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Gqeberha could make or break Glenrose’s historic title chase

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Gqeberha could make or break Glenrose’s historic title chase
By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba’s Spar Grand Prix dream is heading into dangerous territory.

The Boxer Athletics Club star has a shot at becoming the first woman to win four SPAR Grand Prix titles, but Saturday’s penultimate race in Gqeberha could send the championship race into overdrive.

Xaba currently shares the record of three Grand Prix crowns with fellow South Africans Rene Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl, and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

A victory in this year’s series would put her alone at the top.

But the road to history is littered with potholes.

Cacisile Sosibo, Xaba’s Boxer teammate, leads the standings on 80 points, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh on 60 and Xaba third.

Kavanagh will miss Gqeberha after staying in Europe following the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, where she smashed Elana Meyer’s South African 5km record with a sensational 14:51.

That absence has opened the door for the chasing pack.

And they are coming.

Ethiopian Selam Gebre, currently fourth, will be among those hunting points, while Karabo Mailula, sixth, arrives after finishing fifth in Thursday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K in 34:44.

Irvette van Zyl, another three-time Grand Prix champion, clocked 34:51 in Joburg and sits 10th overall.

Neheng Khatala, Cian Gerber (Oldknow) and Karabo More are also expected to throw themselves into the points battle.

Xaba, meanwhile, is carrying serious form into Gqeberha.

She finished 13th in the Copenhagen half marathon in 1:07:49, the second-fastest 21km time of her career.

Sosibo was 70th in 1:14:00 and will be determined to protect her championship lead.

Then there is the course.

SPAR Grand Prix technical consultant Brad Glasspoole says the new route could produce a furious finish.

“The new Gqeberha route starts at Pollok Beach and avoids the city centre. This reduces traffic, turns and twists,” Glasspoole told Modern Athlete

“There is a 550m climb on 10th Avenue, followed by a 450m descent. The final 2.5km is flat and fast.”

That final stretch could become a sprinting lottery, with tired legs and championship points fighting for the same piece of road.

About 6,000 runners are expected, with wet and windy conditions forecast.

Glasspoole believes the new qualification rule could make Saturday even more important.

“This is a new rule we introduced this year to make the series more competitive. With Johannesburg as the final leg after Gqeberha, Saturday’s points could be decisive.”

Athletes must complete at least three races to qualify for the Grand Prix title.

The five-race series visits Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, with R1,967,500 in total prize money and up to R212,000 available per leg for the South African competition.

Caster Semenya at starting line during the 2025 SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Green Point Common Sports Ground on March 30, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Xaba, Sosibo, Mailula and More are coached by former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya and her wife Violet Semenya.

Saturday is therefore no ordinary 10km.

For Xaba, it is another step towards history.

For Sosibo, it is a chance to tighten her grip.

And for the chasing pack, it is open season.

Gqeberha is ready. The title race is on.

Kabelo Mulaudzi defends Joburg 10K crown

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Kabelo Mulaudzi defends Joburg 10K crown
By Adnaan Mohamed

Kabelo Mulaudzi made his move when it mattered to defend his Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K title on Heritage Day, winning in 28:48 as Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai claimed her first Series victory in 32:50.

Mulaudzi raised his arms in celebration as he crossed the finish on Rahima Moosa Street after a tactical race on a hilly course in hot conditions.

The Boxer Athletics Club runner, who won four of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races last year, stayed in the chasing bunch behind early pace-setter Dolphine Chelimo of Uganda before making his move in the final 3km.

He surged past Chelimo and held on to finish nine seconds outside his course record of 28:39.

“I wanted to defend my title because everyone had forgotten about me. I’m happy to be back. It’s my first win of the year and in the series. I’m very happy,” Mulaudzi said.

The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating season with a hamstring injury, but said the problem was no longer troubling him.

“I’ve been struggling this year but I’m happy with my performance and defending my title. The injury is fine. It’s just that the race was tactical because it’s high altitude, it’s hot and you are running fast and slow. So, you have to adjust.”

Mulaudzi finished four seconds ahead of teammate Zenzile Pheko, who secured his second consecutive runner-up finish after also placing second in Tshwane.

Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe matched Pheko’s 28:52, taking third after a sprint finish.

Mulaudzi thanked coach Richard Mayer, Series founder Michael Meyer, sponsor PUMA SA and Boxer for their support.

“I would like to thank my coach and Ntate Michael Meyer for organising such a good race, as well as my sponsor PUMA SA and club Boxer for their support.”

Chemutai strikes Joburg gold

Chemutai produced a commanding run to win the women’s race in 32:50, improving on the third place she achieved in Tshwane in August.

The Kenyan led a clean sweep of the podium, with compatriot Mercy Jelimo second in 33:10 and Esther Borura third in 33:27.

Great Britain’s Emma Pallant-Browne was fourth in 34:15, followed by Kenya’s Dorcus Chepkwemoi in 34:21.

Defending champion Karabo Mailula was the leading South African in sixth in 34:44, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Irvette van Zyl seventh in 34:45.

“I’m happy to win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. The race was hard but I tried. It was my second 10km race,” Chemutai said.

“The course was hard and it was a little bit windy but I’m happy I won.”

Joburg was the fifth completed stop on the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series after Gqeberha, Durban and Tshwane, with Cape Town cancelled because of severe weather forecasts.

The Series heads to Bloemfontein on 25 October for the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, with the race starting at 07:00 and entries closing on 8 October or when capacity is reached.

The event also featured a Chery vehicle giveaway, with Prudence Gumbi winning a new vehicle valued at R269,900.

CLICK  HERE FOR YOUR RESULTS:

RESULTS: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Start Line: Lilian Ngoyi Street

Finish Line: Rahima Moosa Street

Start Time: 08:00

ELITE MEN

1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:48, 2 Zenzile Pheko (South Africa) 28:52, 3 Stephen Ngigi Kangethe (Kenya) 28:52, 4 Dolphine Chelimo (Uganda) 28:59, 5 George Kusche (South Africa) 29:00, 6 Onalenna Khonkhobi (South Africa) 29:10, 7 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa) 29:12, 8 Tumelo Motlagale (South Africa) 29:17, 9 Chris Mhlanga (South Africa) 29:37, 10 Musawenkosi Mnisi (South Africa) 29:40

ELITE WOMEN

1 Deborah Chemutai (Kenya) 32:50, 2 Mercy Jelimo (Kenya) 33:10, 3 Esther Borura (Kenya) 33:27, 4 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:15, 5 Dorcus Chepkwemoi (Kenya) 34:21, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 34:44, 7 Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) 34:51, 8 Dirbe Techanie Dagne (South Africa) 34:55, 9 Zanele Maisa (Ethiopia) 36:01, 10 Malineo Mahloko (Lesotho) 36:27

Glenrose Xaba targets record fourth SPAR Grand Prix crown

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Glenrose Xaba targets record fourth SPAR Grand Prix crown
By Adnaan Mohamed

Defending champion Glenrose Xaba will begin her bid for a record-breaking fourth SPAR Grand Prix title when the 2026 series opens in Green Point on Sunday.

No athlete has won the competition four times since its inception 18 years ago. Xaba, already a three-time winner, now has the opportunity to stand alone at the top of that list.

The opening race has been reshaped by the absence of Ethiopian runners Diniya Abaraya and Salem Gebre, who finished second and third respectively in last year’s standings. Both were unable to secure the necessary visas and clearance documents, their club confirmed earlier this week.

Their withdrawal strengthens the prospects of South Africa’s leading contenders and is expected to intensify competition among the local elite field.

“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” said Xaba.
“I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I hope my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”

Xaba said she was in good condition ahead of the season opener.

“I am ready to run my best and I am looking forward to the competition. I just want to achieve good results in 2026,” she said.

Among those expected to challenge are Karabo Mailula, Irvette van Zyl and Tayla Kavanagh, along with Xaba’s training partners Karabo More and Cacisile Sosibo.

The SPAR Grand Prix consists of five races, with stops in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.

This year’s series offers a total prize purse of R2 million. The overall winner will earn R210 000, with additional incentives available to the top South African finishers.

Attention will also turn to the age-group categories. Junior champion Chanel Groenewald starts as favourite in her division. Anne Stewart will defend her 50-59 title, with Elizabeth Potter among her challengers. In the 60-plus category, Judy Bird is set to face strong competition from record holder Margie Saunders.

Sunday’s race follows a fast coastal route, starting near Green Point and running along the Sea Point Promenade before finishing at the Green Point Common.

For Xaba, the campaign begins with a clear objective: to convert consistency into history.

Cian Oldknow set for comeback as Team SA gears up for World Cross Country Champs

Adnaan MohamedCross Country, NewsLeave a Comment on Cian Oldknow set for comeback as Team SA gears up for World Cross Country Champs
By Adnaan Mohamed

Cian Oldknow is back on the start line as Team South Africa prepares to tackle the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida on Saturday.

After an injury- and illness-disrupted 2025 season, the Olympian’s is primed for a return to action on the world stage.

Oldknow is part of a strong senior women’s squad contesting the demanding 10km, headlined by Glenrose Xaba, Cacisile Sosibo, Kyla Jacobs, Karabo Mailula and Zanele Maisa.

For Oldknow, Tallahassee represents the first competitive stride back after a year spent battling setbacks rather than chasing finish tapes. The Johannesburg-based athlete burst onto the marathon scene in 2024, winning three races over 42.2km, qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games and finishing as South Africa’s top marathoner ahead of Irvette van Zyl and Gerda Steyn. Momentum stalled in 2025, but not belief.

“This will be my first race back after quite a difficult year in 2025, so I’m hoping to start on a positive note,” said Oldknow.

“I really enjoy wearing the South African colours and take a lot of pride in representing my country. I know I’ll have to dig deep, even though I’m not in the best place yet, but I think we can take pride in what we do as a team.”

While the women’s squad gathers pace, the men’s team has been forced to adjust its rhythm. South Africa’s plan to field its strongest senior men’s outfit was disrupted when reigning SA 10km cross country champion Kabelo Mulaudzi was ruled out with injury. Mulaudzi, one of the form distance runners of recent seasons with three sub-28-minute 10km performances last year, will focus on rehabilitation ahead of 2026.

The men’s 10km team features Adriaan Wildschutt, Bennett Seloyi, Chris Mhlanga, Sanele Masondo and Musawenkosi Mnisi, with Jayde Roslee stepping in after the withdrawal of Mulaudzi.

Adriaan Wildschutt Photo: Team SA

“We can confirm that Mulaudzi is injured,” said ASA Cross Country Chairperson and Team Manager Jakes Jacobs.

“He is replaced by Jayde Roslee who finished in the top twenty in the junior race in Australia in 2023. He was the official reserve after his performance at the trials. The good thing is that Jayde is based in the US. So, he will represent the country on behalf of Kabelo.”

On the women’s side, national 10km champion Glenrose Xaba returns to the World Cross Country Championships for the first time since stepping up to the marathon. Fresh off a sixth-place finish at the Valencia Marathon, Xaba is aiming to better her 32nd-place showing in Serbia two years ago, and she believes the legs are ready.

“I did not train that much because I was already fit,” said Xaba.

“So, I rested and spent the rest of December polishing up because you can’t just come from a marathon and jump into another training programme. I will do my best to go with the East Africans because it’s something that I’m used to doing. I just want to improve and finish very strong. I’m feeling very good. No injury. I just want to do my best.”

With a 28-member squad spread across senior, junior and relay events, Team South Africa arrives in Florida with depth, resilience and runners eager to test themselves against the world’s best.

TEAM SA – WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tallahassee, Florida | 10 January 2026

Senior men (10km)

  • Adriaan Wildschutt
  • Bennett Seloyi
  • Sanele Masondo
  • Chris Mhlanga
  • Musawenkosi Mnisi
  • Jayde Roslee (replacement)

Senior women (10km)

  • Glenrose Xaba
  • Karabo Mailula
  • Cacisile Sosibo
  • Kyla Jacobs
  • Cian Oldknow
  • Zanele Maisa

Senior mixed relay (4x2km)

  • Karabo More
  • Carina Viljoen
  • Luan Munnik
  • Christopher Swart

Junior men (8km)

  • Anele Matsoso
  • Tshepang Tshivhula
  • Beautin van der Westhuizen
  • Olerato Mosiloane
  • Benkosi Maqwara
  • Junior Noah

Junior women (6km)

  • Ithuteng Khiba
  • Lara Stander
  • Lara van der Merwe
  • Andrea Steynberg
  • Omaatla Dikao
  • Leandri Pretorius

Featured images: Michael Scott, TEAM SA

Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

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.

Gerda Steyn Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and six Two 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’s Sanlam Cape Town 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.

Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre Shines at Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre Shines at Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg

A record-breaking field of 12 000 runners gathered at Marks Park, Emmerentia on Sunday, 17 August 2025, for the grand finale of this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race series, held in support of PinkDrive. Among an impressive lineup of elite athletes, it was Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre who stole the spotlight, storming to victory in a time of 33 minutes 27 seconds.

“I’m tired from my travels and could feel it in my legs this morning,” admits Gebre. “There was one runner with me for a big part of the race. I just had to keep moving. The runner got tired and dropped off. I kept going. The course was tough. I am very happy to be first today. It motivates me for my next event.”

Reflecting on her experience, she added: “I joined the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024. The organisers are very nice and always invite me to race. The Totalsports Women’s Race is special because it gives women the opportunity to show themselves and all their hard work.”

Behind Gebre, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala secured second place, while Kenya’s Debrah Cherotich crossed the line in third. Khatala – Lesotho’s 10km National Record holder – has been a familiar face throughout the 2025 series, racing in all three events in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

“I’m very excited with my second position today,” said Khatala. “This was my second time at the Joburg race. Last year I had flu and couldn’t finish, so I am very proud of myself. I executed the race very well. For the first time I did all three races. I am so proud of myself. I hope to do it next year again.”

South Africa’s Karabo Mailula impressed the home crowd, finishing 4th overall in a time of 35:09 to claim the honour of being the first local runner across the line.

“It feels great to represent South Africa well,” says Mailula. “The start was fine. I didn’t know the course, but my teammate told me that the course is going to be difficult. I knew it because Jozi is always difficult. I was aiming for a better time, but I think that I have improved. I am happy with the result, position four, it’s fine for me. The Totalsports Women’s Race is doing a great job. Their goodie bags, the things inside are nice. I can encourage other girls to come and enjoy the race especially because it is in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. It gives the opportunity to all the ladies around.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, congratulated Gebre and thanked everyone who made the event possible. “Congratulations to Selam Gebre on a well-earned victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg,” says Meyer. “We also extend our sincere thanks to the 12 000 women who participated, the supporters who lined the streets, and our valued sponsors and partners who made this event – and the entire 2025 series – possible.

We’re incredibly proud to have hosted such an impactful celebration of women through sport across three iconic cities, and we’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support we received every step of the way. The Totalsports Women’s Race continues to be a platform for unity, empowerment, and positivity – and we’re already looking forward to what the future holds.”

Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, echoed the sentiment, reflecting on a powerful close to the series. “What a phenomenal way to close off the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race series,” states Crous. “The streets of Johannesburg came alive as 12 000 women ran united in the final leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race. It was truly inspiring to witness the joy on route – a powerful reminder of the impact of celebrating women through sport.

We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together across Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg in 2025. Here’s to the incredible women who continue to show up, lift each other up, and run with purpose. Until next year – keep running united!”