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Khatala chasing another podium at Two Oceans Ultra

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Khatala chasing another podium at Two Oceans Ultra
By Adnaan Mohamed

Lesotho distance-running star Neheng Khatala is gathering momentum ahead of the 2026 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, with the versatile runner targeting a top-two finish when the race unfolds in Cape Town on Saturday, 11 April.

Nicknamed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the 56km test along the Cape Peninsula demands endurance, strength and tactical patience. Khatala arrives with confidence growing stride by stride after a strong start to her season.

The Olympian recently used the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K as a key fitness checkpoint, finishing fourth in 32:43 despite carrying heavy training miles in her legs.

“I really ran well to be honest and I’m grateful about the work I did that day especially because the last 3km were quite windy,” said Khatala. “I’m particularly happy with my performance because I didn’t taper. The week of the race I did a 45km long run so I went into the race with heavy legs.”

The performance highlighted the range that has become Khatala’s trademark. Few athletes move as smoothly between shorter races and the grinding demands of ultra-distance events.

The Hollywood Athletics Club runner recently demonstrated that versatility when she claimed victory at the demanding Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield, finishing ahead of South African ultra star Gerda Steyn on a challenging course.

Khatala attributes her steady progress to the training programme designed by coach Andrew Booyens, which blends hill work, endurance training and speed sessions.

“I think my training is balanced and structured in such a way that it allows me to run hilly routes as well as fast and flat courses all at the same time,” she said. “It’s all about the effort I put in. Whether it’s a tough course or a flat course I always put in effort to ensure that I remain consistent even if I don’t always win.”

Her disciplined approach produced a third-place finish in 3:40:38 at last year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, placing her firmly among the contenders for the 2026 edition.

“My aim is to improve. Last year I finished in third position, so this year I must target a win or second position,” she said. “The point is to improve last year’s performance and if I can achieve that, it would be a huge blessing.”

Race organisers believe the Lesotho athlete could play a significant role when the field tackles the demanding course through Cape Town’s mountain passes and coastal roads.

Neheng Khatala by Action Photo

“Neheng Khatala is a remarkable athlete whose versatility and dedication make her a standout entrant for the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“Her performances over the last twelve months, from track races to ultra marathons, demonstrate the discipline and focus required to excel at this level.”

Event general manager Wade Bromfield believes her preparation places her among the pre-race favourites.

“Khatala’s approach to training and racing is what makes her a true contender at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon,” he said. “Her structured preparation, combined with a third-place finish last year, positions her as one of the pre-race favourites.”

With form building kilometre after kilometre, Khatala now sets her sights on Cape Town’s sweeping coastal route, where another podium finish may await if her rhythm holds across the 56km journey.

Wildschutt targets sub-27 milestone in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Wildschutt targets sub-27 milestone in Gqeberha
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African multiple record holder Adriaan Wildschutt will toe the line at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday morning determined to make history, while keeping his emotions in check.

The US-based runner has spent an extended training block in Potchefstroom ahead of the 7am start in Nelson Mandela Bay, fine-tuning the engine that powered him to a then national 10km record of 27:28 in Gqeberha last year.

That mark was eclipsed five months later when Maxime Chaumeton clocked 26:55 in Romania, leaving Wildschutt with a fresh target. His focus now is clear: become the first athlete to break 27 minutes for 10km on African soil in the country of his birth.

Yet, as race day approaches, he admits the magnitude of the task has been hard to ignore.

Wildschutt said he is doing everything possible not to overthink the opportunity.

“I never even thought about that to be honest because Ive realised in the last few years that you can break so many records only for them to be broken the next day, so I’m not so focused about records any more. There are a lot of things I do in my life and things I’m interested in because if you are going to obsess over records, it’s just going to result in sadness at the end of the day.

“For me, I just want to run sub-27, and I think it’s going to be a mental thing because it will be the first time that’s been done on African soil.”

Wildschutt, who finished tenth in the men’s 10 000m final at the Paris Olympics, believes familiarity with the Gqeberha course could prove decisive. Having made his race debut there last year, he returns with a clearer understanding of the coastal conditions.

“I know the course now and know which direction the wind blows unless it changes again because you never really know. We also have pacers now, and there is a person we are confident in that can push all the way to 5km, because last year we were well off pace early on and that made it so much harder to run by yourself. In that department, we are already better and hopefully my fitness is good enough.”

Last year he voiced frustration at the early pace. This time, the experienced Kenyan Isaac Kibet Ndiema, who owns a 26:55 personal best, is expected to help drive the tempo at the front.

Even so, Wildschutt insists his race will be dictated by execution rather than rivalry.

At Friday’s pre-race press conference, he underlined his readiness.

“I had a great experience here in Gqeberha last year. It’s a world class event happening in a great city. I’m feeling good and hopefully I can deliver on Sunday,”

He also acknowledged the formula required for something special.

“To run fast anywhere in the world you need a high level of competition, great pace making and good weather. I’m not saying that to be arrogant, but rather acknowledging that I need other people to work with to help me to achieve this tough goal. I’m grateful to Absa for making it happen. If I can manage to do it, it would be the second best performance of my career behind the Olympics,”

For Wildschutt, discovered as a teenager by Zola Budd and now one of the country’s most accomplished distance runners, Sunday is less about reclaiming a record and more about crossing a psychological frontier.

Women’s field chasing history

The women’s contest carries similar weight.

Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir arrives as the 10km world leader after running 29:25 in Valencia in January. She is targeting the first sub-30 minute performance by a woman on African soil.

“Running my first sub 30 minute race to win the Valencia 10K was so emotional. I’m happy to be here to race in South Africa because I hear that it’s a fast course. My aim is to break my personal best time and hopefully make history by running the fastest time on African soil.”

She heads a deep field that includes fellow Kenyan Faith Cherono, South African record holder Glenrose Xaba, and Lesotho national record holder Neheng Khatala.

Series opener sets the tone

The Gqeberha race launches the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which will travel to Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Joburg later in the year. The five-race circuit boasts a combined prize purse of R1 686 000, with incentives aimed at unlocking elite performances from South African athletes.

On Sunday, though, the mathematics are simple. Twenty-seven minutes stands as the line in the sand for Wildschutt. If the pacemakers hit their marks and the coastal breeze plays along, Gqeberha could witness a breakthrough that reshapes the African 10km narrative.

Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s bustling streets will swap weekday traffic for running shoes on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September, when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings the curtain down on the five-race series. From Lilian Ngoyi Street to Rahima Moosa Street, Jozi will echo with the sound of chasing feet and national pride.

Men’s showdown

The men’s race promises fireworks with South Africa’s Precious Mashele (27:35) determined to strike gold on his favourite kind of course.

“Joburg is never easy … the air is thin, the climbs are tough. But those are the races that bring out my best,” Mashele said.

His main rival is Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:41), who has swept the last three races in Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane. A fourth straight victory would crown him series king.

But Thabang Mosiako (27:45) is also in red-hot form after winning last weekend’s Hollywood Joburg 10K. He believes his hill and speed work have prepared him perfectly.

The 28-year-old is also eyeing next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut, making this race an important test.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

They’ll be pushed hard by Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw (28:03) and Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi (27:52), both with the pedigree to spoil the South African party. With so much sub-28 pace, the men’s crown may only be decided in the final lung-busting metres.

Women’s battle

In the women’s race, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:53) starts as favourite, her strength on the climbs making her a natural fit for Jozi’s altitude.

“I love hard courses. They test not just the body, but the spirit,” Khatala said.

Her closest challengers include South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:54), Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora (32:55) and Kenya’s Naomy Jerono (33:28). Expect a close contest, with the decisive move likely on the punishing final stretch down Rahima Moosa Street.

Comrades stars add intrigue

Adding extra spice are Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward “Slender” Mothibi, both trading ultra-distance armour for 10km sharpness. Reigning Comrades Champion Dijana admits he’s using Joburg to test his speed.

Reigning Comrades Champion Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“The body is recovering well after Comrades. I use these 10km races to sharpen the legs,” he said.

Race founder Michael Meyer believes their presence underlines the event’s prestige:

“When you see Comrades champions lining up against 10km specialists, it speaks to the depth of our sport.”

A Heritage Day celebration

While the elites chase records, thousands of recreational runners will share the same course, painting the streets red and turning it into a moving tapestry of endurance and unity.

On a day celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a festival of speed, spirit and pride, as Jozi plays host to one last, spectacular showdown.

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!”