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Kavanagh shifts focus to Commonwealth Games after Durban SPAR victory

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Kavanagh shifts focus to Commonwealth Games after Durban SPAR victory
Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh has no intention of being distracted by a growing SPAR Grand Prix lead.

The Hollywood Athletics Club star is enjoying the richest vein of form of her career, but Sunday’s commanding victory in Durban merely confirmed where her attention lies. The Commonwealth Games 5 000m in Glasgow is the next target. After that, Glenrose Xaba’s South African 10km road record moves firmly into view.

Kavanagh underlined her credentials with another front-running display in the second leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series, clocking 31:32 after leading from gun to tape. The performance trimmed one second off the 31:33 she recorded while winning the opening race in Cape Town in March.

Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre stayed within striking distance before finishing second in 31:45, while Kavanagh’s Hollywood teammate Neheng Khatala completed the podium in 32:08.

The victory added another chapter to a remarkable season. The 25-year-old lowered her personal best to 31:26 at the Sanlam Cape Town 10km Peace Run in May, secured a third successive title in that race and swept to national crowns over 5 000m and 10 000m at the South African Championships in Stellenbosch.

Despite opening a healthy advantage in the SPAR standings, Kavanagh says the series title is not driving her schedule.

“My focus is on the Commonwealth Games. I have one more 10K and then all eyes are on the Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“I haven’t committed to any other SPAR races yet, so I can’t tell you if I’ll be trying to win the whole series. I’m trying to participate in the ones that I can.”

Durban presented a different challenge to Cape Town, where Kavanagh spent much of the race chasing Glenrose Xaba. This time she dictated the pace from the front and trusted her instincts.

“I was quite proud of how I managed to relax within the race, constantly checking in with myself and how my body was reacting.”

“Selam and I had a really good race. At the 9km mark I still felt I had something left in the legs, so I tried to open up. I was really happy with how it played out.”

While Glasgow has become her immediate destination, the national record remains the long-term prize.

Xaba’s South African 10km road record of 31:12, set in Durban in 2024 when she erased Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old mark, has become the benchmark Kavanagh wants to reach.

“I’d love to get there this season. Hopefully by the end of 2026 I can reach that goal or see how close we can get,” she said.

“I know on a good day, if everything comes together, I have a good chance. It’s a matter of time. It’s in God’s hands when it happens, but it’s something I do want to chase.”

The stopwatch has become Kavanagh’s toughest opponent.

If her current trajectory continues, Glasgow could provide another springboard before she takes aim at one of South African road running’s most treasured records.

SPAR GRAND PRIX 10KM RESULTS – DURBAN

Results of the Durban leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

Open: 1 Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 31:32, 2 Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 31:45, 3 Neheng Khatala (Hollywood) 32:09, 4 Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) 32:16, 5 Karabo More (Boxer) 32:44, 6 Zanthe Taljaard (Boxer) 34:11, 7 Olga Firsova (N/A) 34:23, 8 Ntsoaki Molahloe (N/A) 34:35, 9 Karabo Mailula (Boxer) 34:52, 10 Loveness Madziva (Nedbank) 35:11

U20: 1 Leah Edwards (Tuks) 37:40, 2 Chanel Groenewald (Boxer) 37:45, 3 Alexis Hewitt (DERT) 38:38

40-49: 1 Olga Firsova (N/A) 34:23, 2 Makhosazane Mhlongo (N/A) 37:22, 3 Janie Grundling (Peak Performance) 37:34

50-59: 1 Tanith Maxwell (N/A) 39:51, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 40:43, 3 Maya Lawrie (Boxer) 43:24

60-69: 1 Judy Bird (Boxer) 41:57, 2 Dalene Sonnekus (Nedbank) 43:55, 3 Ezna Flattery (Nedbank) 45:01

70+: 1 Blanche Moila (N/A) 55:51, 2 Pat Fisher (Stella) 59:05, 3 Johanna Taljaard (Amanzimtoti) 1:12:50

Dambile delivers SA Diamond League delight in Doha

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Dambile delivers SA Diamond League delight in Doha
By Adnaan Mohamed

Sinesipho Dambile arrived in Doha chasing another strong performance. He left with a Diamond League trophy, a personal best and a place in South African athletics history.

The 24-year-old stormed to victory in the men’s 200m over the weekend night, clocking a career-best 19.74 seconds to claim his maiden Diamond League title.

In the furnace-like conditions of the Qatari capital, with temperatures hovering around 37°C and a legal tailwind of 1.8 m/s, Dambile produced a race that was equal parts power and precision.

Running in lane five, he exited the blocks cleanly and attacked the bend with purpose. By the time the field straightened up for the home run, the South African had already edged ahead.

Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba and Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando mounted a late challenge, but Dambile never looked troubled. His stride remained smooth and controlled as he powered clear over the closing metres.

The clock stopped at 19.74 seconds, trimming 0.03 seconds off his previous best and confirming the rich vein of form he has carried throughout the season.

“This is my fourth Diamond League event. I am having the best season of my life thus far. I am still building and can get even better,” Dambile said afterwards.

The result is another significant step for an athlete whose ambitions stretch well beyond Doha.

“I want to get gold at the Commonwealth Games and then go to the Ultimate Championships. I’ve never been to the Commonwealth Games before and would like to experience it. I’m also looking forward to the final Diamond League in Brussels.“

Dambile’s victory carried significance beyond individual success.

His triumph completed an unprecedented South African sprint clean sweep across the Diamond League circuit this season.

Gift Leotlela opened the account in the 100m in Shanghai. Zakithi Nene followed in the 400m in Stockholm. Dambile’s Doha victory ensured South Africa has now produced Diamond League winners across all three major sprint distances in the same season for the first time.

The country’s sprint programme has often promised much. In 2026, it is cashing in those promises.

An Athletics South Africa spokesperson hailed the achievement.

“Sinesipho’s performance is a testament to the talent, commitment and growing strength of South African sprinting. His success reflects the progress being made across the sprint events and serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.”

With Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and September’s Ultimate Championships looming, Dambile’s season is gathering momentum.

For now, the fastest thing in Doha was not the tailwind. It was a South African sprinter finding another gear.

Zakithi Nene Strikes Stockholm Gold with Brilliant Diamond League Victory

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Zakithi Nene Strikes Stockholm Gold with Brilliant Diamond League Victory
By Adnaan Mohamed

Zakithi Nene returned to familiar territory and found familiar glory.

The South African quarter-miler stormed to victory in the men’s 400m at the BAUHAUS-galan Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday, claiming the second Diamond League triumph of his career at the very stadium where his first arrived three years ago.

Running from the lonely outpost of lane nine, Nene sliced through the Stockholm air like a blade through silk, producing a composed and commanding performance to cross the line in 44.48 seconds. American Jacory Patterson chased him home in 44.69, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards secured third place with a season’s best 44.87.

The 28-year-old looked as though he had borrowed a page from the stadium’s memory book. Stockholm, it seems, has become his athletic love letter. The historic arena practically winked at him as he powered off the final bend and held firm down the home straight.

In an era where stopwatches are treated like royalty and fractions of a second receive more attention than some politicians, Nene’s victory carried weight beyond the clock. It was a statement wrapped in speed.

After the race, Nene reflected on the significance of returning to the venue where his Diamond League journey first blossomed, describing Stockholm as a special place in his career and expressing delight at securing another victory on Swedish soil.

His triumph highlighted another encouraging day for South African athletics. Sinesipho Dlambini produced an impressive run to finish second in the men’s 200m behind American sprint star Kenny Bednarek, Dlambini clocked 20.10 seconds. Fellow South African Mthi Mthimkulu placed fifth in the race.

Prudence Sekgodiso battled through a blisteringly fast women’s 800m to finish fifth in 1:57.70 in a race won by Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who set a Diamond League record and world-leading time of 1:53.98.

For Nene, the result adds another glittering chapter to a season already filled with momentum. The South African 400m ranks have become a furnace of fierce competition, yet Nene continues to emerge forged and polished.

The road to the World Championships remains long, winding and unforgiving. On this Stockholm evening, however, Nene turned the track into a runway and took flight.

Zakithi Nene celebrates his second Wanda Diamond League victory in Stockholm Photo credit: Wanda Diamond League

Gerda Steyn eyes another slice of Comrades history

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Gerda Steyn eyes another slice of Comrades history
Adnaan Mohamed

Four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn says her preparations for this year’s race are on track as she targets a fifth title and potentially another record-breaking performance in the iconic ultra-marathon on 14 June.

The South African star is currently completing her final training block in the French Alps ahead of the 99th edition of the race, where she will once again start as the overwhelming favourite in the women’s field.

Steyn has dominated ultra-distance running in South Africa over the past decade, building a remarkable record that includes four Comrades victories and an unprecedented seven consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon titles.

The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete arrives at Comrades fresh from another commanding display at Two Oceans in April, where she claimed her seventh straight crown in 3:27:43.

Her achievements at Comrades have been equally impressive.

Steyn won her first title in 2019 in an Up Run record of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the route. She added victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and currently holds both the Down Run record of 5:44:54, set in 2023, and the Up Run record of 5:49:46, established a year later.

This year’s race could present another opportunity for a fast time.

The official distance for the 2026 Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is 85.777km, making it the shortest Up Run in recent history and potentially opening the door for new records.

Steyn, however, remains focused on preparation rather than predictions.

“I’m really excited to line up for the Comrades Marathon again this year,” she said.

“My training so far has gone really, really well. Of course, it’s still ongoing, but all is going according to plan, especially after the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon earlier in April.”

With the route heading inland to Pietermaritzburg, Steyn has tailored her training to meet the specific demands of the Up Run.

“This year with it being an uprun, my training is also specifically tailored in making sure that I am strong on the uphills but also of course it’s a fast race.

“Even though it’s almost 90 kilometres, the pace is still fast, so I’m trying to work on all areas to be 100% ready for race day.”

Nine-time Comrades winner Bruce Fordyce believes Steyn’s accomplishments have already secured her place among the greats of South African distance running.

“Gerda has redefined what women can achieve at Comrades and Two Oceans. Her records, consistency and professionalism place her among the greatest ultra-distance runners South Africa has ever produced,” Fordyce said.

“To hold both Comrades records and dominate Two Oceans year after year is extraordinary. She has raised the standard for everybody.”

Fordyce also highlighted Steyn’s ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.

“What stands out is the way she races with confidence and composure. She makes world-class performances look effortless, and that’s the mark of a truly exceptional athlete.”

This year’s race will also be Steyn’s second Comrades appearance in Hollywood Athletics Club colours.

“I’m really excited to line up for my second Comrades Marathon in the Hollywood Athletics purple colors,” she said.

“So that will also be really exciting to share the roads with so many other teammates and club mates. It’s going to be a very special day, so all the best from my side to everyone lining up this year.”

Having already rewritten large sections of the Comrades record book, Steyn heads into the 2026 race with another opportunity to strengthen her legacy. The title remains the primary target, though on a shortened Up Run route, the clock may once again become her biggest rival.

Shortest Comrades Up Run could boost Gerda Steyn’s R2m bid

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Shortest Comrades Up Run could boost Gerda Steyn’s R2m bid
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Comrades Marathon will be run over the shortest Up Run distance in recent history, a development that could significantly favour multiple champion Gerda Steyn as she targets both victory and a lucrative payday.

Race organisers have confirmed that the 99th edition, scheduled for Sunday, 14 June, will cover 85.777km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The distance is 133 metres shorter than the 2024 Up Run and nearly a kilometre shorter than the 2019 route.

In an event where pacing and energy management are decisive, even marginal reductions in distance can influence outcomes at the elite level. For Steyn, who has dominated the women’s race in recent years, the shorter course presents an opportunity to push the pace from early on while still maintaining control in the closing stages.

The adjusted route comes amid ongoing infrastructure developments along the traditional course. Comrades Marathon Race Director Sue Forge said organisers had worked closely with authorities to finalise a safer and more efficient layout.

“The ongoing roadworks have had a significant impact on the route and our planning. However, thanks to the outstanding collaboration and support of the municipalities, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Durban Metro Police and Msunduzi Traffic Police, we have been able to finalise a route that not only provides a slightly shorter distance for runners, but also improves the management of road closures, traffic flow, infrastructure removal and post-race clean-up,” Forge said.

While the start in Durban and finish at Scottsville Racecourse remain unchanged from 2024, several key adjustments have reduced the overall distance.

“We have changed the set-up of the finish at Scottsville and shortened the finish straight, while out on the route, the biggest change is that from 45th Cutting to Cowies Hill, where runners will move in a contra-flow direction. This means they will run on the other side of the road to previous years, against the normal traffic direction, which will also reduce the gradient of that section slightly,” Forge explained.

“Meanwhile, we have retained the Umlaas Road cut-through, working closely with SANRAL and the appointed contractors to remove a 12-metre section of the new roadside barriers and surface the area, enabling runners to cross directly. This adjustment will once again save runners approximately 870 metres,” she added.

The official route measurement was completed on 25 and 26 April under the supervision of World Athletics-accredited measurer Mike Rooke, using a calibrated bicycle to ensure accuracy.

Historically, comparisons with earlier races remain difficult. Before 1969, distances were recorded in miles and often estimated, with the Up Run generally listed at around 54 miles, or approximately 86.886km.

Despite that uncertainty, the 2026 race is widely regarded as the shortest modern Up Run, a factor that could have implications for record attempts.

Steyn already holds the women’s Up Run best time after clocking 5:49:46 in 2024, becoming the first woman to break six hours on the route. With performance incentives linked to both time and pace, she stands to earn a substantial bonus if she improves on that mark.

“With the shortest route on record for the Up Run being run this year, coupled with lucrative cash incentives for runners to chase the best time and best pace records, we may see those records fall again in 2026,” said Forge.

The men’s Up Run record of 5:24:49, set by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008, has also come under increasing pressure in recent years.

All indications point to a faster race in 2026, with the revised route likely to encourage aggressive strategies from the leading contenders. For Steyn, the combination of form, experience and course conditions could place her firmly on track for another dominant performance.

Simbine and Van Niekerk headline SA squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Simbine and Van Niekerk headline SA squad for Commonwealth Games 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

Akani Simbine, South Africa’s 100m record holder, headlines a squad that features nine other national record holder for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 6 August.

The group has been trimmed from the initial 72 athletes announced in December, with the latest selection comprising 44 men and 24 women as preparations intensify.

Among those included are three athletes who reached the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham: 100m star Simbine, long jumper Jovan van Vuuren and 400m hurdles specialist Zenéy Geldenhuys.

Wayde van Niekerk, the world record holder over 400m, has been selected in the 200m, while Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Miné de Klerk (shot put), and marathon runners Elroy Gelant and Glenrose Xaba are also among the country’s record holders in the squad.

The provisional team further includes Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), former world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), and ultra-distance specialist Gerda Steyn.

The final team to travel to Scotland will be confirmed at a later stage by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

ASA provisional Commonwealth Games squad

Men:
Akani Simbine (100m/4x100m), Shaun Maswanganyi (100m/4x100m), Gift Leotlela (100m/4x100m), Abduraghmaan Karriem (100m/4x100m), Retshidisitswe Mlenga (100m/4x100m), Tsebo Matsoso (100m/4x100m), Karabo Letebele (100m/4x100m), Bradley Nkoana (100m/4x100m), Bayanda Walaza (100m/4x100m), Sinesipho Dambile (200m/4x100m), Wayde van Niekerk (200m/4x400m), Naeem Jack (200m), Leendert Koekemoer (400m/4x400m), Matt Nortjé (400m/4x400m), Udeme Okon (400m/4x400m), Zakithi Nene (400m/4x400m), Lythe Pillay (400m/4x400m), Gardeo Isaacs (400m/4x400m), Mthi Mthimkulu (400m/4x400m), Tumisang Shezi (400m/4x400m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Ryan Mphahlele (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Mondray Barnard (110m hurdles), John Adesola (110m hurdles), Njabulo Mbatha (400m hurdles), Sabelo Dhlamini (400m hurdles), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Cheswill Johnson (long jump), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Kyle Blignaut (shot put), Aiden Smith (shot put), Victor Hogan (discus), Brian Raats (high jump), Kyle Rademeyer (pole vault), Douw Smith (javelin), Elroy Gelant (marathon), Adam Lipschitz (marathon), Thabang Mosiako (marathon), Tumelo Motlagale (marathon), Melikhaya Frans (marathon), Regan Magwai (marathon), Bennett Seloyi (marathon).

Women:
Miranda Coetzee (400m/4x400m), Shirley Nekhubui (400m/4x400m), Precious Molepo (400m/4x400m), Zenéy Geldenhuys (400m hurdles/4x400m), Hannah van Niekerk (400m hurdles/4x400m), Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles/4x400m), Marlie Viljoen (400m/4x400m), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Aviwe Hoboloshe (800m), Charné du Plessis (800m), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Danielle Nolte (long jump), Miré Reinstorf (pole vault), Miné de Klerk (shot put), Ashley Erasmus (shot put), Colette Uys (shot put), Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), Mckyla van der Westhuizen (javelin), Jana van Schalkwyk (javelin), Jessica Groenewald (35km walk), Glenrose Xaba (marathon), Cian Oldknow (marathon), Dominique Scott-Efurd (marathon), Gerda Steyn (marathon).