By Adnaan Mohamed
Emma Pallant-Browne believes motherhood has given her a new finish line to chase.
The British triathlon star and former international track and cross-country runner will make her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Durban on Sunday before returning for the Johannesburg race on August 16, marking her first major 10km campaign since the birth of her son a year ago.
Her return arrives during Women’s Month, with the sold-out series continuing to celebrate women in sport while shining a spotlight on athletes balancing elite competition, careers and family life.
“Coming back after having my son, I’m starting to get injury-free and run a bit faster, so I was looking to race a fast 10km at sea level, and the Totalsports Women’s Race came highly recommended to me,” Pallant-Browne said.
“My goal is to take part in two Totalsports Women’s Race events this year, so I will also be lining up in Joburg on 16 August.”
The 36-year-old said becoming a mother has strengthened her passion for women’s sport and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities where female athletes can thrive.
“Women in sport is my absolute passion, especially now as a mother. I used to see a lot of women at races with their kids supporting ‘Daddy’, and it’s so great to now see dads on the sidelines with the kids supporting ‘Mummy’ and giving her the opportunity to have her time to shine.
“I think there are still barriers in women’s sport that see many women dropping out during their teenage years or when life gets busy and they start a family, but events like this really elevate women’s running and give women their time to shine.”
Motherhood has also reshaped the way she trains.
“There are a million reasons now not to get my session in, and I think it makes you want it a bit more,” she said.
“Knowing that we are bringing my son into a life where we show him that if you want to be good at something, you have to work hard for it, is what I keep thinking when times get tough. What example am I setting for him?
“My body has definitely had more injuries, but it’s made me more patient, better at problem-solving and time management, and more resilient when facing setbacks.”
She encouraged mothers returning to exercise after pregnancy to be patient.
“Take baby steps, start with a jog or walk, build up gradually and enjoy the process. It’s so rewarding to see the progress you make and to track your improvements each week. Most importantly, don’t neglect strength training.”
Pallant-Browne has set herself a clear target for Durban.
“Running faster than 34 minutes would be a good start for me. It will be my first fast 10km postpartum, so I want to see what my body can do at the moment and then build from there.
“It would mean so much to me to start winning races again, but most of all I want to know that I gave it my all in Durban and Joburg, and pushed as hard as I could.”
Totalsports head of marketing Nikki Crous believes Pallant-Browne’s story reflects the spirit of the event.
“Emma’s return to competition after becoming a mother is both inspiring and a powerful reminder that women can continue to pursue their goals at every stage of life,” Crous said.
“Her passion for empowering women through sport perfectly reflects what the Totalsports Women’s Race stands for. We look forward to seeing her take on both the Durban and Joburg events and wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.”
With entries for Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg already sold out, Pallant-Browne’s comeback promises to be one of the standout stories of this year’s Women’s Month celebrations.
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race
visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
