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Mulaudzi stands in Masai’s way at Mangaung 10K

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Kenyan distance runner Felix Masai Kibet is targeting a personal best at Sunday’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, but South African Kabelo Mulaudzi has warned his rivals they will have to work hard to deny him victory in Bloemfontein.

The race, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026, promises a compelling contest over 10km, with Masai chasing a fast time, Mulaudzi pursuing another series victory and Glenrose Xaba targeting a personal best in the women’s race.

Masai, who owns a 27:19 personal best and led a Kenyan podium sweep at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON in April, outlined his ambitions at Friday’s official race press conference alongside four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka and Mulaudzi.

“I want to run a PB on Sunday,” said Masai.

The Kenyan’s challenge will be complicated by the presence of Mulaudzi, one of the most successful athletes in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in recent seasons.

Mulaudzi is chasing an eighth series victory after winning twice in 2023, claiming four victories last year and triumphing at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last month.

His credentials include a 27:41 personal best, set while winning the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.

“I’m feeling very good and I’m ready for Sunday. The competition is tough, but I will try my best. The field will have to work hard to win,” said Mulaudzi.

The men’s contest will test whether Masai can convert his ambitions into a fast performance against a South African rival who has repeatedly delivered on the series circuit.

Xaba eyes personal best

Glenrose Xaba Photo: Pule Mogorosi

Xaba heads into the women’s race in strong form after winning the Boxer Super Run 5K in Durban on 18 October and becoming the first athlete to secure four SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Series titles.

The South African came within striking distance of her 31:12 personal best at last month’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha, clocking 31:16.

A flat, fast course in Mangaung could provide the opportunity she needs to improve that mark.

“I heard the course is flat and fast, and I’m looking forward to giving my best as I always do. I’m in good form and hoping to have a great race. I came close to my PB in Gqeberha, so I would be happy to set a new PB on Sunday,” said Xaba.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala will also arrive with confidence after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on 18 October.

Khatala will be looking to improve her national record of 32:01, setting up another important test against a competitive women’s field.

A new challenge for Mangaung

Michael Meyer (Stillwater Sports Managing Director & Series Founder), Dirk Mokgele (Regional Segment Head, Absa Group), Glenrose Xaba (South Africa), Mrs Odessa Swarts (Athletics Free State Acting President), Hon Ketso Makume – MEC DEDT (Department of Economic Development and Tourism) and Filex Masai (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: Pule Mogorosi

The inaugural event adds Bloemfontein to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series calendar, giving elite athletes another opportunity to chase fast times and compete for honours on South African roads.

With Masai targeting a personal best, Mulaudzi determined to extend his winning record and Xaba eyeing a breakthrough, Sunday’s race will provide an early measure of the course’s potential.

The stopwatch will ultimately decide whether Mangaung delivers the fast times the athletes are seeking.

Purple reign: Hollywood stars light up Joburg 10km

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Hollywood Athletics Club’s Purple Team turned its sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km into a showcase of organisational muscle and elite running firepower, with Neheng Khatala striking gold and three club athletes finishing in the men’s top seven at Nasrec on Sunday.

The third edition of the race attracted 12,000 participants across the 10km and 5km events, doubling last year’s turnout and turning the streets around the Johannesburg Expo Centre into a spectacular sea of purple.

For the Hollywoodbets Purple Team, the day was a powerful advertisement for its growing footprint in South African road running. Its elite stars delivered on the road while the organisers celebrated another milestone for an event that has rapidly become a major fixture on the racing calendar.

Nedbank Running Club’s Thabang Mosiako stopped the hosts from sweeping the men’s honours, defending his title in 30:43. Hollywood’s former Comrades Marathon champion Edward Mothibi, however, stole the spotlight with a superb second place in 30:51, matching third-placed Rebaone Obotseng’s time.

Thabang Mosiako successfully defended his title. Photo: Suppied

“I am really happy with my achievement today because it’s my second time running the Hollywoodbets Joburg. I think it was my third or fourth, but I have been maintaining a podium finish, so I can say I am very happy I managed to defend my title,” he said.

Mothibi’s performance was particularly impressive against a field packed with specialist 10km runners. The veteran showed that his endurance pedigree still carries plenty of firepower over shorter distances.

Hollywood’s Poloko Maphunye finished fourth in 30:54, while Stephen Mokoka, the experienced multiple South African record-holder, placed seventh in 31:29.

Edward Mothibi Photo: Supplied

Three Hollywood Athletics Club runners in the men’s top seven offered tangible evidence of the Purple Team’s depth, with Mothibi leading the charge and Maphunye and Mokoka reinforcing the club’s presence among the front-runners.

Khatala leads a purple podium charge

The women’s race provided an even bigger celebration for the hosts.

Lesotho’s 10km record-holder Neheng Khatala crossed the finish line in 33:40 to collect the R40,000 winner’s cheque and complete a memorable Durban-Joburg double after winning the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in August.

The 2024 Olympian knew the hilly route would demand discipline and strength. Having won the Soweto Marathon two years ago, she recognised the challenge posed by the closing kilometres.

“I knew I did not have to go too fast; just manage my speed and balance the pace so I get to the finish because I did not want to be slaughtered at the end,” she said.

Emma Pallant-Brown, Neheng Khatala and Irvette van Zyl Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

UK-born Emma Pallant-Browne of Peak Running Club finished second in 35:04, followed by Hollywood teammate Irvette van Zyl in 35:17. South Africa’s golden girl of ultra-distance running, Gerda Steyn, completed a memorable club performance in fourth in 35:42.

Having three Hollywood athletes among the women’s leading four and five in the top 10 gave the Purple Team another reason to celebrate. Khatala’s victory, Van Zyl’s podium finish and Steyn’s fourth place underlined the strength of a line-up featuring talent across different racing distances.

The 2024 Olympian knew the hilly route would demand discipline and strength. Having won the Soweto Marathon two years ago, she recognised the challenge posed by the closing kilometres.

“I knew I did not have to go too fast; just manage my speed and balance the pace so I get to the finish because I did not want to be slaughtered at the end,” she said.

Khatala said winning in her club colours made the occasion particularly special, with the responsibility of representing her own team adding to the emotion.

Purple momentum heads to Mangaung

The club’s attention now shifts to the next challenge. Khatala, Van Zyl and Steyn are set to line up at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY Mangaung 10km next Sunday, where Khatala hopes to attract strong support from fellow Basotho.

For Hollywood Athletics Club, Sunday’s success was about more than prize money and podium photographs. A sold-out mass-participation event, a formidable elite contingent and three male runners in the top seven provided a compelling demonstration of the Purple Team’s competitive reach.

Nasrec belonged to the purple wave. The challenge now is to keep it rolling.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FULL 2026 HOLLYWOODBETS JOBURG 10K RESULTS

Gerda Steyn chases Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K glory

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Gerda Steyn is accustomed to conquering the long road, but at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k on Sunday, the queen of South African ultra-running will need to summon her speed, sharpen her instincts and keep her rivals firmly in her sights.

The race starts at 7:30am at Nasrec, where 12 000 entrants are expected to turn the occasion into a celebration of running, community and personal achievement. At the sharp end of the elite women’s contest, Steyn faces a compelling challenge from Hollywood Athletics Club teammate Neheng Khatala and UK-born athlete Emma Pallant-Browne.

With defending champion Fridah Ndinda absent, the battle for the title is wide open. Steyn finished second behind the Kenyan last year and will be determined to go one better in the third edition, with R40 000 awaiting the winner.

The seven-time Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and five-time Comrades Marathon champion has built a reputation on

endurance, resilience and an ability to deliver when the kilometres begin to bite. Yet she is taking nothing for granted over a distance where the pace is fierce and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The Hollywood AC star made it clear that a podium finish would represent a significant achievement.

“The 10km race dynamic is very unpredictable, and I know that there will be strong competition on Sunday. Yes, the previous winner is not here, but there are many other elite runners, so just to finish on the podium will be an amazing achievement for me.”

Khatala’s presence adds an intriguing club dimension to the contest, while Pallant-Browne brings another formidable challenge to a race that should demand speed and tactical nous from the opening strides.

Steyn has increasingly embraced the 10km as an important part of her racing calendar, using the shorter distance to develop speed and maintain her competitive edge ahead of a demanding 2027 season.

“It’s very exciting for me to line up in yet another 10km race because I always find the 10km race distance so challenging and so different to the marathons and ultra-marathons. These races play a very specific role in my preparation throughout the year.

“You have to challenge yourself at a much faster pace and you have to remain focused during each and every single second of the race.”

Her training has also taken a new direction this year, with trail running added to the mix as she prepares for the challenge of a 100km trail race next year. It is another test of versatility for an athlete whose appetite for endurance challenges appears boundless.

For Steyn, Sunday is an opportunity to turn that preparation into a performance and test herself against quality opposition on a faster stage.

She also has an encouraging message for the thousands of recreational runners lining up at Nasrec, particularly those tackling their first 10km.

Enjoy the experience, trust your preparation and make the most of the opportunity to be part of one of South Africa’s biggest road-running events.

Whether chasing a personal best, completing a first 10km or racing for the R40 000 prize, every runner will have a finish line worth celebrating.

For Steyn, though, the mission is clear: turn last year’s silver into gold. With Khatala and Pallant-Browne in the mix, the road to victory promises to be anything but a Sunday stroll.

Tayla Kavanagh falls, rises to Hollywood Durban 10km victory

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh turned a painful mid-race fall into a powerful statement of resilience when she stormed to victory in the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km at Kingsmead on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Durban-born South African stopped the clock at 31:39 to claim her maiden title in the sold-out race, pocket R40 000 and set a new course record in windy conditions.

Kavanagh had been targeting Glenrose Xaba’s South African 10km record of 31:12, but those ambitions were dented when a male runner tripped her shortly before the 4km mark.

Her response was emphatic.

She got up, gathered herself and resumed the chase.

“No matter what happens, I always tell myself you’ve got to get up and keep going. After I took a fall, that’s exactly what I told myself mentally, just get up, you’ve still got to put in the work and get the job done,” said Kavanagh.

She did exactly that.

Hollywood Athletics Club teammate and defending champion Neheng Khatala finished second in 32:01, with Boxer Running Club’s Karabo Mailula third in 33:01.

The victory added another significant chapter to what is rapidly becoming a breakthrough season for Kavanagh, who has already secured the national 5km and 10km titles and won back-to-back SPAR Women’s 10km races.

The fall also produced a remarkable moment of sportsmanship.

The runner responsible later apologised to Kavanagh, who accepted the apology and embraced him at the finish.

Now her attention turns sharply north.

Kavanagh will represent South Africa in the 5km at the World Championships in Copenhagen on 20 September, with less than three weeks to prepare for another test of her rapidly developing credentials.

“So, I am heading to the World Championships for the 5km in about two and a half weeks. I’m really excited to tackle the 5km on the road and have a good battle out there,” she said.

“I am eager to see what I can accomplish and what we can achieve together. So, that’s my next goal, and I’ll be focusing on that in the upcoming weeks leading up to it.”

The self-coached Kavanagh is embracing the freedom of plotting her own campaign and believes the approach has contributed to her remarkable consistency.

She is also refusing to become consumed by the national 10km record.

The 31:12 mark remains within sight, with Kavanagh confident the opportunity will arrive when the time is right.

For now, Copenhagen is the next finish line.

“I am really excited for this one; it’s in Copenhagen, so I’m looking forward to how fast we can run over 5km.”

Phantane AC’s Tshepo Tshite took the top prize in the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km Image: Hollywood AC

In the men’s race, Phantane Athletics Club’s Tshepo Tshite produced a late surge to win in 28:18, beating Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe by three seconds.

“The race was good even though I think I have bad luck when it comes to 10km,” said Tshite.

The sixth edition attracted 15 000 runners, underlining Durban’s status as one of South Africa’s premier mass-participation road-running events.

The Hollywoodbets 10km series now moves to Johannesburg, where the next race is scheduled for 18 October.

Kavanagh, meanwhile, has another race on the horizon.

This time, the finish line is in Copenhagen.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FULL HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN 10K RESULTS. 

Kenyan star Jerono wins Totalsports Women’s Race

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Kenyan road-running star Daisilah Jerono arrived in South Africa with a simple mission: test her training. She left Cape Town with gold around her neck.

The world No. 7 half-marathon runner produced a composed 31:29 to win the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town on Sunday, 9 August, adding another international victory to an already impressive 2026 campaign.

The 1:05:21 Berlin half marathon performer, currently the second-fastest Kenyan over the distance this year, had hoped to sharpen the racing blade ahead of bigger challenges. Cape Town instead handed her a podium finish on a platter.

The course offered little charity, with wind and rolling undulations testing every stride. Jerono kept her rhythm ticking like a metronome, refusing to let the conditions derail her charge.

Daisilah Jerono claims gold at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in 31:29. PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

“The race was tough. It was windy, with a few ups and downs, but I am happy to have run today,” said Jerono.

Her victory was even sweeter because it came without expectation.

“This is my first time in South Africa. I didn’t come with the idea of winning; I came to see where I am in my training.”

The Cape Town crowd helped propel her over the finish line.

“The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. I am so happy to win today. I was not expecting it; it’s by God’s grace. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”

Faith Cherono, also of Kenya, finished second, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala completing the podium.

Elite Women’s Podium (from left to right): Neheng Khatala (Lesotho), Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) and Faith Cherono (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

Jerono was among 10 000 entrants who turned Cape Town’s streets into a moving celebration of women, fitness and community on National Women’s Day, while raising support for PinkDrive.

For Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer, the day delivered both elite competition and mass-participation magic.

“Congratulations to Daisilah Jerono on a truly outstanding performance. The standard of elite racing at this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was exceptional, with an exciting display of talent and determination from start to finish,” said Meyer.

He also highlighted the wider significance of the event before looking ahead to Johannesburg on 16 August, following successful races in Durban and Cape Town.

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous said the event again demonstrated the power of women united by sport and purpose.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” said Crous.

With the Mother City roaring and 10 000 women adding their footsteps to the occasion, Jerono’s debut became the fastest chapter of a much bigger story: competition with a conscience, celebration with a finish line.

RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town 2026

Date: Sunday 09 August 2026

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town

Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town

Top 10 Elite Field

1 Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) 31:29, 2 Faith Cherono (Kenya) 31:32, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 33:23, 4 Olga Firsova (Australia) 36:20, 5 Marie-Tinka Olivier (South Africa) 37:25, 6 Nicole Van Wyk (South Africa) 37:43, 7 Deanne Laubscher (South Africa) 38:07, 8 Lauren Jonathan (South Africa) 38:18, 9 Yandiswa Shange (South Africa) 38:39, 10 Mia Steytler (South Africa) 38:49

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Neheng Khatala targets Durban gold at Totalsports Women’s Race

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Neheng Khatala has done the hard kilometres. Now she wants the reward.

Fresh from an impressive fifth-place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, the Lesotho 10km record holder believes she is perfectly placed to challenge for top honours at Totalsports Women’s Race on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

The confidence is measured rather than loud, shaped by months of disciplined preparation and sharpened on one of Africa’s deepest elite fields only weeks ago.

“If I execute my race plan well, I believe a great result will follow,” Khatala said.

“Every race is an opportunity to improve, and I want to make the most of it.”

Durban’s fast and flat route has become a magnet for personal bests, with its sweeping beachfront roads often rewarding athletes brave enough to commit from the opening kilometres. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete hopes it will provide another platform to showcase her growing pedigree.

Her ambitions stretch beyond the finish line.

For the 10km Lesotho national record holder, the Totalsports Women’s Race represents a celebration of women united by a shared passion for running.

“It shows the power of women supporting and inspiring one another,” she said.

“Running brings us together regardless of where we come from or our backgrounds. It is an honour to be part of an event that celebrates strength, resilience and unity.”

Khatala says her greatest rival is the athlete she was yesterday.

Neheng Khatala photo by Anthony Grote

“My biggest motivation is becoming the best version of myself. Every race teaches me something new. Growth comes through consistency and hard work.”

She also hopes her journey encourages newcomers to chase their own goals.

“Believe in yourself, be patient with your progress and never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Every champion started with a single step.”

The atmosphere in Durban could also play a decisive role.

“Crowd support always gives me an extra boost. Hearing people cheer helps me find another gear when the race gets tough.”

Victory would carry special significance.

“It would make my family, supporters and my country, Lesotho, proud while motivating me to chase even bigger goals.”

Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer believes Khatala is primed for another strong display.

“We look forward to seeing her showcase her talent on this world-class course alongside thousands of women celebrating the joy of running.”

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous believes Khatala’s presence adds another layer of quality to an already exciting elite field.

“As one of Africa’s leading distance runners, Neheng’s participation will inspire women of all ages and abilities.”

When the starter’s gun echoes along Durban’s beachfront on Sunday morning, Khatala will not be chasing the clock alone. She will be chasing another step towards becoming one of Africa’s leading road-running names.

Khatala chasing another podium at Two Oceans Ultra

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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

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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

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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!”