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Queen Gerda ready to climb again as fifth title beckons

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Queen Gerda ready to climb again as fifth title beckons
By Adnaan Mohamed

The numbers attached to Gerda Steyn’s career are extraordinary, though the woman herself continues to speak with the calm certainty of someone more interested in preparation than praise.

Four Comrades Marathon victories. Seven Two Oceans Ultra Marathon titles. Countless records and unforgettable performances.

On Sunday, the Hollywood Athletics Club star will line up in Durban chasing a fifth Comrades crown, convinced that another carefully crafted build-up has left her exactly where she wants to be.

“I can’t believe we are here again. It feels like yesterday that we were lining up for the down run of 2025,” Steyn told Modern Athlete in an exclusive interview.

“I’m very excited to line up this year. The training has gone really well. The Up Run is my favourite direction. I’m really excited, so I can’t wait for Sunday.”

That preference is rooted in both emotion and experience.

Steyn says the climb to Pietermaritzburg rewards discipline, patience and intelligent pacing, qualities that have become trademarks of her racing style.

“I think the Up Run suits me as a type of athlete that I am. It is a lot to do with pacing yourself well, conserving your energy very well in the first half and running smart. You need a lot of strength to compete well in the Up Run.”

It also carries sentimental value.

“It was my first ever Comrades Marathon, so that’s how I fell in love with the race. To line up again this year is very special.”

As in previous campaigns, Steyn spent much of her preparation in the Alps following the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, using the relentless climbs and descents to sharpen her endurance.

“I’ve always done the exact same routine. I feel like it’s the right thing for me to do. I can focus 100% on running and you either go steep up or steep down, which really complements the training.”

She returned to South Africa earlier than usual and settled in Dullstroom, where familiar surroundings and sessions alongside Hollywood teammates provided a valuable psychological lift.

“We were fortunate enough to share the roads with Tete, Edward and Johannes and the rest of the Hollywood guys. They are such a positive group with a wonderful dynamic. It was a great way to finish the training and line up with excitement.”

With another slightly shortened Up Run route, speculation around a possible course record has gathered momentum.

Steyn refuses to be distracted.

“My first goal is really to defend my title. If that comes with a record and I feel good on the day and everything goes according to plan, I’m sure it is possible.”

Looking back at her preparation compared to 2024, she believes there is room for something special.

“I think there’s room for it. Everything has to go according to plan and I mustn’t focus on the record so much that I forget to focus.”

It is a mindset that has carried her to the summit of South African ultra-distance running before.

On Sunday, she will trust it again.

Gerda Steyn says Comrades’ real race begins in the mind

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Gerda Steyn says Comrades’ real race begins in the mind
By Adnaan Mohamed

Defending champion Gerda Steyn believes every Comrades Marathon runner reaches a point where determination matters more than physical strength, with the 2026 edition set to celebrate the 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Steyn’s message comes as thousands prepare for one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events, a race renowned for its unforgiving climbs and emotional finish-line drama.

“Comrades will always humble you at some point in the journey,” said the South African Olympian and ultra-marathon star. “The hardest moments are often where the race truly begins mentally. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder to keep moving forward.”

The Hollywood Athletic Club runner’s comments resonate with one of the race’s anticipated focal points, the gruelling 70km Raptor Rescue turnoff, where OMO will host its Stay Unbeatable Arch and water station to encourage runners during one of the route’s most demanding stretches.

OMO’s Stay Unbeatable Arch will be stationed at 70km on the Comrades 2026 Up Run route Photo: Credit OMO

The 2026 race also embraces the theme “Ska Fela Moya”, meaning “Don’t Give Up”, a message that reflects the resilience associated with the Comrades Marathon and the mental battle Steyn believes defines the event.

Another highlight will be the celebration of the Green Number Club, reserved for athletes who have completed 10 or more Comrades Marathons, earned five gold medals or claimed three victories. Their permanent race numbers remain among the event’s most respected symbols of consistency and endurance.

The 50th official Up Run adds further significance to this year’s race, with competitors facing famous climbs including Cowies Hill, Fields Hill and Polly Shortts before reaching Pietermaritzburg.

OMO, now in its second year of involvement with the ultra-marathon, says its Stay Unbeatable campaign aligns closely with the resilience displayed by runners and supporters throughout the event.

“Every year, the Comrades Marathon reminds South Africans what resilience truly looks like,” said Elizabeth Mokwena, Unilever South Africa’s Executive Marketing Director: Home Care.

“At OMO, we celebrate the people who keep going when life gets tough, whether it’s runners pushing through pain, families supporting from the sidelines, or everyday South Africans overcoming stains in their own lives. That’s why Comrades is such a powerful platform for our Stay Unbeatable message. It reflects the determination, heart, and refusal to give up that inspire the nation every year.”

The race’s emotional climax will once again arrive at the 12-hour cut-off, where exhausted runners chase the finish line against the clock in scenes that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon.

For Steyn, that spirit defines the event more than medals or records. The road eventually tests every athlete, and the greatest challenge often begins long after the legs have started to fade.

Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon has all the ingredients of a classic.

Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn return to lead a star-studded elite field on Sunday as 21,677 runners tackle the 85.777km Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

With nearly all of last year’s top-10 finishers back on the start line and a record prize purse on offer, the race is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in the history of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon.

The only absentee among the top 20 men and women from the 2025 race is women’s runner-up Alexandra Morozova, leaving an elite field packed with proven performers and ambitious challengers.

Race director Sue Forge expects another fiercely contested battle.

“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon.”

The elite athletes will compete for a share of R8.21 million, including incentives and bonuses, with both the men’s and women’s winners earning R925,000.

“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Forge said.

“This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”

Dijana targets rare company

Tete Dijana Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

Dijana arrives as the man to beat.

The three-time champion claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025, yet has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would not only complete that collection, it would move him level with four-time winner Alan Robb and into a tie for third on the all-time men’s winners list.

Standing in his way is Dutch rival Piet Wiersma, winner of the most recent Up Run in 2024 and runner-up to Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.

Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of modern Comrades racing and could once again shape the outcome.

Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu also has history within reach. The veteran owns 11 gold medals and sits level with Bruce Fordyce on that list. Another gold medal would move him alongside Alan Robb with a record 12.

The men’s field is strengthened further by former winners Edward Mothibi and David Gatebe, while Nikolai Volkov, Joseph Manyedi, Alex Milne, Gordon Lesetedi and Vasilii Korytkin all return after gold-medal performances in 2025.

Several newcomers add intrigue.

South African hopeful George Kusche has attracted considerable support after finishing 12th last year, while Onalenna Khonkhobe’s impressive performances over the past 12 months have elevated him into podium discussions.

Internationally, much attention will focus on World 100km champion Aleksandr Sorokin, American record-holder Charles Lawrence and French 100km specialist Guillaume Ruel.

Steyn eyes fifth crown

Gerda Steyn Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

If Dijana is chasing history, Steyn is pursuing legacy.

The South African star has dominated women’s ultra-distance running in recent years and arrives full of confidence after securing a seventh consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title.

Having won Comrades in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Steyn stands one victory away from becoming only the second woman in history to reach five wins.

Only eight-time champion Elena Nurgalieva has won more.

Yet the women’s race appears deeper than ever.

Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki impressed with third place on debut last year and is widely viewed as a serious contender. Irvette van Zyl enters the race after breaking the Loskop 50km course record, while Dominika Stelmach, Carla Molinaro, Caitriona Jennings, Courtney Olsen, Jenet Mbhele and Melissah Gibson all return after earning gold medals in 2025.

Adele Broodryk’s return adds further quality after she missed last year’s race, while Galaletsang Mekgoe and Jenna Challenor will be eager to force their way back into the gold-medal positions.

Zimbabwean debutant Nobukhosi Tshuma is another athlete generating interest after finishing third at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.

Strongest field in years

The elite men’s field consists of 97 athletes, while 34 women have earned elite status.

Together they form one of the strongest line-ups assembled for the race in recent years.

For Dijana and Steyn, Sunday offers an opportunity to strengthen already impressive legacies. For the chasing pack, it presents a chance to alter the narrative.

By late afternoon in Pietermaritzburg, the 99th Comrades Marathon will have produced new heroes, fresh storylines and perhaps another piece of history on South Africa’s most famous road.

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.

Come celebrate Women’s Month by running the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Come celebrate Women’s Month by running the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race

Entries officially open today (Monday 20 April 2026) for South Africa’s premier Women’s Month celebration, the Totalsports Women’s Race, that will take place on three consecutive Sundays in August with the action kicking off in Durban on 2 August, followed by Cape Town on 9 August, and culminating in Johannesburg on 16 August 2026.

Thousands of women from across the country are expected to once again unite in celebration of movement, camaraderie, and empowerment, choosing between scenic 5km and 10km routes in each host city.

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, shares his excitement on entries opening: “The opening of entries for the Totalsports Women’s Race is always special to us. We encourage women of all ages and fitness levels to secure their place on the start line and be part of something truly meaningful. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a walk with friends, this event offers an inclusive and inspiring space for every participant to celebrate Women’s Month in a powerful way.”

The Totalsports Women’s Race will once again support PinkDrive in 2026, contributing to the ongoing fight against breast cancer and raising awareness around early detection.

Meyer adds: “From a performance perspective, the Totalsports Women’s Race offers South Africa’s elite athletes an exceptional opportunity to compete in a world-class, women-only event on home soil. Spanning three cities, the series sets the stage for exciting head-to-head competition, complemented by an inspiring and energetic race-day atmosphere.”

Building on this sentiment, Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, highlights the broader impact of the event:

“Entries opening signals the start of an incredible journey that brings women together from all walks of life. The Totalsports Women’s Race is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of strength, unity, and shared experiences. Each city offers its own unique energy, from Durban’s coastal charm to Cape Town’s iconic scenery and Johannesburg’s vibrant spirit. We encourage women to enter early, gather their friends and family, and be part of this unforgettable Women’s Month celebration.”

With limited entries available and high demand expected, participants are urged to act fast to secure their spot on the start line of one of South Africa’s most iconic women’s events.

EVENT INFORMATION: 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race 

DATE: CITY:
Sunday, 02 August 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Start Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell ParadeFinish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade
Sunday, 9 August 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race Cape TownStart Venue: 10km Start: Darling Street, Cape Town5km Start: Castle StreetFinish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town
Sunday, 16 August 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race JoburgStart Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks ParkFinish Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park
ENTRIES OPEN: Monday, 20 April 2026.
ENTRIES CLOSE: Durban: Thursday 02 July 2026, or once capacity has been reached. Cape Town: Monday 27 July 2026, or once capacity has been reached.Joburg: Monday 03 August 2026, or once capacity has been reached.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa.

Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive

Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive

Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive 

For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za 

Chery South Africa Renews Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Partnership for Three Years

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Chery South Africa Renews Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Partnership for Three Years

Chery South Africa has announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, extending the partnership for an additional three years from 2026. The renewal follows four successful years of collaboration and coincides with the fourth anniversary of Chery’s relaunch in South Africa.

The partnership has played a key role in the continued growth and success of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, with Chery South Africa serving as the Official Vehicle Partner. Chery’s fleet supports event logistics and operations across all host cities, contributing to a seamless race experience from build-up week through to race day.

“Chery’s commitment, innovation and enthusiasm have helped elevate the series year after year,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“We are proud to welcome them for another three years as we continue to deliver world-class running events across South Africa.”

Wade Bromfield and Verene Petersen by Ray van Breda

Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, says the brand is excited to continue the journey. “Over the past four years, we’ve built a strong partnership and created memorable experiences for runners and Chery owners alike. We look forward to further strengthening our connection with the running community and the cities we celebrate.”

Chery at Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by David-Sullivan

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series features five major 10km races in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg. The renewed partnership will continue to focus on innovation, performance and enhanced runner and supporter experiences.

For more information, visit www.runyourcityseries.com.

Run Crew Friday: Run Boss

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Run Crew Friday: Run Boss

Run Crew Friday’s next club feature is ‘Run Boss Run Crew’. We spoke to Craig Woods, a co-founder of Run Boss and he gave us the details of how it all started.

What Inspired You to Start Run Boss?

My best mate Michael Baker and I were standing around a braai and our wives were moaning about not having safe places to run in groups. It was November 2022 and we decided to just stop talking and start doing. So we started with a small group of friends running on the durban prom on a Saturday with boys and girls where everyone felt safe in numbers and it slowly grew from there. We both have a passion for people, teamwork and community and we loved the idea of people working hard towards a goal and actually achieving it. In the beginning we used to challenge people a lot more to push themselves but obviously over the years, whilst a small part of that culture still exists, it’s also got a huge focus on just giving our Durban community a place to feel like they belong and be healthy and happy at the same time. 

Why Do You Keep Running It?

Michael took a job in Cape Town in December and I think it made me really think about this questionI decided that we had built an incredible thing and I didn’t want to let it go so got proper stuck in and worked hard at keeping it fun, relevant and something that the community could all be proud of and feel like it belonged to them. 

I do it mainly because I love the people and I love the idea of people changing the way they live. Our lives are so full of phones and tech chaos so the concept of waking up early and being healthy is a huge plus , but more importantly giving people and especially youngsters, the chance to connect with people and build real relationships and friendships over coffee after is the main thing. I honestly love the idea that we are helping people and giving them something that perhaps didn’t exist before.

How Do We Do It?

We run every Tuesday Thursday and Saturday morning at 5.15am.
What started out in November 2022 with 10 friends on the beach has now morphed into in excess of 150 people on Tuesday mornings and sometimes more on a weekend. We have almost 1000 people on the what’s app group where we announce runs the day before and use polls for people to register interest. We also have a large Instagram presence with in excess of 2000 people following us on there. 

The bigger it got the more I needed help so I assembled a little committee of 6 others plus me and we try run it as professionally as we can even though not a cent of money exchanges hands almost ever. 

The whole culture is we do this for the community so we never charge for runs or membership and it will always be a completely free way to meet new people and run. This perhaps makes us a bit unique as well and also allows us to collaborate with brands and corporates from all walks of life and at all levels without any expectation or bias. May sound strange but having myself and my committee “work on it for free” so to speak sets the tone and a part of me loves how it shows everyone out there that we can still just be good people and do things for others with no expectations in return. 

Tuesday: 5km, 7.5km & 10km options
Thursday: hills or intervals
Weekends: a long run on a weekend or 5km, 1km, 15km & 20km.

We have established a base at Fábrica coffee shop in Glenore centre where we have security, parking, bathrooms and a coffee shop partner that does great coffee deals every morning for us. We also have a time trial night once a month where everyone stays behind for burgers. On the weekend we rotate the venues a bit to keep it fresh and have great relationships with loads of coffee shops in Durban,  especially daily dose in Umhlanga 

We also often split into pace groups to make it a bit easier for people to find their place but lately people seem to do that naturally

The committee tries to meet once a month to plan social media, special events, calendar planning and key races and training. We keep it fun and funky and on trend and are always linking up with brands for cool ideas. We also have specific charity events a few times a year. This year on Mandela day we raised over 1000 second hand running shoes and clothing items that we donated to the Inanda trail running community on a very special day. We also have an annual charity day event, this year in August, where we raised 25k from our community for the Sithanda school which needed to be repainted and fixed. This has become a key focus for us – helping others – and we are lucky to have a wonderful community of people who always react amazingly.

How Does Run Boss Collaborate with Brands?

We’ve been fortunate to partner with incredible brands like Puma, Adidas, and Salomon, who bring their latest gear for us to test out and learn about. This keeps things fresh and gives runners a chance to try different products and get guidance from experienced runners. It’s all about enriching the experience and adding value without any financial transactions, keeping Run Boss accessible to everyone. These collaborations provide exciting opportunities for our runners to try top-notch equipment, often receiving expert advice from some of our seasoned members.

What Advice Would You Give to Other Runners?

It’s always very intimidating to start. You feel like everyone is faster and fitter but everyone started somewhere. I’m not a great runner myself but just love everything else that comes with it and really love the way it’s given me some calm and competitive edge all rolled into one whilst connecting with so many great new people. I think most people have the outside perception of being clicky but it’s really not and perhaps my favourite part of the whole thing is watching the transformations. My advice would be to challenge yourself to change your approach. The more hard things you do the more you get used to doing hard things and it makes the other chaos in life seem manageable. Running is hard!

Why Do People Choose Run Boss?

Probably answers in various places above but mainly because even though they won’t admit it, it’s providing a platform to actually put your phone away and really connect with people for real. I think the younger generation really needs and craves that connection and we sometimes joke that at Run Boss, we are “athletic tinder” because we give everyone a chance to meet in real life. 

Human beings need community and I think the older clubs were maybe just a bit set in their ways, whereas the modern communities are finding ways to make training and connecting fun and cool. They also love the after run stuff that comes with it. The strava posting, the pbs, the photos on Instagram, the reels and it’s almost like the run is 30% of it but the other 70.% is chatting about it after in Whatsapp groups and planning the next one

Looking to Join?

Run Boss has runners from all levels, from those aiming for sub-3-hour marathons to beginners working through their first 5k. Whether you’re on a coaching program or just coming out for fun, our sessions are easy to follow thanks to the experience we have within the group. If you’re looking to combine fitness with friendship in a supportive environment, Run Boss could be the place for you. Come join us for a run, and see how running together can make a world of difference!

Precious Mashele celebrates Birthday as fastest South African to complete a 5km run on SA soil

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Precious Mashele celebrates Birthday as fastest South African to complete a 5km run on SA soil

Precious Mashele put on a fantastic performance on Sunday, 13 October 2024, as he successfully defended his title at the Boxer Super Run in Durban. Not only did he retain his crown, but he also became the fastest South African to complete a 5km run on home soil, crossing the finish line in an impressive 13:39. In the Women’s Elite Race, Karabo More took the spotlight, finishing first with a time of 16:16.

“I’m really happy with the win today, especially since it’s my birthday,” said a smiling Mashele. “The race was thrilling. We ran the same route as last year, but this time there was no wind. My teammates from Boxer were tough competition—every time we race in the RUN YOUR CITY events, they’re always on the podium, so I knew they’d push me hard. I picked up the pace in the last 2km to make sure they couldn’t catch me. I had some doubts since I haven’t been racing well lately, but I reminded myself it’s my birthday, and this win is a gift to myself. The Boxer Super Run is special to me—Boxer Superstores and Stillwater Sports really look after us, so it means a lot to perform well here.”

Boxer Athletics Club swept the podium with Kabelo Mulaudzi finishing second and Chris Mhlanga taking third place.

Karabo More, making her debut at the Boxer Super Run, delivered an outstanding performance in the Elite Women’s Race. “I’ve been away from racing for a while, so today was all about getting my confidence back,” said a happy More. “As part of my comeback, I’m entering races just to see where I am with my training. My strategy was to stay with the pack and work with the other women, then really push in the last 2km. It’s all about taking risks and seeing where they lead you. I didn’t expect to win—I was running against some strong women. It wasn’t until the last kilometre that I thought, ‘I’ve got this.’ That was the key moment. The Boxer Super Run is tough and fast, and winning feels amazing. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Gerda Steyn (Phantane AC) finished second, with Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer Athletics Club) placing third.

“It was an incredible race today,” Steyn shared. “Even though 5km isn’t my usual distance, I enjoyed every moment from start to finish. The strong competition pushed me, and I’m pleased with my time. I wasn’t focused on my pace during the race, but finishing second means a lot. I followed my race plan, and overall, I’m really happy with the result. Now that the ice is broken with the Boxer Super Run 5K Series, I definitely hope to return next year!”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, reflected on the event, saying, “The Boxer Super Run in Durban today was a thrilling display of talent. We’re grateful to all the participants, supporters, and sponsors who made the day such a success. It was inspiring to see elite athletes, up-and-coming talent, and runners of all levels pushing their limits. A big congratulations to Precious Mashele and Karabo More for their incredible performances in the Elite Men’s and Women’s races—you’ve set a high standard for South Africa’s future running stars.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, added, “Huge congratulations to Precious Mashele and Karabo More for your fantastic performances at the Boxer Super Run in Durban. You took elite racing to another level and kept us all on the edge of our seats. It was an honor to witness such talent on South African soil. A big thank you to the thousands of runners who joined us and made it such a special day. We can’t wait to bring the same excitement to Tshwane for the debut of the Boxer Super Run there on Sunday, 10 November!”

PUMA UNVEILS INNOVATIVE NITRO™ VAN

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA UNVEILS INNOVATIVE NITRO™ VAN

Gqeberha, 4 April 2024 – PUMA is introducing a NITRO™ VAN to enable runners to engage with the brand’s comprehensive range of NITRO™ running shoes at Absa Run Your City 10km races and at a series of 5km warm-ups.

The NITRO™ VAN, which houses about 200 pairs of running shoes, will be unveiled at the Gqeberha 10km on 7 April and will also attend future Absa Run Your City races in Cape Town (12 May), Durban (7 July), Tshwane (25 August) and Johannesburg (24 September), as well as at PUMA NITRO™ RUNS.

The PUMA NITRO™ RUNS, which take place in the lead up to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10km races, provide a platform for runners and walkers to test out PUMA’s latest range which includes the Magnify, Liberate, Velocity, Deviate and Fast-R2 NITRO™ running shoes.

PUMA’s dedicated technical team will be on-site, offering guidance to ensure every participant identifies the shoe that aligns with their unique running style and requirements. Participants in these fun 5km run/walks can also win prizes including a pair of PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 3 running shoes.

The NITRO™ VAN will also facilitate engagement with PUMA retail partners across the country.