Held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 1 March 2025, this was the second HYROX event in South Africa, following the highly successful debut in Cape Town last September. The event marks an exciting expansion for the sport in the region, further energizing South Africa’s growing fitness community.

HYROX Johannesburg saw an incredible 4,300 athletes take on the challenge—almost three times the number of participants from Cape Town’s event last year. Competitors ranged from elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts and first-timers, making it a sold-out event for both participants and spectators. The competition featured HYROX’s signature mix of functional fitness challenges, including running, rowing, and endurance-based strength exercises, pushing athletes to their limits.

Adding to the excitement, Johannesburg’s altitude made this the second-highest HYROX event globally, introducing an extra level of challenge for competitors. The energy in the venue was electric, amplified by the support of over 7,000 spectators who came to cheer on the athletes. The overwhelming turnout highlighted just how quickly HYROX is growing in South Africa and the vital role fans play in creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.

Building the Future of Fitness

Ahead of the main event, HYROX South Africa hosted its first-ever Brand Innovation Summit on 27 February 2025. The summit brought together media, athletes, influencers, and industry leaders to explore the future of fitness and sports marketing. It provided a valuable platform for collaboration and networking, reinforcing HYROX’s position as a leader in the fitness racing industry.

The excitement extended to social media, with engagement levels soaring. The official @HYROXSA Instagram account saw profile visits surge by over 230% in the month leading up to the event. Roughly 4,000 of the participants were South African residents, with the rest traveling from across the continent, including Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, and Kenya. The event saw a nearly even gender split, with women making up 54% of competitors and achieving a higher completion rate than men. HYROX Doubles and Relays proved especially popular, accounting for 75% of all entries, showing just how much athletes enjoy taking on the challenge with friends and family.

Standout Performances

Some of South Africa’s top fitness talents delivered standout performances. Kyle Schoonbee (RSA) took the Men’s Pro division title with a winning time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 9 seconds, while Danél Louw (RSA) dominated the Women’s Pro division, finishing in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds. In the Mixed Doubles division, HYROX South Africa ambassador Vicky MacIntosh and her racing partner Wesley Henning took first place with a time of 1 hour and 50 seconds.

A Milestone for South African Fitness

HYROX Johannesburg not only showcased the city’s potential as a premier fitness event host but also reinforced its role in growing the local sports industry. While the event didn’t draw large numbers of international athletes, it proved that Johannesburg has what it takes to support and expand the HYROX community.

Sponsors played a key role in enhancing the event experience, with interactive booths and product showcases from brands such as Red Bull, PUMA, Concept2, CENTR, Myprotein, Dis-Chem, Southern Sun, F45, Hyperice, The Skinny Food Co., BC Chiropractic, and MINI.

Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX Race Director, expressed his appreciation for the event’s success:

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, athletes, and spectators who made HYROX Johannesburg an unforgettable experience. Their energy and commitment continue to drive the growth of fitness racing in South Africa. Johannesburg has proven itself as a dynamic host city, and we’re excited to build on this momentum, bringing even more high-energy events to the region in the future.”

Following the overwhelming success of HYROX Johannesburg, plans are already in motion for more South African events in 2025.

For more information, visit the HYROX website or contact:
Corlia Meyer
E: [email protected]

 Credit to HYROX South Africa

Win 1 of 5 Hyundai Exter SUVs in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix!

Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day have come and gone, and the thoughts of many are turning to the road – not driving, but road running.

The 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series get underway on Sunday, March 30, when thousands of women will take to the streets of Cape Town for the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run.

The Cape Town race is the first of the five races making up the SPAR Grand Prix series, in which Africa’s elite and experienced runners compete for valuable points.   The winner of the SPAR Grand Prix will take home R200 000. The runner-up will receive R100 000, and the third placed athlete will win R75 000.  This, of course, is additional to the substantial prize money for each individual race. 

The South African woman with the most SPAR Grand Prix points will receive an additional R100 000,  the second placed South African R70 000 and the third placed South African R50 000.  Junior runners will once again be eligible for an overall prize, with the results of three races counting.  The top junior will win overall prize money of R10 000.

As part of an exciting development for this year’s SPAR GRAND Prix series, the SPAR Group is pleased to announce Hyundai Automotive South Africa as the new national vehicle sponsor of the series.  

“Women empowerment is an integral part of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s business philosophy and has been central to our growth and success.  From across our country-wide dealerships right up to the organisation’s leadership, our female employees continue to lead and guide, in turn, contributing towards the broader social progress – through the Hyundai brand experience,” states Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

As part of enhancing its customer-centric experience, Hyundai strategically partners with like-minded organisations that share its business principles, which are anchored amongst others, on gender equality and empowerment. 

“It is therefore our firm view that running and driving a Hyundai vehicle, are intertwined.  The SPAR Grand Prix series is therefore a natural match as it affords us an opportunity to attract potential customers through sport.  The series remains one of the important events in the South African sporting calendar and we look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial association,” added Jansen van Rensburg.

As well as the substantial prize money on offer, Hyundai is giving away five Hyundai Exter vehicles, each valued at R269 900 at five of the eight SPAR Women’s Challenge’s taking place this year.  The winner of the Hyundai vehicle must be over 18 and hold a valid driver’s license.

In 2024, Glenrose Xaba became the first South African to win the award since it was opened to international runners in 2019. Xaba, who won the title in 2018, when it was limited to domestic runners, is hoping to become the fourth person, after Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Tadu Nare, to win the prestigious title three times.

“Winning the SPAR Grand Prix has been a dream and a goal that I’ve had for many years,” said Xaba.

“And to have won it twice is a career highlight for sure. To be referred to as a defending champion is surreal. “For South African women, this opens the path again for us to fight to keep winning this series because we are more than capable of doing so. “I thank SPAR for taking care of women athletes through this series not only financially but also because being able to compete in a women’s only race is terrific for us women,” she said.

“This year, I aim to remain injury free and have a healthy season. I look forward to running the SPAR Grand Prix series again and fighting for that top spot.”

The athletes’ top four performances count towards the SPAR Grand Prix, which means it is possible for runners to miss one   of the races because of injury or international commitments and still be eligible to win top honours.

SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, said the group was thrilled to be launching the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series and looking forward to a year filled with fun activities and growth of our athletes. The SPAR Women’s Challenges are more than just road races, they are a powerful symbol of female empowerment, health promotion and the fight against inequalities. By participating, women are not just investing in their wellbeing but also contributing to a brighter future for all women in South Africa.

“Furthermore, each race is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to ending Gender Based Violence as well as SPAR’s campaign to End Period Poverty by 2030, raising awareness and providing crucial support to organisations working to combat these prevalent issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that the SPAR Women’s Challenges not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to a safer and more equitable society for women in South Africa” said Maubane. Therefore, we encourage you to lace up your shoes, join the movement and be part of the SPAR Women’s challenges.

For those unable to attend the races, SPAR is ensuring that everyone can be part of the excitement.  Each of the five SPAR races will be livestreamed on the SPAR Grand Prix Facebook page and the Modern Athlete Facebook page, allowing viewers to cheer on the participants and experience the energy of the event from anywhere in the world.

Maubane further thanked Athletics South Africa and Modern Athlete for their continuous support over the years, “we are equally grateful to Hyundai for joining forces this year as the new and official vehicle sponsor of this amazing challenge. With Coke and Powerade coming back for the second year running, we can only hope to grow bigger and better from here onwards’’.

Good news for Discovery Health members is that should they enter and complete the fun run or race; they will earn Vitality points.

Entries for the five SPAR Women’s Challenges are open at www.spar.run .

The other races are in Durban on June 22, Tshwane on August 2, Gqeberha on September 27, and Johannesburg on October 5.

Mr O – Ramadan Night Runs

Night runs start at 9.45pm
Afternoon runs start after ASR prayers

Sunday afternoon 2 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 3 March: 8km + 12km . From Access Park Food Truck Village [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 5 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 7 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Primi Constantia Village [ menu to follow ]

Saturday 8 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 9 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 10 March: 8km + 12km . Grande Cafe [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 12 March: 8km and 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 14 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands [ Coffee and food vendor on site ]

Saturday 15 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 16 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands ]

Wednesday 19 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 21 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Primi Constantia Village [ menu to follow ]

Saturday 22 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 23 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 24 March: 8km + 12km . Grande Cafe [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 26 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 28 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands [ Coffee and food vendor on site ]

Saturday 29 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 30 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Head over to his Instagram, @ashraforrie, for updates on Training Run days 

Gloot Sets Its Sights on Global Growth in 2025

As 2025 kicks off, Gloot—one of South Africa’s fastest-growing health, wellness, and beauty brands—is gearing up for another exciting year of expansion, innovation, and community-driven success. After a record-breaking 2024, which saw phenomenal sales, strategic retail partnerships, and game-changing product launches, the brand is now setting its sights even higher—global expansion.

Reflecting on Gloot’s incredible journey, Greg Tinkler, CEO and Founder, shares:

“We started this brand in my spare bedroom with one goal—to create products that help women feel confident, healthy, and strong. Fast forward just a year, and Gloot has become a household name, with thousands of women making our products part of their daily routines. In 2025, we’re going bigger: We’re aiming to be the #1 brand in every category we compete in, expand into exciting new wellness spaces, and take Gloot global.”

A Year of Unstoppable Growth

Gloot made serious waves in retail and e-commerce in 2024, achieving:

#2 spot in sports nutrition & slimming at Clicks—with Flat Tummy Toner becoming the best-selling product across the entire Clicks group in under a year.

Massive success on Takealot, winning the Best Newcomer Award and landing Flat Tummy Toner among the platform’s top 10 most sold products of the year.

Expansion into 80+ Foschini stores and Botswana, with plans to roll out in Checkers Hyper in 2025.

Sellout launch on Bash.com, plus key partnerships with Food Lover’s Market and Shoprite Medirite.

E-commerce explosion, with Gloot hitting its first R1 million sales month just six months in—and now shipping over 6,000 orders per month.

What’s Next? Bigger, Better & More Innovation

Gloot isn’t slowing down. This year, the brand is launching Slim & Burn, a highly anticipated natural weight-loss solution that offers a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional options.

“Natural is the future,” says Tinkler. “Consumers want effective, science-backed alternatives to synthetic products. Slim & Burn is designed to support weight management using powerful natural ingredients—without the harsh side effects.”

Beyond weight management, 2025 will mark Gloot’s expansion into skin and beauty—a natural next step in its mission to support women’s wellness holistically. And on the global front, the brand is preparing to enter Africa, the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, and the UK.

More Than Just Products: A Movement for Women

At its core, Gloot is about more than just supplements—it’s about building a movement. The Gloot Girl community has already grown to over 20,000 women, and in 2025, the brand is launching a dedicated Gloot Girl Community App. This platform will offer exclusive content, expert advice, and a space for women to connect and support each other on their health journeys.

“We’re not just selling products—we’re selling confidence, health, and beauty. Gloot is a lifestyle, and we’re here to help women feel their absolute best, every single day.”

About Gloot

Gloot is a leading female-focused health, wellness, and beauty brand dedicated to creating high-quality, natural solutions tailored to women’s unique needs. Our mission is simple: empower women to feel confident, healthy, and strong—inside and out.

Gloot products are available at www.glootnu.com, Clicks, Takealot.com, Bash.com, and select Foschini stores nationwide. 

Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES unveils R1.6M Prize Purse and groundbreaking SA Athlete Incentives for 2025

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, South Africa’s premier road running series, is raising the stakes for 2025 with a massive combined prize purse of R1 610 000.00 and groundbreaking incentives designed to inspire top performances from SA athletes.

Since launching in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES has transformed road running in South Africa, bringing five world-class 10km events to five vibrant cities. The 2025 season kicks off in Gqeberha in April, followed by Cape Town in May, Durban in July, Tshwane in August, and wraps up in Johannesburg in September.

Big Rewards for Big Efforts

“We believe that a strong prize purse not only rewards dedication but also motivates athletes to push their limits,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “We’re proud to announce a total prize purse of R1 610 000.00 for 2025, with each of the five events offering R322 000 in prize money.

From this, R252 000.00 is dedicated to the Open Category—R126 000.00 for the Top 10 Open Men and R126 000.00 for the Top 10 Open Women. The winners in each city will take home R30 000.00, with R25 000.00 for second place and R20 000.00 for third.

An additional R70 000.00 is allocated for Age Category prizes, rewarding the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ age groups.”

Game-Changing Athlete Incentives

On top of the prize purse, Stillwater Sports has introduced an exciting SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule for 2025, rewarding standout performances at all five races.

For men, bonuses kick in for finishing times under 28 minutes, with a massive R200 000.00 payout for breaking the 27-minute mark. Women can start earning bonuses for times under 32:08, with a R200 000.00 incentive for breaking 30:23.

To raise the stakes even higher, any South African athlete who breaks the national 10km record at the time of the race will earn an extra R50 000.00 bonus. The current SA records stand at 27:35 (Precious Mashele, 2023) and 31:12 (Glenrose Xaba, 2024), both set at Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES events. The R50 000.00 will go to the fastest time recorded.

“The standard of South African road running is reaching new heights at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES,” adds Meyer. “In 2024, we paid out R610 000.00 in SA Athlete Incentives, and we’re determined to keep raising the bar in 2025. Our goal is to reward outstanding performances and elevate the level of competition in South African middle-distance running.”

A Star-Studded 2025 Lineup

To keep the momentum going, Stillwater Sports has been actively recruiting top talent for the 2025 series. One of the biggest announcements so far? Global running sensation Adriaan Wildschutt will make his series debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 13 April 2025.

Wildschutt captured the world’s attention in August 2024 when he finished 10th in the Olympic 10 000m final, smashing his own SA record with a time of 26:50.64. With four national track records to his name, he’s now setting his sights on the SA 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.

“We want to empower South Africa’s elite athletes to build successful careers without having to race overseas,” says Meyer. “These incentives will help attract top talent and inspire incredible performances throughout the 2025 series.”

SA 10km Champion Glenrose Xaba agrees, saying the series’ incentives push local athletes to perform at their best. “These rewards are linked to performance times, which is key for us. The better my time, the better my chances of competing internationally. Breaking my own record would be a dream come true—I’d be the happiest woman alive.”

Making his series debut, Wildschutt shares her enthusiasm: “These incentives are a great motivator. When I was starting out, financial support like this made all the difference. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES offers some of the best incentives in SA road running, which sets it apart.”

Mark Your Calendar: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES

  1. Sunday 13 April 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

  2. Sunday 11 May 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

  3. Sunday 13 July 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

  4. Sunday 24 August 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

  5. Wednesday 24 September 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Running for a Cause

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) as the official charity partner. Since 1931, CANSA has been at the forefront of cancer research, education, and support. Runners can contribute to this important cause by donating when entering any of the events online.

Stay Connected

Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Website: www.runyourcityseries.com

Nedbank Running Club’s Top Contenders for the 2025 Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield

The 2025 Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield, nicknamed Joburg’s toughest half, has attracted some of the best runners that Nedbank Running Club has to offer. Offering excellent preparation for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon later this year, the climb up to Northcliff Hill is set to challenge not only the elite but every runner brave enough to take it on. With a course record of 1:07:13 in the men and 1:18:00 in the women, our contenders are set to race hard to see if the Green Team can claim the top spots.

The Nedbank Running Club has selected a formidable team to contest top positions. Here’s a look at the club’s strongest contenders:

Onalenna Khonkhobe

2024 Two Oceans and Soweto Marathon Champion Khonkhobe has consistently delivered strong performances across many of South Africa’s biggest races. His half marathon PB is an impressive 1:03:13 set at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2022. Last year’s victory at the 2024 Pirates Half Marathon puts him as a real contender to take down the long-standing men’s record of 1:07:13 set in 2013. “I will be racing, I will see on Sunday how I feel, but the record is a possibility. This is part of my preparation for Two Oceans, especially to improve my speedwork on the climbs.”

Lucky Mohale

New to the veteran category, Mohale’s is still aiming to compete overall. He continues to impress taking second place at this year’s Johnson Crane Half Marathon with a time of 1:07:27. While the course at Pirates is a lot harder, especially in terms of climbing, Mohale is confident about his chances.  “I am aiming for a podium at Pirates, my season has started well and while I am preparing for Two Oceans, this race is a good one to push and see where my training is.” 

Adele Broodryk

A standout performer in the women’s field, Broodryk boasts an impressive half-marathon best of 1:18:30, achieved in Port Elizabeth in 2023. While she is coming back from injury, Broodryk remains a strong and consistent runner, her comeback is set, and we are excited to see her back in form, ready to test her speed work on this course.

“This is a training run for me to see where I am post-injury, it is perfect to incorporate some much-needed hill training.”

Tiisetso Mokhoma

Mokhoma with a half-marathon PB of 1:08:20 has proven himself as a top-tier competitor. His recent results include fourth place at last year’s African Bank Soweto Half Marathon in 1:09:11 means he will be considered a real contender for the podium, given how tough the Soweto course is. 

Joel Mmone

Mmone brings an elite pedigree with a PB of 1:01:22 set at the 2019 Port Elizabeth Half Marathon. In 2024, he finished 7th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon running a 1:04:34. His experience and tactical racing ability will be key factors on race day.

With such a talented lineup, the Nedbank Running Club is set to make a significant impact at the 2025 Pirates 21K. Whether vying for the top spots or pushing for personal bests, these elite athletes will undoubtedly add excitement to this race.

Nedbank Gravel Burn: A New Era For Gravel Racing

Gravel Burn is thrilled to welcome Nedbank as its Title Sponsor, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the seven-day, 850km stage race—now officially known as Nedbank Gravel Burn. Set to take place from 26 October to 1 November 2025, this epic race will lead riders through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking and untamed landscapes.

This landmark five-year partnership underscores Nedbank’s deep commitment to cycling, backing a bold and innovative event with the potential to redefine gravel racing. With an unprecedented $150,000 prize purse—the largest single-event payout in gravel racing history—Nedbank Gravel Burn is set to make waves on the international stage. Coupled with world-class race production and an extensive global media strategy, the event is primed to attract top professional and amateur riders alike.

“Nedbank Gravel Burn represents an exciting evolution in cycling,” says Jason Quinn, Chief Executive of Nedbank. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to drive positive change, foster economic growth, and create lasting impact. By supporting initiatives that reflect our values, we aim to empower individuals and position South Africa as a global leader in gravel racing.”

Kevin Vermaak, Founder of Gravel Burn, adds: “This race takes everything we’ve learned from stage racing and applies it to a fast-growing discipline. With Nedbank on board from day one, we have a unique opportunity to build something truly special—an event that challenges riders, showcases South Africa’s diverse landscapes, and earns its place on the international gravel calendar.”

But Nedbank Gravel Burn is more than just a race—it’s a journey through history and landscapes few have experienced. Riders will traverse ancient trails where dinosaurs once roamed, cross historic battlefields, and camp beneath the vast Karoo night sky—one of the darkest in the world. Off the bike, the race village comes alive with cultural storytelling, local hospitality, and camaraderie, ensuring every moment is part of something bigger.

The event’s Founding Sponsors—Toyota, Assos, ChemChamp, Shamwari, and WeWork—played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. As the first brands to back the race, they will always be recognised as the pioneers who helped shape a world-class gravel racing experience.

With an unmatched rider experience, the sport’s biggest prize purse, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries, Nedbank Gravel Burn is set to raise the bar for gravel racing worldwide.

About Nedbank Group

Nedbank Group is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, listed on the JSE Limited with a market capitalisation of R137bn as of 31 December 2024. Operating across South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, as well as in key international financial centres like London and Dubai, Nedbank offers a comprehensive range of banking, insurance, asset management, and wealth management services. The group has maintained a level 1 BBBEE status for six consecutive years and ranks in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores. Learn more at www.nedbankgroup.co.za.

About Gravel Burn

Gravel Burn is a seven-day, 850km gravel stage race that showcases South Africa’s extraordinary landscapes—from lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo. Riders experience remote camps under starlit skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where they encounter Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. More than just a race, Gravel Burn is an adventure that inspires and challenges riders in equal measure.

For more details, visit www.gravel-burn.com.