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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!”