Johannesburg’s streets turned into a purple battleground on Saturday as South Africa’s finest lined up against East African pace at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K.
Elite start of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
The second edition of the well-organised race started and finished at the historic Wanderers Club. The popular 10km and 5km sold-out event attracted a whopping 8000 participants, who enjoyed the warm, windless, conditions over a challenging hilly route through the streets of Illovo and Sandton.
Kenya’s Frida Ndinda claimed the women’s crown in 35:18. The 24-year-old Kenyan just managed to hold off off the fast finishing 35-year-old South African ultra-marathon queen,Gerda Steyn, who clocked 35:52 for second. Tuks youngster Karabo Mailula, 23, completed the podium in 36:12.
“The race went off so fast, I decided to hold back early,” she said.
“I worked my way through, got into second, and could see the leader, but ran out of road. I’m very happy with how strong I felt.”
The men’s race was a very different story. Thabang Mosiako, South Africa’s half-marathon champion, blasted from the gun and never looked back, storming to victory in 29:45.
National marathon champion Bennet Seloyi (30:00) was second, with the evergreen Stephen Mokoka (30:04) in third.
Thabang Mosiako Photo: Hollywood AC
“I told myself I’m going from the start,” Mosiako said.
“With guys like Stephen, you can’t wait … this madala doesn’t want to get old. Breaking 30 here was a surprise, but it shows my shape is coming back.”
For Steyn, it was a steady tune-up. For Mosiako, a statement of intent. And for Joburg, another reminder that the city’s streets remain a proving ground for champions.
Johannesburg’s streets are about to become a purple river of determination as 8,000 runners lace up for the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on Saturday.
At the front of this human tide will be two giants of the long road,Comrades champions Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana, swapping ultra-endurance for the short, sharp burn of 10 kilometres.
Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and sixTwo Oceans crowns, will don the purple of the host club, Hollywood Athletic, as she tests her mettle against speed merchants like Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula and Ntsoaki Mohlahlu.
Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k Women’s Elite Field Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
For her, this race is less about medals and more about sharpening her blade for October’sSanlam CapeTown Marathon.
“This course isn’t flat as a pancake, it’s more like a stack of flapjacks with some tricky layers in between,” Steyn smiled.
“It teaches you to manage effort, race dynamics and strategy rather than just staring at your splits. Those are the lessons I’ll carry into Cape Town.”
On the men’s side, three-time Comrades Down Run winner Tete Dijana admits he’ll be running on foreign turf. Against the jet-heeled Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Cwenga Nose, the Mafikeng marvel is realistic:
Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Male Elite Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
“I don’t have their speed, 10km is their playground. My time is only 32 minutes, slower than Glenrose Xaba! But racing them gives me strength. If they ever come to Comrades territory, I’ll show them who’s boss,” he chuckled.
At a lean 38kg, Dijana carries more grit than bulk, his focus firmly fixed on defending his Comrades throne.
“Among men, you can’t dance between marathons, Two Oceans and Comrades in one season. Only someone like Stephen Muzhingi managed that. I won’t gamble, I’ll always choose Comrades.”
Saturday’s 10K may be a sprinter’s stage, but with distance icons Steyn and Dijana on the line, the city will witness two ultra-legends trading their long-distance strides for shorter, sharper tactical duels.
The clock is ticking and the countdown boards are flashing with just 50 days to go before the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Africa’s premier marathon is shifting gears and hitting full stride, sprinting towards Abbott World Marathon Majors glory. And this year’s start line promises to be stacked like never before.
On Thursday, 28 August, the organisers unveiled the headline stars of the fourteenth edition, with 6 platinum and 8 gold-status athletes set to lace up on Sunday, 19 October. For the sold-out field of 24,000 runners, the stage is set for a showdown worthy of the Mother City’s streets.
Double Olympian Caster Semenya shares her thoughts on Sanlam Cape Town Marathon becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major:
Running Towards Greatness
“With the help of our partners, the City of Cape Town, and the citizens of the Mother City, we achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of our Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of theSanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Like a runner finding an extra gear in the final kilometre, Gardner underlined the event’s growing momentum:
“In 2025, we are undertaking Stage 2 and to that end have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history.
“Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best.
“Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving this feat.”
Elite Showdowns at the Front of the Pack
The elite field is as sharp as the tip of a racing spike.
In the men’s race, Ronald Korit (Kenya, PB 2:04:22) arrives as the fastest man in the field, shadowed by compatriot Bethwel Chumba Kibet (2:04:37). South Africa’s new marathon record-holder Elroy Gelant (2:05:36) is breathing down their necks, just four seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa.
All will have their sights on the 2024 course record of 2:08:16, set by Abdisa Tola.This mark is now in serious danger of being left behind like a fading pacesetter.
The women’s race has its own drama scripted. Leading the charge is South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, the undisputed queen of local ultra-running.
“I’m so excited and so honoured to announce that I will be lining up for the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon,” Steyn said with a smile.
“I can’t wait for the 19th of October! And most of all to share the beautiful route with thousands and thousands of my fellow runners.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has always been close to my heart, and the last time I ran this race was in 2021.
“I can still remember crossing the finish line that day. I felt so proud that we have such an amazing race here on South African soil.”
She will face an all-star peloton including Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti (2:16:56) and Angela Tanui (2:17:57), as well as Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba (2:19:59). South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba, who dethroned Steyn’s course record in 2024, will not be back to defend her title.
Sanlam’s backing goes beyond the water tables and medals.
“What began as a sponsorship in 2014 has grown into a strategic partnership aimed at positioning the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as Africa’s first and only World Marathon Major,” said Shadi Chauke, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Sanlam.
“As a Pan-African organisation, we are deeply committed to unlocking the continent’s potential and creating meaningful impact that extends well beyond the finish line.”
Already, 62 fundraising champions have raised nearly R200,000 for 18 charities via the GivenGain portal. Chauke added:
“Through partnerships with the Caster Semenya Foundation, CANSA, and WWF South Africa, we are advancing youth sports development, health, and environmental sustainability. We invite every runner to turn their race into a force for good through GivenGain.”
Final Kick to the Finish
With the field set, the excitement building, and the countdown clock ticking, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is running full tilt towards history. Africa’s best will battle for glory, while thousands more will chase their own finish-line dreams.
adidas, too, is leaving footprints bigger than its shoes.
“For adidas, our role as technical partner goes beyond supplying kit; it’s about supporting the culture of running in Africa,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas.
‘Run For Africa’ is central to that vision, rewarding runners who start and finish the marathon in adidas shoes with a R2,000 adidas voucher, and building pride in this community.
adidas has created a limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 shoe to commemorate the 2025 race. Photo by adidas.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon shows what’s possible when innovation meets purpose, from the race tee to the limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13. Every touchpoint is about leaving a legacy for runners well beyond the finish line.”
The Mother City is ready. The runners are ready. And the race is just 50 days away.
adidas is excited to announce the release of the first episode of their brand campaign, ‘Plus One Effect’. The six-part series explores the stories of distinguished athletes and the vital role of their ‘Plus Ones’, the supporters who shaped their journeys from the sideline. Their presence changes the game, turning doubt into confidence and pressure into joy.
Building onto the success of the 2024 ‘You Got This’ launch, the 2025 campaign highlights the power of encouragement, revealing that 4 in 5 athletes face unhelpful sideline behavior, which can lead them to leave sports. Rooted in the universal truth that every athlete needs someone in their corner, the campaign highlights how a strong support system can be the difference between success and self-doubt. As one of South Africa’s most celebrated long-distance runners, Gerda’s story is deeply rooted in the local running community. With five consecutive victories at the Two Oceans Marathon, Gerda is ready to chase her sixth, backed by the unwavering support of those who believe in her. While her determination and training have shaped her success, her story proves that behind every athlete, there’s a ‘Plus One’ cheering them on.
Gerda’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible – one she hasn’t taken alone. At the heart of her success is her husband, Duncan Ross, who has been by her side every step of the way. From handling race-day logistics and refining training plans to pacing her runs by cycling alongside her, assisting with nutrition and hydration, and keeping her motivated during the long miles, his support has been instrumental to her journey.
Gerda is celebrated as a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, five-time Two Oceans Marathon winner, course record holder, and two-time Olympian (Marathon – 2021/2024). Yet, behind her remarkable achievements, Duncan’s invaluable role often goes unnoticed. She attributes much of her success to the constant belief and encouragement from those working behind the scenes, demonstrating that a strong support system drives every record-breaking performance. “Running has been a journey we’ve embarked on together. From my early days as a social runner to making the leap into professional running, Duncan has been by my side through it all,” says Gerda Steyn. “The highs in this sport are incredible, but the lows can be tough. Having Duncan there through every triumph and setback has made all the difference.”
Gerda is not just running for her sixth title; she is running to inspire. She trusts in the adidas Adizero Pro 4, the world’s most winning marathon shoe, engineered for speed and peak performance, giving her the confidence to push beyond limits.
‘Plus One’ is more than an adidas global campaign; it’s a tribute to the people who make every win possible. adidas aims to spark a global movement of positivity, reminding every athlete that belief starts from the sidelines. After all, we all need someone to make us believe… you got this!
For more information on the adidas ‘You Got This’ campaign visit https://www.adidas.co.za/yougotthis.html. To watch Gerda and Duncan’s story, visit https://www.youtube.com/@adidas/.
With a second event launched in Tshwane this year, alongside the second edition of the Durban leg, the Boxer Super Runs saw some of the fastest times ever run on SA soil posted in this fun, all-inclusive and official 5km race series. – BY Jacky McClean with Sean Falconer
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.”
“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!”
With her record-breaking victory in the 2024 Comrades Marathon, Gerda Steyn added yet another accolade to her already glittering running career, and further cemented her status in many people’s minds as the greatest female ultra-athlete produced by South Africa to date. We caught up with her for an in-depth chat about her big win, the upcoming Olympic Marathon in Paris, and other aspects of her running. – By Sean Falconer
We chat to Gerda Steyn about her 2024 Up Run Record and win, her goals for this year’s Olympics and her journey to becoming a professional runner! Its a must-watch!
Akani Simbine, Tatjana Smith and Wayde van Niekerk were all among the 39 athletes who officially had their tickets to Paris confirmed for later this year when the first Olympic team announcement was made by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Teams were announced across seven sporting codes, with two more official announcements to come in the next two months.
The athletics team is far from complete with the qualification period still open and those athletes booking their tickets via world rankings yet to be finally determined.
Among those at the team announcement on Wednesday was young 400m star Lythe Pillay, who has just returned from helping the South Africa 4x400m quartet to a silver medal at the recent World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas.
“It’s really exciting. It’s still a bit surreal,” he said of making the Olympic team. “I’m really process orientated. I’m always just fixated on training and doing what I have to do. I very seldom take time to sit back and really acknowledge what has just happened and what I’ve achieved… it’s given me more of a sense of motivation to progress and keep pushing.”
Also thrilled to have booked her trip to Paris was Cian Oldknow who is one of three women, along with Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl, to have qualified in the marathon.
“Until it’s official, it’s always a bit like – ooh, are we actually going? So I think now it’s starting to sink in that I really made the team,” she said. “I’m very excited… I can’t wait for what’s coming. I’m so excited to be on the start line with all my role models.”
Meanwhile, heading the swimming team is Tokyo gold and silver medallist Tatjana Smith who will be looking to defend her 200m breaststroke title in the French capital.
“It’s definitely nice to know it’s official,” she said after the announcement. “This is my second time going but it doesn’t make it any less exciting than the first time so I’m very excited.
“I’m feeling very motivated because you know you’re so close to the end – as in Paris, the thing that you’ve been working towards for so long. That definitely keeps you encouraged because you know there’s only about nine weeks left so that helps a lot.”
Others in the swimming team include the likes of SA’s most successful Olympian Chad le Clos, world championship medallist Pieter Coetzé and Commonwealth Games medallists Erin Gallagher and Kaylene Corbett.
The other sporting codes to have their teams announced were canoeing, climbing, gymnastics, surfing and wrestling.
Meanwhile, SASCOC announced the cash incentives that are up for grabs to South Africans who win medals in Paris. R400,000 will be awarded to gold medallists with R100,000 going to their coaches, R200 000 for silver medallists (with R50k for coaches) and R75 000 for bronze medals (R25k for coaches).
SA Olympic team so far:
AQUATICS
Men: Pieter Coetzé (100m, 200m backstroke), Chad le Clos (100m butterfly), Matthew Sates (100m, 200m butterfly and 200m IM)
Women: Aimee Canny (200m freestyle), Kaylene Corbett (200m breaststroke), Erin Gallagher (100m butterfly), Rebecca Meder (200m IM), Tatjana Smith (100m, 200m breaststroke), Julia Vincent (diving, 3m springboard)
ATHLETICS
Men: Luxolo Adams (200m), Stephen Mokoka (marathon), Zakhiti Nene (400m), Lythe Pillay (400m), Benjamin Richardson (200m), Akani Simbine (100m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Wayde van Niekerk (400m), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Adriaan Wildschutt (5000m, 10000m).
In our February edition, we announced that for the first time since it was launched in 2009, Modern Athlete magazine is presenting a comprehensive annual Modern Athlete of the Year Awards, to recognise as many deserving South African athletes as we can, for their performances in 2023, across all the disciplines of athletics and running that we cover in this mag. And here, after putting out heads together and discussing, comparing, tabulating and debating, are our winners for 2023! – By Manfred Seidler, Stephen Granger, Altus Schreuder & Sean Falconer
