Bulls lose Serfontein, Jooste for Leinster clash

By Adnaan Mohamed

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.

“Credit to the Stormers, but that was probably a Leinster performance we won’t see again,” he warned.

“They’ll want to rectify it and we expect a lot more pressure.

Ackermann also bristled at his side’s soft defence in Swansea:

“It wasn’t good to concede that many points. Leinster will punish us if we repeat that.”

And he has no illusions about the defensive stranglehold Jacques Nienaber’s Leinster side usually applies.

“Jacques Nienaber’s defensive setup seldom gives a team as many opportunities as they did against the Stormers,” Ackermann said.

“That’s why we aren’t taking anything from that loss and focusing on improving ourselves.”

BULLS – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 N Janse van Rensburg, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Bench: 16 Juann Else, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux.

ULTRA GOBI has begun, and everyone is already captivated

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.

“Rory, for one million rand, why do you run?”

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: 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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! 
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

PUMA Renews Partnership with HYROX 

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 Proud to Podium with Wayde at World Champs

By Adnaan Mohamed

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 the World Athletics Championships in 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.”

Pillay believes Van Niekerk’s achievement lit the fuse for a new wave of 400m talent.

“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.

Ox Nche back for Rugby Championship ‘Final’

By Adnaan Mohamed

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.

“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.

Erasmus warned of a backlash from the Pumas:

“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.

Kick-off is at 15:00 (SA time).

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Jesse Kriel.

Source: SA Rugby

Elroy eyes sub-14 at Durban’s Boxer Super Run

By Adnaan Mohamed

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 a 5km showdown that could rewrite the record books.

Lara van Niekerk claims Golden Hat-trick

Adnaan Mohamed

Lara van Niekerk completed a golden hat-trick at the Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships on Sunday, powering through the 200m breaststroke like a swimmer rediscovering her tide.

The 22-year-old, already decorated with Commonwealth and World medals, clocked 2:24.81 to sweep the 50m, 100m, and 200m titles. It was a clean breaststroke sweep that signalled her resurgence.

“I enjoy the short-course 200 because it’s all about pull downs and you can keep your speed, so I really enjoyed that race … don’t tell my coach,” she laughed afterwards.

“The last 50 I had to dig deep, but it shows my fitness is back where it should be. Now it’s just sharpening the little technical things.”

Van Niekerk admitted the championships had been a confidence-restoring current:

“There’s not one race I’m upset about… fitness is there, stroke is where it should be. It’s looking good.”

On the men’s side, Oliva Lange paddled home with the 200m breaststroke crown in 2:12.11.

Elsewhere, Duné Coetzee added yet another gold to her treasure chest, outlasting rising 16-year-old Abigail Kotze in the women’s 200m butterfly.

Coetzee touched in 2:14.16, a fingertip ahead of Kotze’s 2:14.85.

“I felt awful this morning after the late 400 free, so I was nervous,” Coetzee admitted.

“But Abi really pushed me, and I didn’t think I’d go five seconds faster than the heat. Even when she beat me in the 100 fly, I was so proud of her – it’s great to have someone who keeps me racing.”

The men’s butterfly brought the upset of the meet, as Jarden Eaton surged from lane eight to steal gold in 1:59.50, ducking under the two-minute mark for the first time.

Jarden Eaton won gold in the men’s butterfly Photo’s: Swim SA

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

“I just wanted a personal best… but building into that last 50, it all came together. I’m really happy.”

The distance titles capped the meet: Carli Antonopoulos cruised to the women’s 1500m freestyle in 17:01.33, while Matthew Caldwell completed a golden treble of his own, claiming the men’s 1500m in 15:28.11.

“It wasn’t as quick as I’d like, but after a long week of racing, I’ll take the win,” said Caldwell, already sighting next year’s Commonwealth Games like a swimmer eyeing the far wall.

SOURCE: SWIM SA

Glenrose storms to historic SPAR Grand Prix hat-trick in Gqeberha

By Adnaan Mohamed

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – Glenrose Xaba once again turned the SPAR Women’s Challenge into her personal racetrack on Saturday morning, streaking down Marine Drive like a sprinter on rails to seize her fourth straight victory of the 2025 Grand Prix Series and, with it, another chapter of history.

The Boxer Athletic Club dynamo, nicknamed “SuperCharger” for the way she ignites races with a sudden burst of speed stopped the clock at a searing 31:57, her white cap bobbing like a beacon at the head of the pack as she tore through the Windy City air.

She sliced the tape ahead of Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh (32:01), while Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (32:04) , clad in Nedbank green, clung on for third.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 27: Glenrose Xaba (L) , Diniya Abaraya and Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood (R) during the 2025 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix 10km Challenge at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha. Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images)

Glenrose has now sprinted into an unassailable 115-point lead with one race to spare, making next weekend’s Johannesburg leg little more than a victory lap.

She becomes the first black South African athlete to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times, adding her name once more to a glittering roll call that includes Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Namibia’s Helalia Johannes and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

On a crisp morning made for fast times, Glenrose toed the line looking refreshed, having chosen to sidestep Wednesday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K. When the gun fired, she immediately leaned into the race like a runner unwilling to wait for destiny.

Her usual rival Selam Gebre tried to shadow her stride for stride, joined by Abaraya, and for a while the trio ran in formation, as though the podium had already been sketched in pencil.

But Gebre, her legs heavy from a fourth-place finish at the Buenos Aires Marathon earlier this month, faltered once Glenrose pressed the accelerator.

Resplendent in her trademark white cap, Glenrose’s surge was as decisive as it was devastating down the home straight.

The contest for gold was over; the race had become a chase for silver. Kavanagh, digging into her reserves with the grit of a runner who refused to fade, clawed her way past Abaraya to snatch second.

For Glenrose, the victory was all the sweeter because she had not felt at her sharpest.

WATCH | Glenrose Xaba makes history at the Spar Grand Prix in Gqeberha Video: Adnaan Mohamed

“I was not 100 percent. My body was not responding well,” she admitted afterwards.

“The course was very fast. Last year I ran a course record. Today I did 31 high because my body was not responding well. I tried my best to push my pace, but I could not push much.

“But I told myself, ‘Let me keep the pace’ and then in the last three kilometres I said, ‘let me give myself a push’.”

And push she did, storming home to the delight of the Gqeberha crowd and swelling her bank balance with a R200 000 payday for clinching the overall Grand Prix prize.

The race itself was a sell-out, with 5 000 runners filling the streets in a celebration of women’s running.

For one lucky participant, it was about more than medals and times: Nomandla Lunguza of Kariega, Uitenhage walked away with a Hyundai EXTER, the fifth vehicle SPAR and Hyundai have given away this season.

“At Hyundai Automotive South Africa, we believe excellence comes in many forms. Whether you are leading the race or simply showing and giving it your all. That is why we are proud to be part of the SPAR Women’s Challenge, where every woman out there is a winner in her own right,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“Accordingly, the SPAR Women’s Challenge alignment with the Hyundai EXTER is aimed at highlighting this vehicle’s strength. It is built to handle life’s daily demands with ease and flair. Just like the event itself, the Hyundai EXTER is as versatile and vibrant as the women who inspire us every day.”

For Glenrose Xaba, though, the car on Saturday was running on her own high-octane, Supercharged engine.

And with one more race to go, she has already driven her way into history.

Hyundai Exter winner, Nomandla Lunguza, with Clinton Bezuidenhout, Dealer Principal at Hyundai Gqeberha. Photo: Michael Sheehan / Gallo Images

The final leg of the SPAR Grand Prix will take place on Sunday morning, 05 October 2025 at Marks Park Sporting Club in Emmerentia, Johannesburg.

SPAR GRAND PRIX RESULTS: GQEBERHA

Results of the SPAR Grand Prix women’s 10km race held in Gqeberha on Saturday, 27 September 2025.

Open: 1 Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 31:57, 2 Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 32:01, 3 Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) 32:04, 4 Karabo Mailula (Tuks) 32:43, 5 Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 33:02, 6 Karabo More (Boxer) 33:15, 7 Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) 33:47, 8 Carina Swiegers (Boxer) 35:47, 9 Nicola Wills (Boxer) 35:56, 10 Lizandre Mulder (Kovsies) 36:10

U20: Chanell Groenewalt (Boxer) 38:16, 2 Hlengiwe Nkosi (Madibaz) 39:32, 3 Abbie Mitchell (Madibaz) 41:25, 4 Ilke Wolmarans (Elite) 47:03, 5 Entle Komani (Kowie) 48:50

40-49: 1 Janie Grundling (Peak) 37:03, 2 Nerida Lubbe (Nedbank) 39:20, 3 Ntombesintu Mfunzi (Nedbank) 42:38, 4 Cindy Marais (Charlo) 43:50, 5 Natascia de Ridder (Elite) 48:23

50-59: 1 Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 39:42, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 42:23, 3 Davera Magson (Nedbank) 45:33, 4 Liezl van Zyl (Nedbank) 46:32, 5 Burinta Strydom (Run 4 Christ) 46:54

60-69: 1 Judy Bird (Boxer) 41:42, 2 Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) 45:13, 3 Christine Claasen (Nedbank) 46:41, 4 Lelanie Cornelius (NA) 49:39, 5 Johanette Oosthuizen (Body Concept) 50:44

70-79: 1 Margie Saunders (Nedbank) 45:06, 2 Rozetta Kemp (Run 4 Christ) 56:30

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Kabelo smashes Absa RYC Joburg 10K record

By Adnaan Mohamed

Kabelo Mulaudzi turned Johannesburg’s Heritage Day streets into his stage, storming to a course-record victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old from the Boxer Athletic Club made history by claiming his fourth straight win in the 2025 series becoming the first runner to achieve this feat since the launch of the series in 2015.

Like a seasoned tactician, Mulaudzi bided his time in the pack before unleashing a late surge down Rahima Moosa Street, raising four fingers skyward as he crossed Mary Fitzgerald Square in triumph.

He clocked a blistering 28 minutes and 39 seconds. Tanzanian Emanuel Dinday chased hard but finished seven seconds adrift in 28:45, while Mulaudzi’s Boxer teammate Bennett Seloyi (28:51) grabbed a career-first podium in third.

“The race was tactical,” admitted Mulaudzi, who eclipsed the old course best by 12 seconds.

He managed to beat Kenyan Gideon Kipngetich 28:51 course record set last year in Joburg.

“Facing athletes of the calibre of Precious Mashele, Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant was intimidating, but I focused on my race. This has been the best season of my life with four wins in a row, and breaking 28 minutes three times. I’m so grateful to my coach, my club, and my family.”

Elite Men on route at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K by Tobias Ginsberg

Coach Richard Mayer hailed the series as a springboard for South Africa’s best.

“If it was not for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY races, athletes like Kabelo would need to go overseas for opportunities. This platform is priceless,” he said.

“I’m so glad for him because he is meticulous in his preparation and works extremely hard. He is boy from down the road in Alexandra so it’s great for him to finally get a victory in his hometown.”

In the women’s contest, Karabo Mailula found her golden moment, sprinting clear to claim her maiden women’s title in 33:34.

Karabo Mailula Photo: Tobias Ginsburg.

The 23-year-old Tuks athlete struck early, peeling away from the field after the second kilometre and stretching her lead with every stride. She coasted home more than a minute clear of Kenya’s Florence Nyaingiri (35:17), with Zimbabwean veteran Rutendo Nyahora (36:35) in third.

“It’s always been my dream to win here,” said a jubilant Mailula.

“I knew the course, I trained harder, and today it paid off. I’m grateful to God for this victory.”

With 14,400 runners flooding the streets of the City of Gold in a sea of red, the race became a fitting spectacle and celebration on Heritage Day.

“What better way to mark Heritage Day than with this electric finale to another brilliant season,” said Stillwater Sports founder Michael Meyer.

Absa’s Jabulile Nsibanyoni echoed the sentiment:

“Every runner had their own reason for lacing up today, and together they made it unforgettable. The stories and spirit were as inspiring as the champions themselves.”

RESULTS: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Lilian Ngoyi Street

Finish Venue: Rahima Moosa Street

ELITE MEN

1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:39, 2 Emanuel Dinday (Tanzania) 28:45, 3 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa) 28:51, 4 Aklilu Asfaw (Ethiopia) 28:54, 5 Benjamin Ratsim (Tanzania) 28:55, 6 Thabang Mosiako (South Africa) 29:05, 7 Namakoe Nkhasi (Lesotho) 29:12, 8 Stephen Mokoka (South Africa) 29:14, 9 Joseph Seutloali (Lesotho) 29:16, 10 Elroy Gelant (South Africa) 29:19

ELITE WOMEN1 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 33:44, 2 Florence Nyaingiri (Kenya) 35:17, 3 Rutendo Nyahora (Zimbabwe) 36:35, 4 Naomy Jerono (Kenya) 36:43, 5 Elizabeth Hutamo (South Africa) 36:45, 6 Samantha Coetzer (South Afirca) 36:55, 7 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 37:08, 8 Evas Nasasira (Uganda) 37:21, 9 Violet Mogano (South Africa) 37:38, 10 Elizabeth Chemweno (Kenya) 37:56

GET YOUR FULL ABSA RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG RESULTS HERE: