Read all about how Sphelele Dlamini overcame adversity to become a professional basketball player in Europe. Sphelele had both legs amputated shortly after birth, but hasn’t let this hold him back. Our Roving Cow Richard Laskey gets the full story.
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Tshwane set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10K spectacle
By Adnaan Mohamed
In the heart of the capital, where jacaranda-lined boulevards meet gritty tarmac, a stampede is brewing—one not of hooves, but of hearts pounding in unison. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, the fourth leg of South Africa’s premier road running series, is set to light up the streets of Arcadia on Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Like a sprinter exploding from the blocks, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is barrelling into Tshwane for its penultimate leg where pounding feet will soon echo through the capital’s corridors of culture.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K continues to attract elite athletes from across South Africa and beyond, delivering exciting racing and unforgettable performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and architect of the series.
“This event is a true celebration of Tshwane’s spirit, culture, and growing prominence on the national and international running calendar.”
Fresh off a triple crown of sold-out spectacles in Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban, the road running juggernaut now turns its gaze inland, where anticipation sizzles like summer tar.
Meyer isn’t overselling it. The Tshwane edition is a finely tuned balance of high-performance athleticism and street-festival euphoria. It’s where Olympic hopefuls and barefoot dreamers toe the same line, racing past cheering residents, live DJs, and heritage-laced landmarks like Arcadia’s Stanza Bopape Street — the race’s start and finish line.
And it’s not just about cadence and heartbeats.
“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa.
“The entertainment along the route is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and cultural traditions, turning the race into a vibrant tribute to the capital’s spirit.”
Indeed, if marathons are chess games in motion, this 10K is a party on the run — a rhythmic riot of neon trainers, sweaty smiles and Tshwane’s unmistakable beat.
To keep runners fueled with joy, PUMA South Africa is bringing its crowd-favourite GO WILD activation — a carnival of colour and kinetic selfies that’s followed the series from coast to capital.
“This high-energy experience is inspired by our latest ‘Runner’s High’ campaign,” says Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager.
“It’s all about celebrating movement, motivation, and moments of joy… Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking in the atmosphere, don’t forget to snap a selfie and share your race day spirit.”
Meanwhile, automotive partner Chery South Africa will once again ignite the field with its on-route activation — injecting mid-race adrenaline like a second wind from a gel pack.
“Our activation is all about uplifting runners with a surge of inspiration just when they need it most,” says Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu.
“We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the power of community.”
Oh, and one lucky runner will cross the finish line and drive off in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT valued at R269,900 — if they’ve earned it by finishing all 10 kilometres.
For those with fire in their legs and patriotism in their lungs, the Heritage Double Entry offers runners a two-city combo: Tshwane in August and Joburg on 24 September. The package includes two races, exclusive gear, Gautrain rides, and a boerie roll with a beer — a fitting post-race reward as they cool down in heritage-rich public squares.
Runners can also lace up for a cause. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa. Every stride can be a statement — every kilometre a contribution.
So, whether you’re an elite gunning for glory, a weekend warrior in search of runner’s high, or a spectator chasing vibes not medals, Tshwane promises a race as electric as a final sprint down the home stretch.
Ready, Tshwane? The countdown has begun. Lace up, line up, and run your city.
Entries close Friday, 15 August 2025 — or when capacity bursts like a popped hamstring. Don’t miss your stride.
Race Info:
- Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
- Time: 08:00
- Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia
- Entry Fee: R255 (Licensed), R70 (Temp License)
- Double Heritage Entry: R595 (includes both Tshwane & Joburg events)
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Website: https://runyourcityseries.com/
Hyperice Named as The Official Recovery Technology Partner of Nedbank Gravel Burn
The Nedbank Gravel Burn today announced a new partnership with Hyperice, global leader in recovery and movement enhancement technology. As The Official Recovery Technology Partner of the 2025 race, Hyperice will deliver on-site recovery support to all riders through their award-winning Normatec 3 Recovery Boots & Hyperice Range, available daily and free of charge throughout the event.
All registered riders will benefit from a 30-minute Normatec recovery session via designated Hyperice Recovery Stations in each Burn Camp. Using dynamic air compression to boost circulation and combat muscle fatigue, the Normatec system delivers professional-grade recovery to help you stay fresh and strong through all seven days of racing.
“Rider experience is everything,” says Kevin Vermaak, Founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn. “I used the Normatec boots for the first time after the Kindling rides, and honestly, they amazed me. I actually started wondering whether it was the boots that made me feel so strong the next day. We want every rider to enjoy themselves as much as possible out there – and to do that, recovery is key.”
In addition to complimentary use, all registered riders will be eligible to purchase Normatec Recovery Boots at a special discounted rate directly from Hyperice. For those who buy a pair, Hyperice will provide full on-site support, including charging and transportation between stages. Riders will simply collect their boots each day from their allocated Recovery Station, and can use them wherever they like, whether at the recovery station, in their tent, or while winding down around the fire.
“The boots were in use from the moment the first riders were showered after the Kindling, right up into the evening around the campfire,” says Danielle Lopes, Sales & Marketing Manager at Hyperice South Africa. “Being able to relax with a hot drink and good company while actively recovering – that’s the kind of small detail that really makes a difference.”
The Nedbank Gravel Burn and Hyperice partnership brings elite-level recovery to every rider, reinforcing the event’s commitment to performance, health and enjoyment across one of the most demanding and memorable gravel races on the calendar.
About Hyperice
Hyperice is a global high-performance wellness brand specialising in technology-driven recovery solutions that help people move better. Founded in 2010, Hyperice has developed a suite of award-winning products — including Normatec dynamic air compression, Hypervolt percussion massage, and Venom heat and vibration technology — used by athletes, fitness professionals, and wellness enthusiasts in over 60 countries. The company’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move and live better, by unlocking the full potential of the body through science-backed innovation.
For more information, visit www.hyperice.co.za.
About Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 800km gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo, riders enjoy remote camps under starry skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. The race inspires and challenges riders in equal measure.
For more information, visit Nedbank Gravel Burn’s official website www.gravel-burn.com.
Meet the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series: Smartwatch Power for Every Move
Whether you’re a casual runner, serious trailblazer or lifestyle athlete juggling work and workouts, the new HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series is built to match your every stride. Featuring the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and the performance-driven WATCH FIT 4 Pro, this fourth-generation range combines smart tech, sleek design, and powerful health insights to help you train smarter, recover better, and live well.
Lightweight Comfort Meets Durable Design
At just 27g and 9.5mm thin, the WATCH FIT 4 is featherlight for all-day comfort, whether you’re at your desk or chasing a personal best. The Pro model, while still light at 30.4g, steps it up with aviation-grade aluminium, a titanium bezel, and sapphire glass—designed to withstand tough trails, dives, and multisport adventures.
Bright Displays Built for Action
Both watches feature a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, ensuring crisp clarity in all lighting. The WATCH FIT 4 shines with 2,000 nits of brightness, while the Pro maxes out at 3,000 nits, making it easy to check stats on sunlit runs, hikes or bike rides.
Smarter Fitness, Sharper Tracking
The WATCH FIT 4 is ideal for everyday movers. It supports seven new sports modes (like mountain climbing and trail running), offers HRV monitoring, sleep insights, and a new Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. Its Sunflower Positioning System improves GPS accuracy by 30%, while the air pressure sensor enhances elevation tracking. There’s even route tracking for aquatic sports.
The Pro goes further, with Advanced Terrain Map Tracking, offline contour maps, backtracking, and checkpoint navigation. It also features Golf Mode with 15,000+ course maps, Diving Mode (up to 40m), and Breath-Hold Training—making it a versatile tool for athletes of every kind.
Health Monitoring That Goes Deeper
At the heart of the Pro model is Huawei’s new TruSense System—an advanced sensor suite that monitors heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, and sleep breathing. It even supports temperature-based menstrual tracking for women. The standard WATCH FIT 4 still provides impressive insights, making both models powerful health companions.
Puma Signs Double Olympic Champion Miltiadis Tentoglou
Global sports company PUMA continues strengthening its portfolio in track and field by signing long jump double Olympic champion, Miltiadis “Miltos” Tentoglou, from Greece.
Last summer, at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Tentoglou captivated the world by successfully defending his Olympic title—a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Carl Lewis. With a leap of 8.48 m, he once again proved that embracing your true self is the ultimate path to greatness.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Miltiadis to the PUMA family. Signing him is a great moment for PUMA as we keep growing our presence in athletics and establishing PUMA as a dominant,” said Pascal Rolling, Director of Sports Marketing Running at PUMA. “Watching his performance in Paris was a thrill, and we’re excited to support him both on and off the track as he continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of athletes,” Pascal Rolling continues.
On top of his Olympic achievements, Miltiadis is a six-time European champion, winning a record three consecutive outdoor titles in 2018, 2022 and 2024 and a record three successive men’s indoor titles between 2019 and 2023.
PUMA is all about backing track and field athletes—those who bring passion, personality, and bold energy to the sport. In collaboration with athletes like Miltiadis, PUMA continues to push the boundaries of performance innovation, developing cutting-edge products that empower them to perform at their peak.
Tentoglou will compete as a PUMA athlete during the Novuna London Athletics Meet on July 19, continuing his journey of success among the wild ones.
For more information about PUMA and Go Wild, visit www.puma.com, or follow our journey on social media @PUMA.
Gerda’s Steyn’s Blueprint to Marathon Mastery
By Adnaan Mohamed
When you’ve conquered the country’s toughest ultra-marathons and shattered records with a stride as smooth as a metronome in motion, you earn your place on the throne. Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s undisputed road running royalty, has not only rewritten the record books—she’s redefined what’s possible on tar. Now, the multiple Comrades and Two Oceans champion is shifting focus from gold medals to guiding the masses.
This spring, as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon gears up for a historic run at World Marathon Major status, Gerda is inviting every runner—novice and elite alike—into her inner circle with a powerful new tool: the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Training Plan. It’s a 14-week roadmap forged in the fires of experience, designed to take South Africans on the journey of a lifetime, one stride at a time.
The Queen’s Plan
“Training for a marathon is as much about mental preparation as it is physical,” says Steyn. “With this plan, I’ve created a programme that supports runners every step of the way, from their first training run to the finish line. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey and to help more South Africans believe in their potential to go the distance.”
And that’s what makes this plan more than just a schedule—it’s a philosophy. It blends structured weekly runs, long runs, strength and recovery sessions, mindset tools, and nutrition guidance into a holistic system that speaks to real athletes with real lives. It’s not just about chasing times—it’s about building belief.
Available to adiClub members via points redemption in the adidas app, Gerda’s plan gives Modern Athletes across the country access to world-class coaching—without the price tag of a personal trainer.
Run With Purpose: Road to a World Major
With adidas as technical sponsor, this year’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is on a mission much bigger than the race itself: it’s aiming to become the first African race to achieve World Marathon Major status by 2026. That goal hinges on hitting a key milestone in 2025—15,000 marathon finishers.
That’s where Gerda’s training programme, comes in.
To help rally the community, adidas has re-ignited its Run for Africa campaign. Back for the third consecutive year, the initiative rewards every runner who starts, runs and finishes the full 42.2km in adidas Running footwear with a R2,000 adidas online voucher.
“Run for Africa is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action to unite, uplift and inspire runners across South Africa and beyond,” says Tom Brown, adidas South Africa’s Senior Brand Director.
“As we work toward World Marathon Major status in 2026, we want every runner to know they’re not just chasing a finish line—they’re part of something historic.”
Whether you’re aiming for a sub-3 or just trying to finish before the cutoff, your presence on that start line matters.
adidas Boston 13: The Shoe with a Story
No journey is complete without the right gear—and adidas has delivered with the Adizero Boston 13 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Edition. This limited-edition racing shoe is more than just tech—it’s a tribute to the city, the route, and the runners chasing greatness.
Draped in vibrant lucid red, it features a map of the marathon route on the insole, a flame logo symbolising Africa’s ambition on the medial tab, and custom printed shoelace aglets for that extra touch of class. It’s available at R3,299 online and in select adidas stores.
Fast. Fierce. Functional. It’s built for Boston… but inspired by Cape Town.
Join the Movement
Cape Town is calling. Not just to seasoned elites, but to everyday runners, weekend warriors, and first-timers itching to prove something to themselves.
With Gerda Steyn as your coach, adidas as your supporter, and Cape Town’s golden streets as your stage, the next 14 weeks could redefine your limits.
Because this marathon is about more than medals. It’s about movement. Momentum. And making history.
Download the adidas app. Join adiClub. Follow the plan. And lace up for your marathon moment.
#GerdaSteyn #RunForAfrica #CapeTownMarathon
Kabelo Produces another PB at DURBAN 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed
On a sun-baked Sunday morning along Durban’s shimmering Golden Mile, the tar melted under the thunder of over 10,000 pounding feet—each chasing glory, each carving their rhythm on the city’s pulse. But as the dust settled and sweat cooled into salt, it was one man, Kabelo Mulaudzi, who rose once again from the chaos like a phoenix with spikes—his wings forged in resilience and his flight fuelled by ambition.
Clocking a blistering 27 minutes and 41 seconds, the 27-year-old sensation from Alexandra, cloaked in the familiar scarlet kit of Boxer Running Club, painted the beachfront red with triumph as he defended his Absa Run Your City Durban 10K crown.
They call him “Mr Podium,” and on this morning, he lived up to the name like a conductor returning to his favourite symphony, every stride a note in a masterpiece composed by sweat and spirit.
“Last year was tough with injuries, but I’ve bounced back strongly with consistent performances this season.”
“I’m proud of my performance because I came into this race determined to win,” Kabelo said, his words punctuated by gasps of air, sweat cascading down his temples like medals of effort.
Indeed, 2024 may have tested his body, but 2025 has witnessed his renaissance—a rebirth of resolve and rhythm. This was not just a race; it was a poetic duel against the ticking clock and a ghost in his mind: the South African 10km record of 27:48 set by Adriaan Wildschutt. Kabelo chased it with the hunger of a lion hunting it’s prey in the last kilometre.
Like a sprinter who felt the tailwind shift mid-race, Kabelo hinted at an unseen adversary—the race route itself, which had undergone slight changes this year.
“I had hoped to break the national 10km record,” he confessed.
“But I ran out of steam in the last 5km. That’s where I need to improve—finishing strong. Still, I clocked a personal best, making this one of my fastest races yet. But honestly, my target was the SA record.”
“Mofolo and Vincent gave me a real challenge today.”
“Durban is my favourite course, and had we gone out faster in the first 5km, I believe I could have broken the record,” he mused.
Indeed, Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo stormed home like a bullet from the highlands, clocking 27:47, a national record for his country. Kenyan front-runner Vincent Kipkorir, the race favourite, found himself edged into third with 27:48.
It was a finish line shootout—a race so tight that six runners dipped under 28 minutes. It was indicative of the quality of the elite field assembled by the race organisers.
But Kabelo’s fire still burns hotter than ever.
“I wasn’t desperate to break the record—I just truly believed I had it in me,” he said, eyes fixed beyond the finish line, beyond this race, as if already imagining the next showdown. “I’ll keep trying, and I believe that in one of the upcoming races, I’ll get it right.”
With R110,000 in prize money earned—R30,000 for the win and an R80,000 bonus for his sub-27:45 pace—Kabelo’s real wealth lies not in cash but in consistency. It’s no fluke. His training, overseen by coach Richard Meyer, is a science of structure, repetition, and faith in the process.
“I’ve been focused on training and following my coach’s guidance,” he said with gratitude. “Our rivalry began in Tshwane when Mofolo beat me, but I’ve now managed to beat him twice in a row. I’m happy for him setting his national record.”
Kabelo now eyes the Central Gauteng Athletics 10K Champs, the Durban Hollywood 10K, and the next Absa Run Your City race with the hunger of a man chasing legacy, not just medals.
“My goal is to win the remaining Absa races and to stay healthy and injury-free.”
If Kabelo danced with the wind, Glenrose Xaba battled headwinds wrapped in asphalt. South Africa’s women’s 10km record holder came to Durban with dreams of rewriting her own legacy—but for the woman fondly dubbed as ‘Supercharger’— everything did not go as planned.20.
Xaba, running with the rhythm of ambition, finished fifth in 31:50, the top South African woman in a race dominated by Kenya’s relentless trio—Clare Ndiwa (30:50), Janet Mutungi (30:53), and Jesca Chelangat (30:58). A sweep so clean it felt like a brushstroke across the continent.
“Yeah, eish, the pace felt fine at the start, especially in the first kilometre,” she said, still catching her breath after the run.
“But from 2km onwards, there were way more hills than last year. The 2024 route was much faster, but this year’s course was really challenging.”
“There were too many climbs—it wasn’t flat at all,” she said
“I think there were three, maybe even four significant climbs, and that really took a toll on the body. By the time you hit the 6km or 8km mark, it felt like a completely different route.”
“I believe the course should’ve been flat from the start with no climbs, because it wasn’t the same as last year. If it had been, we all could’ve run faster times.”
Though her legs churned with effort, the result did little for her World Championships qualification hopes via the 10,000m rankings.
“I won’t lie—this result wasn’t good for my world ranking. It was one of the toughest I’ve run this year. My legs didn’t respond well over the last 3km, and I know I could’ve gone faster.”
She dismissed any talk of fatigue as a factor.
“No, I don’t think I’m tired or over-racing. I’ve been focusing more on mileage than speed in training. The problem was the hills—I’m used to flat courses, and I just couldn’t handle the climbs.”
With her world championship hopes in the 10,000m hanging by a thread, Glenrose is considering a tactical pivot—a shift to the 5000m, where her current global ranking offers more room to manoeuvre.
“I believe I’m still ranked well in the 5000m, and if I can secure a few more races in that event, it could improve my chances more than the 10,000m,” she said. “I think my manager is currently trying to find a race for me, ” she added.
There are two races remaining in the series, the TSHWANE 10k on Sunday, 24 August and the JOBURG 10K on Wednesday, 24 September on Heritage Day.
RESULTS: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Date: Sunday 13 July 2025
Start Time: 08:00
Start Venue: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (MY)
Finish Venue: Durban Beachfront (Golden Mile)
ELITE MEN
1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 27:41, 2 Kamohelo Mofolo (Lesotho) 27:47, 3 Vincent Kipkorir (Kenya) 27:48, 4 Jummanne Ngoya (Tanzania) 27:50, 5 Elroy Gelant (RSA) 27:58, 6 Ryan Mphahlele (RSA) 27:59, 7 Rodgers Murei (Kenya) 28:05, 8 Bennett Seloyi (RSA) 28:12, 9 Aklilu Asfaw (Ethiopia) 28:16, 10 Benjamin Ratsim (Tanzania) 28:22
ELITE WOMEN
1 Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) 30:50, 2 Janet Mutungi (Kenya) 30:53, 3 Jesca Chelangat (Kenya) 30:58, 4 Rebecca Mwangi (Kenya) 31:13, 5 Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:50, 6 Debash Desta (Ethiopia) 31:55, 7 Selam Gebre (Ethiopia) 32:04, 8 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 32:07, 9 Aisha Cheptengeny (Kenya) 32:31, 10 Tayla Kavanagh (RSA) 32:52
Do You Know That Running Ages Your Face?
By Dr Joan van Wyngaard, Founder of Vitant
Glow Harder Than You Train: Skincare for Active Skin.
You’ve clocked the kilometres, nailed your fuelling strategy, and kept your recovery game tight. But here’s a truth many runners and active people overlook: your skin is under pressure too. The very habits that build endurance and strength can accelerate ageing on your face. UV, sweat, wind, and friction don’t just affect your muscles—they attack your collagen, microbiome, and skin barrier. Over time, this results in dullness, fine lines, dehydration, and breakouts. If you’re training for personal bests, it’s time your skincare kept up. That’s where Vitant comes in. Functional skincare made for real life, designed by a pharmacist and endurance runner who knows what active skin needs.
Why Active Skin Needs a Smarter Routine Running outside exposes you to more than just fresh air:
– Sun: UV rays break down collagen and trigger pigmentation, even in winter.
– Sweat: Disrupts your microbiome and can clog pores.
– Wind + Pollution: Dry out and inflame your skin barrier.
Add age and hormones into the mix, and the result is often skin that looks more tired than it feels.
Vitant was built with this in mind: multifunctional products that deliver real results with minimal effort. No layering 7 different products. No complicated routines.
Introducing the Vitant Ranges
– Vitant Complete: A 5-step anti-ageing skincare set for women who want radiant, resilient skin with minimal fuss.
– Vitant men: A simplified 3-step regimen for men who want effective skincare that just works.
– Vitant Clear: A targeted solution for teens and blemish-prone skin, designed to clarify without stripping.
The Science Behind the Simplicity
Every Vitant product is packed with clinically backed actives that deliver visible results:
– RetinART™: A marine bio-retinoid that reduces wrinkles, improves firmness, and boosts collagen without the redness or irritation of retinol.
– LactoSporin®: A postbiotic that balances your skin microbiome, fights acne bacteria, and protects from UV-induced damage.
– Plectranthus aliciae: A South African botanical that kills acne bacteria, clears breakouts, and reduces pigmentation.
– Bulbonella (Bulbine frutescens): Soothes irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves hydration.
– Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Brightens, calms, and supports long-term skin health.
These ingredients are dosed for performance—not for marketing.
Created By a Runner, For Active People
Vitant was born not in a boardroom, but on early morning runs and in the chaos of real life. As a pharmacist and athlete, I built this range because I needed it myself. From the gym bag to the finish line, Vitant delivers protection, performance, and results. Because active skin deserves a routine as smart as your training plan. Smart skincare is your skins recovery plan. Ready to glow harder than you train?
Head over to our Modern Athlete socials and follow the steps to enter the giveaway!
Explore the range at www.vitant.co.za
New MTB Challenge Puts Underberg on the Map
Running Man Adventures (RMA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Sani Pass Time Trial (SPTT), a new mountain bike challenge set to take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Entries for this unique event opened Wednesday, 2 July 2025, visit www.sanipasstt.com to enter.
Nestled in the breath taking Southern Drakensberg, Underberg is a renowned natural backdrop for various adventure activities, hosting major events such as the Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon, RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg and Sani Stagger endurance races. The introduction of the SPTT further solidifies the region’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
SPTT offers a truly distinctive experience: a 21km ascent of the iconic Sani Pass, often referred to as the “holy grail of all Southern African mountain passes” and the gateway to the “Roof of Africa.” The race will commence from Premier Resort Sani Pass at an altitude of 1450m, culminating at the finish line on the edge of Lesotho at 2876m, involving an impressive climb of nearly1500m.
“The South African MTB calendar is definitely crowded, but there’s nothing quite like a time trial up the Sani Pass, so we feel we’re offering something truly unique,” says Spurgeon Flemington, owner and race director of Running Man Adventures. “We also wanted to provide a race where the challenge is very real, but the time commitment isn’t excessive, allowing riders to enjoy a fantastic weekend on their bikes without needing extended leave or time away from family.”
This pure time trial format will see riders setting off at timed intervals with a strict no-drafting policy. The clock will stop as each rider or pair crosses the timing mat at the summit. The return journey down the Pass will be an untimed neutral zone, encouraging participants to safely take in the magnificent surroundings of the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site, with its unparalleled vistas and thin air.
First-timers to Sani Pass can expect to be immersed in a special landscape, while experiencing the extreme challenge of the ascent. The route comprises 13km of tar to the South African Border Post, followed by 8km of lung-busting gravel to the summit.
The Sani Pass Time Trial will feature four race categories: MTB, E-Bike, Gravel Bike, and Single Speed, with options for riders to compete solo or as a team of two. The inaugural event on Saturday, 25 October 2025, will see the first riders depart at 07:00, with the last by 09:00. Start times will be allocated once entries close, with Single Speeds leading the charge, followed by Gravel Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and E-Bikes. All riders are expected to be back by 13:00.
Premier Resort Sani Pass will serve as the race base, hosting the start, finish, prize-giving at15:00, and a celebratory spit braai and after-party for all entrants. On-site accommodation at the hotel will be available for booking two weeks after race entries open.
“It’s always motivating to bring people from all over SA and beyond to share in the beauty of the Southern Drakensberg,” adds Flemington. “All our events are growing, and the future looks bright as we strive to continue offering transformative experiences for athletes from around the country.”
Glenrose Xaba Looks Set For Another Spar Grand Prix Triumph
Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) took another step towards defending her SPAR Women’s Grand Prix title on Sunday when she won the Durban SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 31:54 minutes. She heads the log with a total of 55 points. Xaba was one of five runners to earn the maximum 10 bonus points by finishing within 33 minutes.
Xaba is three points ahead of her nearest rival, Selam Gebre (Nedbank). Gebre finished third in the race, behind her teammate and fellow Ethiopian Dinayah Abaraya, who was running her first SPAR race of the year. Abaraya is currently fifth on the log, with 29 points.
Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) are in joint third position on the log with 36 points. Mailula finished third in Cape Town and eighth in Durban, with five bonus points in Durban, while Sosibo was fourth in Cape Town and seventh in Durban, also with five bonus points.
Former SPAR Grand Prix winner, Diana-Lebo Phalula (Boxer) heads the 40-49 category, with 20 points, having won in Cape Town and Durban with five bonus points. International runner Olga Firsova is in second position, with nine points.
The 50-59 category is headed by Capetonian Anne Stewart of Atlantic, who has 14 points, after winning in Cape Town and finishing second in Durban, with five bonus points.
In the 60+ category, Judy Bird (Boxer) celebrated her birthday on Sunday with another win. She heads the log with 20 points, having earned bonus points in Cape Town and in Durban. Former seven-time Comrades Marathon gold medalist, Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) is hot on her heels with 18 points, having also earned bonus points in both races.
Wiepke Schoeman (Boxer) is top of the log in the junior category, with 10 points, having earned bonus points in both Cape Town and in Durban. Anele Ndawonde is in second position, with five points.