Category: News

‹ Back

Course records for Xaba and Mofolo at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Course records for Xaba and Mofolo at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

South African 10km sensation Glenrose Xaba delivered a career-defining performance at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, blazing through the course in a remarkable 31:51. This marks her third sub-32-minute finish this year, solidifying her status as one of the country’s best elite women of all times.

The 29-year-old, who set a new SA 10km record of 31:12 when she took fourth place at last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, lived up to her pre-race favourite tag as she surged away from Neheng Khatala at the 7km mark to a memorable victory that was the fastest by a South African woman at altitude.

“I’m very happy about today’s win. I have faced so many ups and downs throughout my career, but I have managed to rise above it all. This year, God has blessed me so much and I’m very thankful for that,” explained Xaba.

For running the second fastest 10km time of her life, the Boxer Athletics Club top runner was rewarded with a new course record which is a 23 second improvement on the mark set by the 2023 champion Debash Desta of Ethiopia. Lesotho’s Blandina Makatisi was good value for her second-place finish (32:58) two weeks after completing the Olympic Marathon, while her countrywoman Khathala earned the last podium position in 33:35.

Having won the 5000m, 10 000m, 10km and 21km titles this year, Xaba says today’s victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her training. 

“I always pray and I’m grateful with what I have achieved so far,” says Xaba. “So to win one of the Absa races is a dream come true. I think it’s because I focus a lot. I don’t skip training even when I’m tired. I just go easy and get the recovery all the time. I’m glad that I have a good system (Power2Health) that supports me and keeps me very well in order to stay injury free.”

The men’s race also saw a new course record as Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo stopped the clock in 28:40 to win the race on debut and shatter the course record of 29:12 set by Kabelo Mulaudzi last year. Mofolo clawed back a nine second deficit held by early leader Gideon Kipgnetich of Kenya who followed him home two seconds later with the defending champion Mulaudzi finishing third in 28:52. In what was his first major triumph on South African soil, the Maxed Elite runner who took tenth place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a personal best 28:33 said his challenging training routes in The Mountain Kingdom prepared him for victory.

“The course worked in my favour because I train on hilly routes in Lesotho,” confirms Mofolo. “So my body is used to going up and down which is why I could run well. I didn’t struggle at all.”

“What an amazing day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! Huge congratulations to Kamohelo Mofolo and Glenrose Xaba for their incredible achievements today – you really brought your A-game,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “A special shoutout also goes to the thousands of casual runners who embraced the spirit of the event, turning it into a true celebration of fitness and community. And of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, whose commitment helped make the day unforgettable. Together, we showcased the best of Tshwane. Up next is the grand finale of the series—the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day. We invite all runners to join us for an unforgettable season closer!”

 “We applaud all participants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K for their dedication in contributing to our cause of pledging R1 for every kilometre covered by a Team Absa member on Strava. A big congratulations to the deserving winners for their outstanding commitment and resilience. Witnessing individuals from various walks of life reaching personal milestones has been incredibly inspiring,” remarked Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Brand, and Marketing. “The heartfelt stories shared have not only touched us deeply but have also sparked a new level of motivation within our team. We express our profound gratitude to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organizers for their unwavering support, which has yet again made this event truly exceptional.”

Women Reign Supreme in Ultra-Trail Marathons

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Women Reign Supreme in Ultra-Trail Marathons

This Women’s Day in South Africa, we celebrate the phenomenal women who dominate the world of ultra-trail marathons. Defying the odds and pushing beyond limits, women have consistently secured top spots in these gruelling events, proving their resilience, strength, and unparalleled multitasking abilities. Among these remarkable athletes are Jess Barrow and Riana van der Merwe, two of South Africa’s leading ultra-trail runners, whose stories of passion and perseverance continue to inspire.

Jess Barrow: From Motherhood to Mountain Peaks

Jess Barrow’s adventure into the world of trail running began in 2016 with a leap of faith. Postpartum with her third child and yearning for a new thrill, she agreed to join a friend in running the Otter Trail Run. With little training but a heart full of determination, Jess completed the race and discovered a passion that would change her life. Eight years and two more children later, Jess is a trail-running powerhouse, with her youngest now following in her footsteps on the trails.

“I was seeking adventure, and trail running gave me that and more,” says Jess. “The Otter ignited a fire in me that has only grown stronger with each race.”

The very night she returned from the Otter, Jess signed up for the Whale of Trail, Mont Aux Sources, and UTCT 100 km, driven by the thrill of the trail. Despite minimal training, she placed 4th in the 2017 UTCT 100 km, finishing in 17 hours. This was the moment Jess realized that trail running was more than just an adventure—it was her calling.

“The Ultra’s have always lured me,” Jess explains. “The physical and mental journey of a 100 or 160 km race is unparalleled. It’s an experience that fulfils me in a way that shorter distances never could.”

The Kway Skyrun holds a special place in Jess’s heart. The raw mountain route, the vibrant community, and the breathtaking landscapes of Lady Grey and Balloch make it an event she eagerly anticipates each year.

Riana van der Merwe: From High Altitudes to Trail Heights

 Riana van der Merwe’s journey into trail running began from an unexpected place—a high-altitude mountaineering background. In 2007, while waiting for a weather window in the Swiss Alps, Riana and her partner stumbled upon a poster for the Zermatt marathon. They entered the race, bought running shoes, and thus began their trail running adventure.

“We had no idea what we were getting into, but we were hooked,” says Riana. “Our mountaineering background made us accustomed to long hours on our feet, and trail running suited our lives better after having children.”

Riana quickly transitioned from trail marathons to ultra distances, with her first Kway Skyrun 100km later that year. Since then, she has completed numerous ultra races worldwide, including the Transalps, UTMB CCC, UTMB TDS, and races on Reunion Island, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Spain. In South Africa, Riana has conquered the Cederberg Traverse, UTD, Hobbit, Outeniqua, and Kway Skyrun, among others.

“Women are machines who can multitask,” Riana notes. “In ultra trails, a lot can go wrong, but women plan their work and work their plan. We are used to juggling multiple responsibilities, and that makes us stronger.”

Balancing demanding careers and raising children, both Jess and Riana exemplify the art of time management and dedication. Jess rises before dawn for focused training sessions, while Riana, living on a farm, integrates running into her daily life and follows structured training programs from her coach.

“Training is a juggle, but I make it work,” Jess shares. “My real endurance training begins when I get home to my four kids after a long run!”

For Riana, ultra-trail running is a family affair. “There is no conflict in our house about what we are going to do. We run in the mountains. That is what we do.”

Women like Jess Barrow and Riana van der Merwe are part of a growing trend of female ultra-trail runners excelling in the sport. Their success is mirrored globally by athletes like American ultra-trail runner Courtney Dauwalter, who won the top three biggest ultra-trail mountain races around the world in 2023: The Hardrock, Western States, and UTMB. Dauwalter’s achievements underscore the exceptional capabilities of women in ultra-distance running, often placing high overall and breaking records.

Research and statistics highlight that women excel in endurance sports due to their ability to maintain a steady pace, efficient energy use, and exceptional pain tolerance. Their multitasking skills, honed through balancing careers, family, and training, further contribute to their success in ultra-trail running.

As Jess prepares for her fifth Kway Skyrun and Riana looks forward to her 17th, their stories exemplify the spirit of perseverance, adventure, and competitive excellence.

This Women’s Day, we celebrate Jess Barrow, Riana van der Merwe, and all the incredible women who continue to break barriers and set new standards in ultra-trail marathons. Their stories inspire and empower future generations of female athletes to chase their dreams and conquer new heights.

For more information about the 2024 Kway Skyrun, please visit www.skyrun.co.za

How Team South Africa Performed on Tuesday

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Team South Africa Performed on Tuesday

Three sporting codes represent Team SA at the Olympics on Tuesday, although none of them are involved in determining any medals.

Team SA sprinter Benjamin Richardson has been withdrawn from Paris 2024 and will take no further part in these Olympics. In confirming the news, the Team SA chief medical officer Dr Jean de Wilde said: “Benjamin sustained a hamstring injury in the men’s 200m heats on Monday and has been withdrawn from all further competition.”

Athletics: 
Women’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 2) 
Miranda Coetzee ran her personal best time in the Repechage race, qualifying for the Semi-Final on Tuesday, 7 August.

Men’s 400m Semi Final
Lythe Pillay finished seventh in his Semi-Final race. His position and time were, however, not enough to secure him a spot in the Final.

Men’s 400m Semi Final
Zakithi Nene finished sixth in his Semi-Final race. His position and time were, however, also not enough to secure him a spot in the Final.

Women’s 400m Hurdles Semi Final 1
Zeney Geldenhuys ran her personal best time in her Semi-Final race, finishing third. Her position and time were, however, not enough to secure her a spot in the Final.

Women’s 400m Hurdles Semi Final 2
Rogail Joseph also ran her personal best time in her Semi-Final race, finishing third. Her position and time were, however, not enough to secure her a spot in the Final.

Sport Climbing:
Women’s Boulder & Lead, Semi Final Boulder
Lauren Mukheibir had a challenging start to the competition, finishing 20th overall.

Men’s Speed – Qualification
Joshua Bruyns was eliminated in the Qualification Elimination heats, preventing him from progressing to the Final.

Canoe Sprint:
Men’s Kayak Double 500m Heats
Hamish Lovemore and Andrew Birkett finished second in their Quarter-Final race, securing a position in the Semi-Final.

Women’s Kayak Double 500m Heats
Esti Olivier and Tiffany Amber Koch finished 6th in their Quarter-Final race and did not manage to qualify for the Semi-Final.

How Team South Africa Performed On Monday

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Team South Africa Performed On Monday

Monday’s events were primarily at the Stade de France, where athletics took the spotlight for Team SA.

Team SA began the day with four medals: Tatjana Smith (one gold and one silver), the men’s sevens rugby team (bronze), and Alan Hatherly (bronze).

Prudence Sekgodiso finished eighth in the 800m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday night with a time of 1:58.79.

Wayde van Niekerk and Shaun Maswangani both secured third place in their respective 200m heats, advancing directly to the semi-finals. However, Benjamin Richardson suffered a leg injury during his heat, though he still recorded a time that keeps him in contention for the repechage, provided he is fit to compete.

Athletics:

Men’s discus throw qualification (Group A) 
Francois Prinsloo finished 13th in his qualification round. His distance was, however, outside the required overall top 12 distances to qualify for the Final.

Men’s discus throw qualification (Group B)
Victor Hogan also finished 13th in his qualification round. His distance, too, was outside the required overall top 12 distances to qualify for the Final.

Men’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 2) 
Lythe Pillay finished first in his heat of the Repechage round, qualifying automatically for the Semi Final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Men’s 400m Repechage Round (Heat 3)
Zakithi Nene won his heat of the Repechage round to automatically qualify for the Semi Final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Women’s 400m Round 1
Miranda Coetzee finished 4th in her heat, which was outside the automatic qualification for the Semi Final. She still has an opportunity to qualify from the Repechage round on Tuesday, 6 August.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 1)
Wayde van Niekerk finished third in his heat, achieving automatic qualification for the Semi Final on Wednesday, 7 August.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 3)
Benjamin Richardson suffered an injury in the final stretch of the race and was not able to achieve the standard to qualify automatically for the Semi Final. He still has the opportunity to participate in the Repechage round to qualify for the Semi Final.

Men’s 200m Round 1 (Heat 5)
Shaun Maswanganyi finished third in his heat, achieving automatic qualification for the Semi Final on Wednesday, 7 August.

Women’s 8 00m Final
The main highlight from a South African perspective was Prudence Sekgodiso, who was seen as a potential medal contender for Team SA. Unfortunately, she finished eighth in the 800m final, crossing the line in 1:58.79 after visibly tiring in the last 50 meters. The gold was claimed by Keely Hodgkinson with a time of 1:56.72. Despite the result, Sekgodiso’s performance at her first Olympics demonstrated that she belongs at this level, showing promise for the 2028 Games.

During the race, Sekgodiso was forced wide early on and positioned herself in fourth alongside Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma. She stayed with the leaders, but was kept wide on the far turn, ultimately losing pace in the final straight. Reflecting on the race, she said, “The plan was to stick with the girls for as long as I could. I know I’m not good in the final 100m and when I saw the girls coming past me, I thought I must just keep my head up and keep going. I’m so happy I made the final, it means a lot to me.”

She also shared her struggles with recovery, mentioning that the demanding schedule of three races in three days was tough, requiring her to take sleeping pills to rest. These Olympics have taught her valuable lessons about racing and recovery, which will benefit her in future competitions.

Sport Climbing: 
Men’s boulder & lead, Semi Final Boulder
Mel Janse van Rensburg finished tied for 19th in the competition, unfortunately not making the required top 8 to qualify for the Semi Final.

Women’s Speed, Qualification Seeding Heats
Aniya Holder managed to achieve her Personal Best time of 9.12 seconds in the qualification heats. Her time in the elimination heats was, unfortunately, not good enough to secure passage to the next round.