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Rebecca Kohne shocks UTCT 55km with Breakout Win in Debut Ultra-Trail

Adnaan MohamedNews, TrailLeave a Comment on Rebecca Kohne shocks UTCT 55km with Breakout Win in Debut Ultra-Trail
Adnaan Mohamed

By the time dawn cracked open above Table Mountain on Friday, the storm had already done its damage. Cape Town’s city bowl looked like a shaken snow globe – debris scattered, Race Village shuttered, the wind still muttering threats through the pines.

But out on the 2025 RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) Peninsula Traverse 55km start line, a 22-year-old from George stood still and unbothered, like someone listening to a different frequency entirely.
Rebecca Kohne wasn’t here for the noise. She was here for the mountain.

The thing is, nobody expected much from her, not even her.

This was her first ultra. Her first dance with the 55 km beast. Her first attempt at a distance where mistakes become monsters and pacing becomes gospel. The PT55 is notorious: half coastal storm, half rocky furnace, all attitude.

Kohne just smiled at it.

A Track Kid Walking Into the Lion’s Den

Kohne didn’t grow up on rugged singletrack. She’s a track kid with clean lines, controlled speed, predictable rhythm. She only started trail running in 2022, easing into shorter races, building confidence in the dirt.

Nothing in her résumé said “future 55 km winner.” But UTCT has a habit of pulling truth out of people.

“I had a really nice day today and really enjoyed the course,” she said later, almost too casually for someone who had just shocked one of the world’s biggest trail races.

“I ran pretty conservatively and ran a bit harder towards the end of the race.”

She said it like she’d just ticked off a chilled Sunday jog—not a career-altering breakout.

Running Her Own Race – Literally

What separated her from the rest wasn’t raw power or swagger. It was composure.

She didn’t panic when the wind howled across the ridges. She didn’t force things on the climbs. She didn’t chase the favourites.

She simply stayed in her lane – an ex–track runner building a new one across the mountain.

“No, I didn’t think so,” she admitted when asked if she expected to win. “I was hoping for top five.”

Then she dropped the line that perfectly sums up her day:

“The biggest thing I take away from today is not to count yourself out until the end. I just ran my own race, and I was focusing on how I was feeling. I just solved my problems as I was going through the course, and it turned out to work out for me.”

That’s veteran-level patience. That’s ultra instinct earned, not taught.

A Victory Without Flash – But Full of Fire

Rebecca Kohne did not arrive at UTCT to make noise. But mountains don’t care about hype—they care about honesty.

And Kohne ran with the kind of honest effort that trail running respects: steady, smart, attuned, unshakeable. Her 6:11:44 finish was clean, decisive and quietly devastating to the field.

A first ultra win in her first ultra attempt? That’s the kind of statistic that makes the trail world lean forward.

“For now, I will just enjoy the victory and decide what to do next when I return home,” she said, already being touted as South Africa’s next big thing.

Classic Kohne – calm in a moment when most would combust.

The Trail World Has a New Name to Learn

There are performances that make headlines.
Then there are performances that change trajectories.

This one felt like the latter.

On a morning when the storm was supposed to steal the show, a 22-year-old solved the mountain like it was a riddle she’d been waiting her whole life to answer.

Rebecca Kohne came to UTCT as an unknown. She left as the athlete everyone will be watching when the next trail rises.

2025 UTCT Winners

100 Miler (UTCT 100M)
• Men: Douglas Pickard (RSA) – 21:49:11
2. Aleksei Tolstenko (RSA)
3. Admire Muzopambwa (ZIM)

100 km (UT100 – Men)
• Jeff Mogavero (USA) – 11:04:53
2. Dmitry Mityaev (Neutral)
3. Matthew Healy (RSA)

Jeff-Mogavero-Dmitry-Mityaev-Matthew-Healy-2025-Ultra-Trail-Cape-Town-100k-mens-podium

100 km (UT100 – Women)
• Sunmaya Budha (Nepal) – 12:25:55
2. Antonina Iushina
3. Tara Fraga

Sunmaya-Budha-2025-Ultra-Trail-Cape-Town-100k-womens-winner-finish-chute

55 km Peninsula Traverse (PT55)
• Men: Johannes Wingenfeld (GER) – 5:13:26
• Women: Rebecca Kohne (RSA) – 6:11:44

35 km Table Mountain (TM35)
• Race called off due to windy conditions

23 km Explorer (EX23) & 16 km Kickstarter (KS16)
• Events completed; official results not yet published.

SA Hockey Men Ready to Turn Up the Heat at Nkosi Cup 2025

Adnaan MohamedHockey, NewsLeave a Comment on SA Hockey Men Ready to Turn Up the Heat at Nkosi Cup 2025

The South African Hockey Association has announced a powerful SA Men’s Indoor Hockey squad for the 2025 Nkosi Cup, set for 12–16 December in Cape Town.

With New Zealand, Australia, Namibia and the USA all confirmed, the event promises another world-class indoor spectacle.

South Africa arrive with confidence after securing Africa’s first-ever Indoor World Cup medal earlier this year. They now prepare to defend their Nkosi Cup title for a third consecutive time, fuelled by the same exciting brand of high-tempo skills and precision that captured the world’s attention in Croatia.

Eight World Cup medallists return, including standout Player of the Tournament Mustapha Cassiem, who enters the competition with an incredible 118 goals from 47 tests. Veteran defender Jethro Eustice is set to become the most-capped SA indoor men’s player should he feature throughout the event.

The squad also welcomes back the experienced Ryan Julius, while debutant Travis Krumples joins after a strong Indoor IPT campaign.

SA Hockey Men – Nkosi Cup 2025
Dayaan Cassiem (47), Mustapha Cassiem (47), Cullin De Jager (13), Leruo Ditlhakanyane (14), Jethro Eustice (64), Keegan Hezlett (46), Ryan Julius (32), Travis Krumples (0), Dalpiarro Langford (36), Bongumusa Mngoma (28), Hans Neethling (14), Marvin Simons (6)

ADIDAS TERREX NEW AGRAVIC TRAIL RUNNING REVAMP

Adnaan MohamedAdvertorial, NewsLeave a Comment on ADIDAS TERREX NEW AGRAVIC TRAIL RUNNING REVAMP
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa, November 19, 2025 – adidas TERREX has fine-tuned their Agravic line-up for every kind of trail runner, whether you float over ultras or dash through daily dirt like a sprinter on a gravel runway.

Sprinting out front is the Agravic Speed Ultra 2, the sequel to the record-snatching original and now reborn with more bounce, more grip, and more long-haul comfort. First previewed in Chamonix, the ASU2 has been shaped by some of the world’s fastest trail athletes.

Engineered for ultra-distance efficiency, the model arrives with:
• A softer Lightstrike Pro midsole, paired with an exaggerated rocker and energy rods—“a smoother ride with increased energy return” built to keep athletes clicking off kilometres like a metronome on a mountain ridge.
• A retooled Continental outsole, sporting deeper 3–4mm lugs for bite on mud, rock, and everything in-between.
• A redesigned upper, hugging the foot with more stability and heel comfort for steady footing when fatigue hits like a steep final climb.

Speaking on the updated line, Tom Louage, Global Sr. Product Director Footwear adidas TERREX, said:

“We know that trail running means different things to different people. For some, it may mean running fast across ultra-distances whilst for others, it could mean speed on those everyday trail runs.

“With our new-look Agravic range, we wanted to take our existing models – including the race-dominating Agravic Speed Ultra – and push the boundaries further to create products that match the needs of trail runners looking to go faster.”

Joining the headline act are three refreshed and reengineered teammates:

Agravic TT – built for technical trail warfare

SS26_AGRAVIC_AGRAVIC 4_PRODUCT BEAUTY 2

A new entrant in the range, designed for rocky scrambles, sharp descents, and unpredictable terrain.

A wider base brings stability, while the dual-layer Lightstrike Pro + Lightstrike+ midsole offers a blend of cushion, durability, and firmness for controlled speed on gnarlier routes.

A reinforced upper, rock plate, and multi-directional lugs ensure grip that behaves like crampons with finesse.

Agravic Speed 2 – the stripped-back sprinter

adidas’ lightest trail racer yet, sculpted for short-distance battles where “seconds and grams count.” With a trimmed-down upper for stability at minimal weight and a low-profile Lightstrike Pro midsole, the Speed 2 keeps runners close to the ground—quick, agile, and race-ready.

Agravic 4 – the everyday fast trainer for everyone

A workhorse built to bring the feeling of speed to any runner. Softer Lightstrike+ foam means more forgiveness on long sessions, while a protective mesh layer deflects debris like a shield. A smoother, softer upper delivers better fit and comfort without sacrificing durability.

Early Access for adiClub Members

adiClub runners get the first crack at the Agravic Speed Ultra 2 from December 2 via adidas.co.za/trail_running and the adidas app well ahead of the global drop in February 2026, which will unveil the full range worldwide.

Springbok Stars Dominate World Rugby Awards Nominations

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springbok Stars Dominate World Rugby Awards Nominations
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s rugby powerhouse flexed its muscles again this week as four Springboks crashed through the global recognition line like flankers hitting a ruck at full tilt.

Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and rising star Ethan Hooker were all shortlisted for major honours at the 2026 World Rugby Awards announced on Tuesday.

Du Toit, already etched in history as the first South African to win the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year twice, is once more in the running for the sport’s highest individual accolade. He is joined by teammates Marx and Nche as well as France’s electric winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Marx earns his second career nomination after also being recognised in 2018.

Hooker, meanwhile, finds himself in the global limelight as one of four nominees for World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, lining up alongside New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock and Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the quartet’s impact, saying:

“I’d like to congratulate Pieter-Steph, Malcolm, Ox and Ethan for being recognised among the best players in the world.”

He added: “To have three of the four nominees for Men’s 15s Player of the Year from South Africa, as well as Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a testament to the quality of our players on the global stage.”

Alexander said the recognition reflected the green-and-gold’s consistency and class:
“They have all performed exceptionally well this season and deserve this recognition. On behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country, I want to express how proud we are of them.”

He concluded with a message of encouragement ahead of the final announcement:

“We wish them well ahead of Saturday’s announcement. Regardless of the outcome, being nominated is already a remarkable achievement.”

Only Schalk Burger (2004), Bryan Habana (2007) and Du Toit himself have previously lifted the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year crown. Other South Africans nominated over the past decade include Willie le Roux, Duane Vermeulen, Faf de Klerk and Lukhanyo Am.

The winners will be announced on Saturday, 22 November, with World Rugby’s Dream Team of the Year set to follow on Tuesday, 25 November.

Springbok Front-Row Boost for Tour Finale

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springbok Front-Row Boost for Tour Finale
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks have bolstered their touring front row with the arrival of seasoned hooker Bongi Mbonambi and powerful prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who will link up with the squad in Ireland on Sunday as Rassie Erasmus sharpens his blades for the final two Tests of the Outgoing Tour.

Mbonambi, a trusted warhorse from the Rugby Championship trenches, was on Erasmus’ standby list, while Mchunu last donned the green and gold against Portugal in Bloemfontein, but both now thunder back into the Bok scrum as reinforcements ahead of battles with Ireland and Wales.

“This is a longer tour than usual, and we have two big matches lined up against Ireland and Wales, which prompted the decision to call up Bongi and Ntuthuko,” said Erasmus.

“Both players have done the job for us on the international stage, so we are excited to have them in the group.

“Several players will not be eligible for selection for the final Test on tour against Wales, as the match falls outside of the international window, so it makes sense to call up the players now to get back into the swing of things with us at training this week, while at the same time increasing the depth we have within the squad for our next challenge against Ireland.”

The Springboks will shift camp from Italy to Dublin on Sunday, where preparations begin in earnest on Monday. With reinforcements ready and the tour’s heaviest collisions still to come, the Bok machine is tightening its bolts for an Irish onslaught that promises to be as unforgiving as winter steel.

Source: SA Rugby

Two Weeks, Two Reds, One Relentless Springbok Spirit

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Two Weeks, Two Reds, One Relentless Springbok Spirit
By Adnaan Mohamed

For the second week in a row, the Springboks walked into a northern-hemisphere storm and refused to be blown over.

Another early red card, another No 5 lock gone, yet the world champions simply bent, adjusted and found a new way to win, beating Italy 32–14 in Turin with the kind of grit that can only be forged in chaos.

Franco Mostert’s 12th-minute red card echoed Lood de Jager’s fate against France a week earlier. Same number on the jersey. Same sinking moment. Same response: the Boks shifted shape like a scrum rearranging itself in a gale, and played as though the missing man had simply been absorbed into their collective heartbeat.

Captain Siya Kolisi said the team has learned to solve problems while sprinting.

“We went through it last weekend, and this week we went through the same thing. So, we make plans in the game as we go along because such things happen,” he said.

“The biggest thing that we were asked this week is to show our ‘Africanness’ and that’s about making plans because there are always stumbles… They (the coaches) are always prepared for any scenario, and even the guys who are not playing sit and make plans and decisions.”

Kolisi admitted the emotional sting was real:

“It doesn’t make it easy for us… seeing a guy like Franco sitting there, we could see the hurt in his eyes. But I really love the way this team is able to stand up and fight.”

Rassie Erasmus, visibly exasperated, didn’t hide his frustration.

“It is what it is. What I say can’t make a difference,” he said. “It’s sad that our captain had to make that sacrifice twice in a week.”

The Bok coach questioned how much lower a two-metre lock can physically tackle.

“Losing two locks in two games now for going lower than they can go… it’s tough to understand,” Erasmus said. “We don’t know how to coach guys to go lower, especially when someone is on his knees.”

Yet amid the frustration, he applauded his team’s ability to morph on demand.

“Yes, we have a way to adapt,” he said. “That certainly makes us tighter as a team… I’m happy with the result, but still sad for the players who have to take the brunt for something that happened by accident.”

Three wins from three, two red cards navigated, and a squad that keeps inventing new ways to survive the storm. The Boks now head to Ireland, hardened once more by fire and fallout.

Featured Photo: Andre Esterhuizen/ https://x.com/springboks

Source: SA Rugby

Springboks Brace for Brutal Torino Clash With Resurgent Italy

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springboks Brace for Brutal Torino Clash With Resurgent Italy
Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has warned that Italy are no side to stroll past, likening Saturday’s showdown in Torino to a scrum where one wrong step can send you skidding backwards.

The Boks face the Azzurri at Allianz Stadium at 14:40 (SA time), live on SuperSport. And Stick made it clear the visitors aren’t treating this as a gentle warm-up jog.

“It’s a tough week because we are facing a team that comes off a good game against Australia,” said Stick.

“A few other players are getting an opportunity to play, and that motivates us immensely.”

Stick said the squad’s hunger runs deeper than selection rotation:

“The players have been working very hard and waiting for their opportunity, such as Handré (Pollard) and Canan (Moodie), among others.

“For us, whoever gets a chance to represent the country, it’s not just about playing for yourself, but close to 60 million South Africans at home. This Test is a massive game for us.”

He also brushed aside whispers that the matchday group lacked bite.

“There’s no such thing as a trial match when it comes to the Springboks,” Stick insisted.

“We need to respect the players who are receiving an opportunity to play. We all know Italy are in a good space as a team, and improving week in and week out.

“In Pretoria, they posed big challenges in the second half, so they are a side you can never underestimate. That said, we’ll be prepared, and the players are excited and looking forward to the match.”

Kolisi: Breakdown will be the battleground

Captain Siya Kolisi who is set to notch his 101st Test cap, expects the breakdown to be the heart of the contest, the place “where matches are won and lost like turnovers at a street fight.”

“It’s been one of the big areas we looked at this week, just as we did when we played against them in South Africa,” said Kolisi.

“We struggled in the first match against them back home, and that was one of the main reasons we had to work so hard to win that match.

“We know how good they are there, so we’ve worked hard this week to ensure we look after the ball properly. The pack will be important this weekend. We know what we have to do, and we have to make sure we are up for it.”

Kolisi dismissed concerns about cohesion within the fresh-faced forward unit:

“We’ve done the work on the field during the week, and that’s where we get to know one another. The coaches have been crucial in that regard. The senior guys obviously need to lead by example, but we feel good as a group in general.”

Van Staden’s hooker switch “a long-term project”

With Marco van Staden named as the reserve hooker, Stick revealed this is no spur-of-the-moment gamble.

“It was always the plan for him to be a backup hooker in the squad,” said Stick.

“At the 2023 World Cup, he was always training and working on extra skills in that position to ensure he was ready when the opportunity arose. So, it’s a project we’ve been working on for the last few years.

“He’s a tough guy who always plays with his heart on his sleeve, and he’s a breakdown specialist, which will be valuable against a side like Italy. It’s great that we can move him to hooker later in the game.”

Italian backline “will punish you” if given space

Stick also flagged Italy’s dangerous midfield and backline, a unit he describes as sharp enough to slice through any defensive line that drifts for even a moment.

“If you look at the Italian centres, they are probably one of the best centre partnerships in the country at the moment, and they have great players all around at the back,” he said. “They are also playing really well, so it’s going to be a tough game with ball in hand.

“If you give the Italian players time and space, their backline players will punish you.”

Teams:

Italy: 15 Ange Capuozzo, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex (captain), 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 6 Ross Vintcent, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolò Cannone, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Riccardo Favretto, 21 David Odiase, 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Tommaso Allan.

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Gerhard Steenekamp, 17 Wilco Louw, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.

Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Kick-off: 13.40 (14.40 SAST; 12.40 GMT)
Expected weather: There will be some drizzle and light winds with a temperature around 14°C
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Jérémy Rozier (France)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

SOURCE: SA RUGBY

Helplink Supports Entrepreneurs in PE2EL 250km Ocean Challenge

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Helplink Supports Entrepreneurs in PE2EL 250km Ocean Challenge

Helplink, the AI-powered platform transforming South Africa’s informal economy, proudly announces its sponsorship of the Port Elizabeth to East London (PE2EL) Ocean Canoe Challenge taking place from the 3rd to 6th December 2025.  Widely regarded as the toughest ocean paddling race in the world, the 250-kilometre endurance event is a powerful, four-day metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey. Helplink’s involvement celebrates the shared values of resilience, grit, and growth that are vital both for conquering extreme sport and for building a successful business.

The four-day, 250-kilometre endurance event, often nicknamed “The Maker of Men” and “The Blood, Guts & Glory Race,” demands extreme physical and mental resilience. It is thus befitting that Helplink is sponsoring such a race (and two inspirational participants) as there are strong similarities in the challenges of building a compliant, formal business in South Africa.

Helplink’s involvement is powerfully embodied by three sponsored paddlers: Helplink graduate and brand ambassador Sibusiso Zulu, dedicated lifeguard Sandile Menjenjalo, and top sportsman Bevan Manson.

Helplink graduate and brand ambassador Sibusiso Zulu will participate in the race, representing thousands of emerging micro-entrepreneurs who embody the same courage and perseverance. This sponsorship creates a platform for live event engagement and human stories, connecting Helplink’s mission of formalising businesses to a broader audience of potential funders and partners through emotional storytelling.

“There is a direct and undeniable correlation between the sheer intensity of the PE2EL Challenge and the grit required to successfully launch and run a formal business in South Africa,” said Adelaide McKelvey, Executive Director – Helplink. “Sibusiso is a living testament to the transformation our programme achieves. He has navigated the tumultuous ‘waters’ of the informal economy to establish a solid business and is now applying that same perseverance to conquer the harshest coastline in the world. He represents every micro-entrepreneur who embodies courage, perseverance, and purpose.”

Helplink’s second sponsored paddler, Sandile Menjenjalo, a dedicated lifeguard from Orient Beach, adds a powerful dimension to this partnership. Through his sponsorship, Sandile gains access to the Helplink AI Course—a practical, SETA-approved programme building skills in adaptability, life-skills and career advancement for corporate and community environments.  His participation highlights the deep connection between Helplink’s beneficiaries and PE2EL paddlers and both rely on discipline, courage, mentorship, and mental resilience to succeed. Whether navigating unpredictable surf or career challenges, Sandile embodies the Helplink spirit: real growth occurs when grit meets guidance and learning fuel’s purpose.

Champion ocean paddler Bevan Manson has joined the lineup completing the dynamic trio. The accomplished athlete not only captained the South African national water polo team for several years but has also won the PE2EL race three times.  Bevan holds the World Ocean Canoe record of 243 km in one day and is renowned for excelling amid long hours of gruelling training and unforgiving ocean conditions. He shares a compelling story of perseverance that deeply resonates with young South Africans as they navigate careers or build businesses in the informal economy. A credible and inspiring role model, Bevan embodies grit, guidance and growth in every stroke.  “Through paddling, I’ve learned that pushing through the toughest waves builds the strength to achieve anything,” says Bevan Manson. “I’m excited to connect with others and help them chase their goals.”

The Entrepreneurial Challenge vs. The Ocean Challenge

The PE2EL race is a gruelling test along South Africa’s treacherous Sunshine Coast. Paddlers face notorious surf breaks, long, exposed open-ocean legs, and the psychological burden of four days of extreme endurance.
• Distance: 250 kilometres.
• Duration: 4 days of open-ocean racing.
• The Challenge: Battling unpredictable conditions, negotiating the massive surf at Woody Cape, and overcoming mental and physical fatigue—all challenges that mirror the uncertainty and resilience needed to build a thriving enterprise.

Sibusiso Zulu who successfully completed the Helplink programme, is leveraging the foundational skills he gained—discipline, strategic planning, and perseverance—to prepare for this epic undertaking.

“The Helplink programme taught me that endurance is not just physical; it’s about having the right strategy, mentors, and the mental fortitude to push past the breaking point,” said Zulu.  “Every day on the PE2EL race needs focus and proper commitment, just the same as in running my business. I am proud to represent the thousands of resilient micro-businesses in South Africa who are ready to make the leap into the formal economy.”

About Helplink: Fuelling Inclusive Growth

The informal economy receives minimal support from corporate SA, yet it is South Africa’s most underutilised engine for inclusive growth. Helplink is the ideal scalable tool to bridge this gap. Using its AI-powered platform, together with extensive mentoring – it fast-tracks the transformation of micro-businesses into compliant, fundable, and future-ready enterprises.

The programme offers:
• SETA Approved AI Training in financial literacy, compliance, and marketing.
• Access to professional mentors
• A substantial media budget and access to the Helplink Media Alliance, which boosts advertising exposure by up to 100%.
• A shared value strategic investment model for corporate partners that offers extensive media exposure and powerful brand association.

Helplink also offers an AI-powered training platform, empowering corporate employees to develop essential life skills to assist in their careers— from adaptability to strategic problem-solving.   Helplink is actively seeking funders and partners to empower not only their own employees but also micro-businesses from their supply chain. This is where compliance meets opportunity – a strategic investment that delivers visible, measurable impact and positive brand association.

Follow the Race and Helplink’s Journey:
For more information go to: https://helplinkai.co.za/

To follow the race please follow: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhAJQPP1c/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: @helplinksa
YouTube: Helplink AI

Facebook : Helplink

LinkedIn:  Helplinksa
Race Updates: #HelplinkXPE2EL | #FormaliseFast | #GritMeetsGrowth | #LearnToEndure

South African Runner Makes History in the World’s Deepest Marathon

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on South African Runner Makes History in the World’s Deepest Marathon

In a remarkable display of endurance, grit, and courage, a group of 57 runners from around the globe descended 1,120 meters underground to take part in the world’s deepest marathon — a historic event held in the Garpenberg Zinc Mine in Sweden.

Organised by BecomingX in partnership with the International Council for Mining and Metals (ICMM), the “World’s Deepest Marathon” challenged participants to complete 11 laps around a subterranean route to cover the full 42.2 kmdistance.

The event is now poised to set two Guinness World Records — one for The Deepest Marathon and another for The Deepest Underground Marathon Distance Run (Team) — while raising funds for two charitable causes: the BecomingX Foundation and the Wild at Heart Foundation.

South Africa’s Representation Underground

Among the participants was Ledile Dikgale, Mining Section Manager at Kumba Iron Ore, who proudly represented South Africa and the Anglo American family in this groundbreaking challenge.

Reflecting on the experience, Dikgale described the marathon as both physically demanding and deeply rewarding.

“This is one of the most important achievements of my life — I am truly proud and exhilarated! It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a historic event, and to do it while raising funds for charity made it even more meaningful,” she said.

Dikgale explained that she was nominated by Kumba’s Executive Leadership to run on behalf of CEO Mpumi Zikalala, an honour she embraced wholeheartedly.

“With the support of my running community, I completed training runs in the dark to prepare for the underground conditions. I also had to acclimatise to the heat by running in the afternoons, simulating the temperatures we would face below the surface,” she added.

She expressed her gratitude to the Kumba Executive Leadership team, her family, friends, and running community for their support and encouragement throughout her journey.

A Testament to Courage and Grit

Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala praised Dikgale’s remarkable achievement, describing it as an embodiment of the resilience and spirit that define Kumba’s people.

“Ledile’s achievement is a powerful reminder of the courage and grit that define our people at Kumba and is testament to the incredible potential within our teams,” said Zikalala.

“Running a marathon more than a kilometre underground is extraordinary on its own, but doing so in support of a greater purpose makes it even more meaningful. We are incredibly proud of her for representing our business and our country with such heart, discipline, and determination.”

About the World’s Deepest Marathon

The event — hosted in one of Europe’s oldest active mines — pushed the boundaries of human endurance, testing athletes in conditions of limited light, high humidity, and elevated temperatures. Beyond the physical challenge, the marathon highlighted the commitment of the global mining community to teamwork, resilience, and purpose-driven initiatives.

“I Hope Young Girls Believe they can too” – Glenrose’s R300k triple Spar 10k Glory

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on “I Hope Young Girls Believe they can too” – Glenrose’s R300k triple Spar 10k Glory
Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba’s 2025 season ended with joyous sprint across the finish line of success with a whopping R300 000 payday at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Boxer star, South Africa’s 10km record-holder, made history as the first black South African to win the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix Series three times. She joins an elite league that includes Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

Her 2025 victory run was a clean sweep: five races, five wins, and a total of R165 000 in race-day prize money, topped up with R200 000 for winning the series and another R100 000 as the top South African finisher.

Glenrose Xaba was crowned the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix champion at SPAR Grand Prix Awards held in Midrand, Johannesburg on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Photo: Greg Caldecott

“I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved,” said Xaba.

“I think they will see what I have done and believe they can do it too.”

With her next big race set for the Valencia Marathon on December 7, Xaba credited her steady stride to a strong support team.

“I want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya, and my mentor, Caster Semenya, who both believed in me and helped me to develop as an athlete,” she said.

“Last year, I was very happy to be able to help my grandmother with her finances. I’m not sure yet what I’ll do with the money this time.”

Behind Xaba, Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) and Salem Gebre (Nedbank) took silver and bronze in the series, pocketing R100 000 and R75 000 respectively. South Africa’s Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Karabo More (Boxer) rounded out the top five, claiming R120 000 between them.

In the age-group races, the evergreen Judy Bird remained unbeaten in the 60+ category, while Elizabeth Potter, Janie Grundling, and Chanell Groenwalt led the 50–59, 40–49, and junior divisions respectively. Each category winner earned R10 500, with podium runners also rewarded.

SPAR, Hyundai and ASA celebrate women’s running

SPAR’s National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager, Mpudi Maubane, confirmed the supermarket giant’s continued sponsorship of the Grand Prix through 2026.

Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, Glenrose Xaba 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Winner and Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Photo: Reg Caldecott

“SPAR is committed to improving the lives of women,” said Maubane.

“All five races were fully subscribed, and we were able to promote campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty, while giving thousands of women the joy of running together.”

Athletics South Africa Acting President, James Mathane, hailed SPAR’s commitment:

“SPAR have invested more than just financial support. They have invested in dreams, in talent, and in transformation. This series has become a cornerstone of women’s athletics in South Africa.”

Adding horsepower to the celebration, Hyundai gave away a brand-new Exter SUV worth R269 900 at each race.

“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community. It’s the same values we strive to embody,” said Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson.

“Glenrose Xaba’s performances are a reminder that greatness is earned kilometre by kilometre, through focus and courage.”

The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be announced early next year, ensuring that South Africa’s finest women runners will once again line up to chase medals and milestones.