Totalsports has extended its title sponsorship of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) for a further five years, and will also sponsor the Trail Run from 2026 securing long-term backing for one of South Africa’s premier road-running events
“Totalsports’ decision to extend their Title Sponsorship for another five years is a powerful endorsement of the direction in which the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is heading,” said Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, describing a partnership that has become as familiar as the sea breeze that greets runners along the coastline.
TTOM General Manager Wade Bromfield echoed that sense of renewed momentum.
“This unprecedented five-year commitment demonstrates Totalsports’ belief in the event, the team, the runners, and the sport itself… we are committed to ensuring every touchpoint provides a seamless, joyful, and unforgettable experience.”
Runners enjoying the on-route beauty of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon in 2025 Photo Credit: Luigi Bennett
It was the kind of promise that lands softly but carries far, like the light, confident footfall of a runner cresting Constantia Nek.
From 2026, Totalsports will also become title sponsor of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run, a move that expands the event’s footprint into the rugged, untamed terrain where trail runners find their heartbeat.
“We are excited… the Trail Run embodies the same spirit of adventure, community, and love for the sport that defines Totalsports,” said Totalsport’s Jonathan Stein.
The 2026 weekend will unfold across three days, the trail, ultra and half making it a festival of endurance stitched into Cape Town’s autumn glow.
Entrants across all distances will receive an exclusive race T-shirt and limited-edition Versus socks, small souvenirs of a journey far bigger than the garments themselves.
The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon now steps into its next chapter with a long, confident stride buoyed by partnership, driven by purpose, and carried forward by the thousands who chase its winding, ocean-kissed kilometres each year.
Lesotho’s Khoarahlane Seutloali powered through the final kilometres like a runner shifting into overdrive on the last hill of a brutal ultramarathon, storming to victory in the African Bank Soweto Marathon on Saturday morning in 2:20:09.
It was a win wrapped in redemption. Last year the Hollywood AC star faded in the dying stretch; this time he kicked down the door with purpose.
“I am very happy and proud to have won this race after finishing second last year,” Seutloali beamed. “And I am even prouder to have completed the double, and I want to thank my club, my sponsor and all the Basotho people.”
The Hollywood Athletics Club star completed a rare road-running double – adding Soweto gold to the Two Oceans crown already on his 2025 mantelpiece. His feat mirrors defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe’s double last year. This time, Khonkhobe’s late charge fizzled as he settled for third in 2:20:39, 30 seconds behind the Lesotho ace.
South Africa’s Ntsindiso Mphakathi ran a gritty, measured race to finish second in 2:20:24, with former track star George Kusche fourth in 2:20:47.
Jepchumba Breaks the Tape as Steyn Takes “Small Win” in Brutal Women’s Battle
In the women’s race, the golden girl of South African road running Gerda Steyn made her long-awaited debut at the People’s Race.
The six-time Two Oceans and four-time Comrades champion was the first South African across the finish line taking the bronze medal in 2:37:00.
She just managed to edge out her Hollywood AC teammate Irvette van Zyl, who placed fourth in 2:37:35.
Gerda Steyn finished in third place on debut at the Soweto Marathon
Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba (Nedbank) clinched the title in 2:34:33, just outside Van Zyl’s long-standing record. But it was more than enough to tame a stacked field. Zambian Elizabeth Mokoloma (2:35:59) took second.
“It was a wonderful first experience here in Soweto,” said Steyn, affectionately known as The Smiling Assassin.
“I have been wanting to run the People’s Race for such a long time. I am always proud to run on home soil, and not having the Soweto Marathon under my belt was a missing item.”
Steyn didn’t sugarcoat the challenge.
“It was a tough race, from the gun-go the pace was really fast from the beginning, but I expected it to be like that. I think it was the most competitive field we have had at the Soweto Marathon in a long time.
“I was the first South African to cross the line, and for me it is like a small win, although I am a little disappointed not to finish first. But it was a fair race.”
By the time dawn cracked open above Table Mountain on Friday, the storm had already done its damage. Cape Town’s city bowl looked like a shaken snow globe – debris scattered, Race Village shuttered, the wind still muttering threats through the pines.
But out on the 2025 RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) Peninsula Traverse 55km start line, a 22-year-old from George stood still and unbothered, like someone listening to a different frequency entirely. Rebecca Kohne wasn’t here for the noise. She was here for the mountain.
The thing is, nobody expected much from her, not even her.
This was her first ultra. Her first dance with the 55 km beast. Her first attempt at a distance where mistakes become monsters and pacing becomes gospel. The PT55 is notorious: half coastal storm, half rocky furnace, all attitude.
Kohne just smiled at it.
A Track Kid Walking Into the Lion’s Den
Kohne didn’t grow up on rugged singletrack. She’s a track kid with clean lines, controlled speed, predictable rhythm. She only started trail runningin 2022, easing into shorter races, building confidence in the dirt.
Nothing in her résumé said “future 55 km winner.” But UTCT has a habit of pulling truth out of people.
“I had a really nice day today and really enjoyed the course,” she said later, almost too casually for someone who had just shocked one of the world’s biggest trail races.
“I ran pretty conservatively and ran a bit harder towards the end of the race.”
She said it like she’d just ticked off a chilled Sunday jog—not a career-altering breakout.
Running Her Own Race – Literally
What separated her from the rest wasn’t raw power or swagger. It was composure.
She didn’t panic when the wind howled across the ridges. She didn’t force things on the climbs. She didn’t chase the favourites.
She simply stayed in her lane – an ex–track runner building a new one across the mountain.
“No, I didn’t think so,” she admitted when asked if she expected to win. “I was hoping for top five.”
Then she dropped the line that perfectly sums up her day:
“The biggest thing I take away from today is not to count yourself out until the end. I just ran my own race, and I was focusing on how I was feeling. I just solved my problems as I was going through the course, and it turned out to work out for me.”
That’s veteran-level patience. That’s ultra instinct earned, not taught.
A Victory Without Flash – But Full of Fire
Rebecca Kohne did not arrive at UTCT to make noise. But mountains don’t care about hype—they care about honesty.
And Kohne ran with the kind of honest effort that trail running respects: steady, smart, attuned, unshakeable. Her 6:11:44 finish was clean, decisive and quietly devastating to the field.
A first ultra win in her first ultra attempt? That’s the kind of statistic that makes the trail world lean forward.
“For now, I will just enjoy the victory and decide what to do next when I return home,” she said, already being touted as South Africa’s next big thing.
Classic Kohne – calm in a moment when most would combust.
The Trail World Has a New Name to Learn
There are performances that make headlines. Then there are performances that change trajectories.
This one felt like the latter.
On a morning when the storm was supposed to steal the show, a 22-year-old solved the mountain like it was a riddle she’d been waiting her whole life to answer.
Rebecca Kohne came to UTCT as an unknown. She left as the athlete everyone will be watching when the next trail rises.
2025 UTCT Winners
100 Miler (UTCT 100M) • Men: Douglas Pickard (RSA) – 21:49:11 2. Aleksei Tolstenko (RSA) 3. Admire Muzopambwa (ZIM)
100 km (UT100 – Men) • Jeff Mogavero (USA) – 11:04:53 2. Dmitry Mityaev (Neutral) 3. Matthew Healy (RSA)
Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba’s 2025 season ended with joyous sprint across the finish line of success with a whopping R300 000 payday at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old Boxer star, South Africa’s 10km record-holder, made history as the first black South African to win the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix Series three times. She joins an elite league that includes Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.
Her 2025 victory run was a clean sweep: five races, five wins, and a total of R165 000 in race-day prize money, topped up with R200 000 for winning the series and another R100 000 as the top South African finisher.
Glenrose Xaba was crowned the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix champion at SPAR Grand Prix Awards held in Midrand, Johannesburg on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Photo: Greg Caldecott
“I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved,” said Xaba.
“I think they will see what I have done and believe they can do it too.”
With her next big race set for the Valencia Marathon on December 7, Xaba credited her steady stride to a strong support team.
“I want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya, and my mentor, Caster Semenya, who both believed in me and helped me to develop as an athlete,” she said.
“Last year, I was very happy to be able to help my grandmother with her finances. I’m not sure yet what I’ll do with the money this time.”
Behind Xaba, Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) and Salem Gebre (Nedbank) took silver and bronze in the series, pocketing R100 000 and R75 000 respectively. South Africa’s Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Karabo More (Boxer) rounded out the top five, claiming R120 000 between them.
In the age-group races, the evergreen Judy Bird remained unbeaten in the 60+ category, while Elizabeth Potter, Janie Grundling, and Chanell Groenwalt led the 50–59, 40–49, and junior divisions respectively. Each category winner earned R10 500, with podium runners also rewarded.
SPAR, Hyundai and ASA celebrate women’s running
SPAR’s National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager, Mpudi Maubane, confirmed the supermarket giant’s continued sponsorship of the Grand Prix through 2026.
Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, Glenrose Xaba 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Winner and Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Photo: Reg Caldecott
“SPAR is committed to improving the lives of women,” said Maubane.
“All five races were fully subscribed, and we were able to promote campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty, while giving thousands of women the joy of running together.”
Athletics South Africa Acting President, James Mathane, hailed SPAR’s commitment:
“SPAR have invested more than just financial support. They have invested in dreams, in talent, and in transformation. This series has become a cornerstone of women’s athletics in South Africa.”
Adding horsepower to the celebration, Hyundai gave away a brand-new Exter SUV worth R269 900 at each race.
“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community. It’s the same values we strive to embody,” said Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson.
“Glenrose Xaba’s performances are a reminder that greatness is earned kilometre by kilometre, through focus and courage.”
The2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be announced early next year, ensuring that South Africa’s finest women runners will once again line up to chase medals and milestones.
The early morning air over Marks Park shimmered with energy with that familiar hum of nervous feet, racing hearts, and restless ambition. Johannesburg, the city of gold, played host to its newest gem in the running calendar: the inaugural Boxer Super Run Joburg. And it did not disappoint.
Fresh from painting Durban gold a few weeks ago, Ryan Mphahlele and Glenrose Xaba arrived in Jozi with purpose in their stride and fire in their lungs.
By the time the last echo of pounding feet faded, both had etched their names into yet another chapter of the Boxer Super Run story by being crowned King and Queen of the 5km on Sunday morning.
Mphahlele digs deep to defend his crown
Mphahlele stopped the clock at a searing 14 minutes 20 seconds earning a hard-fought win in the Elite Men’s Wave ahead of Bennett Seloyi and Musawenkosi Mnisi.
Ryan Mphahlele claims gold at Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg
“The plan was to go hard from the start, try maintain the pace and keep the lead,” said Mphahlele, his smile still sharp with adrenaline.
“Musawenkosi Mnisi showed up. He caught me on those up-hills. I saw that he was reluctant to make a move. I just wanted to keep him at bay because he looked strong. I was quite surprised when he fell off the back. He was the toughest challenge today and of course Bennett Seloyi at the end. I had to sprint because he was coming in strong.”
His win wasn’t just about medals and seconds, it was about belonging to a community that runs on shared passion.
“The Boxer Super Run is fun,” he added.
“I’m glad they have the social runners’ event too, to get the community more involved. It’s not just about the elite athletes, the social running group is a big part of the sport. It feels good to claim gold today. I’ll be back next year. Thank you to Boxer and Boxer Athletics Club for organising this amazing meeting.”
Xaba’s triple debut
Xaba, the reigning queen of South African road running struck gold again, dominating from the gun to cross the line in 16:14, claiming her third consecutive debut victory at a Boxer Super Run: Durban (2023), Tshwane (2024), and now Joburg (2025).
Glenrose Xaba claims gold at Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg
“The race was tough,” admitted Xaba. “From 2km to 4km, it was really challenging. Only at the 4km mark did we start to go downhill. I’m glad I was able to run a good time on such a tough course.
“My race plan was to go out hard from the start. Everyone I compete against is strong and fast. I also have speed, but my strategy today was to test my preparation for the Valencia Marathon.
“If I can run this time on a tough, high-altitude course, it shows that I’m in good shape.”
For Xaba, success isn’t just about outpacing rivals, but it’s about outrunning yesterday’s version of herself.
“I’m proud to claim gold today and it shows that my hard work is paying off. One of my goals was to win all the races in the different cities, Durban, Tshwane, and Joburg, and I’ve achieved that.
“I’m very happy. Thank you, Boxer. This is my home, and I’ll definitely be back next year!”
A festival of feet and heartbeats
The five start waves, Open, Elite Men, Elite Women, Super Social, and Kids, reated a festival atmosphere where every runner, from rookie to record-chaser, found their lane.
“The debut of the Boxer Super Run in Johannesburg was an incredible success,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“Congratulations to Ryan Mphahlele and Glenrose Xaba for your stellar performances in the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s Waves. You truly set the pace and spirit for what this event represents. A heartfelt thank you to the thousands of runners who joined us and helped make the first-ever Boxer Super Run Joburg such a memorable occasion.”
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, echoed the celebration:
“We are incredibly proud to have brought the spirit of the Boxer Super Run to Johannesburg for the very first time in 2025,” she said.
“This event perfectly reflects what the Boxer brand stands for community, energy, and the celebration of health and togetherness. A huge congratulations to our elite winners, Ryan and Glenrose, and to every runner who joined us. The energy in Joburg was electric. We can’t wait to build on this momentum in the years ahead!”
Running together, racing forward
1km KIDS WAVE start Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg
With a combined prize purse of R147 200, an electric crowd, and a spirit as contagious as a runner’s high, the Boxer Super Run Joburg was a resounding success.
The heartbeat of Jozi is about to quicken. When theBoxer Super Run Joburg makes its debut at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November, South Africa’s two premier speed merchants, Luan Munnik and Ryan Mphahlele, will line up for what promises to be a blistering 5K duel under the highveld sun.
It’s the kind of matchup that makes road running fans lean forward. Munnik, the 2024 Tshwane champion, meets Mphahlele, the 2025 Durban victor, in a head-to-head that could light up the streets of the City of Gold.
“The 5K is where speed and endurance collide,” says Munnik, whose 13:50 win in Tshwane confirmed his versatility as a middle-distance star who can handle the heat of the road.
“It’s where a 1500m track specialist like me can mix it up with the longer-distance road runners. It’s fast, tactical, and tests complete fitness.”
For Munnik, the Joburg race, with its challenging altitude and brand-new course, brings both excitement and opportunity.
“Joburg has such a strong running culture, and racing at altitude adds an extra layer of challenge. It’s great to see the series expanding, it keeps things fresh and exciting.”
The R147,000 combined prize purse, he says, is a “massive boost for South African running.”
“It encourages professionalism and shows that the event values the effort it takes to compete at the top level.”
And what about facing Mphahlele, one of SA’s most in-form athletes?
“Ryan ran a great race in Durban, his range from track to road has been impressive. We had a close finish at a street mile recently, so I’m looking forward to giving him a run for his money over 5K. Joburg’s altitude makes pacing tricky, but a smart race should bring a strong time.”
For Mphahlele, though, there’s no overthinking the challenge, just one clear mission: win.
Ryan Mphahlele and Elroy Gelant in action in Durban by Anthony Grote
“The 5K distance requires serious speed endurance to sustain the high tempo,” says the Durban champion, who clocked a sizzling 13:37 in October.
“I really enjoy the Boxer Super Run, and the prize purse is exciting. My goal is simple, I’m going for the win. The hills of Joburg will make it interesting!”
He’s also looking forward to soaking up the event’s trademark spirit.
“I love the energy around these runs, from the elites to the social runners, everyone brings great vibes. I can’t wait to run in Jozi and enjoy the atmosphere before and after the race.”
Also chasing glory is Chris Mhlanga, the ever-consistent Boxer Athletics Club standout who’s been a fixture in the top five of every Super Run he’s contested.
“The Boxer Super Run is the best and biggest 5K event in the country right now,” he says. “I run it for the love — the vibe, the people, the energy. In Joburg, I’ll be aiming for that podium again. A low 14-minute time would be great.”
For event organisers, this elite showdown marks another high point in the Boxer Super Run’s growing legacy.
“It’s going to be extra special to see two champions like Luan and Ryan go head-to-head,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.
“With Chris Mhlanga also in the mix, and plenty of other contenders, we’re expecting world-class racing in Joburg. It’s going to be a day to remember.”
From the fast pack chasing gold to the social runners out for fun and finish-line selfies, the Boxer Super Run Joburg captures what South African road running is all about: community, competition, and pure, unfiltered passion for the sport.
Because in Jozi, even the air feels faster.
Event Details: Boxer Super Run Joburg 2025
Date: Sunday, 9 November 2025 Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Johannesburg Distance: 5KM (plus 1KM Kids Race)
Start Times:
07:00 – OPEN WAVE: All runners welcome
08:00–09:30 – SUPER SOCIAL WAVE: Fun runs, dress-ups, charity teams
09:45 – ELITE WOMEN
10:00 – ELITE MEN
10:30 – 1KM KIDS RACE
Entry Includes:
Boxer Super Run Performance Tee
Goodie Bag & Race Number with Timing Chip
Finisher’s Medal
On-route entertainment & refreshment stations
Prize Purse: R147,200 Total
Elite Race: Top 8 men and women share the prize pot
Winners: R20,000 each
Open Wave: Category prizes for Junior, Open, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 & 70+
The women’s elite field is locked, loaded, and ready to fly as theBoxer Super Run makes its high-altitude Joburg debut at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November 2025.
With the R147 200 prize purse up for grabs, the women’s race promises to be a fast, fiery showdown on the city’s rolling roads.
Leading the charge is Glenrose Xaba, a two-time champion of the Boxer Super Run (Durban 2023 and Tshwane 2024. She now has her sights set on completing a rare golden hat-trick.
“What I really love about the Boxer Super Run is that it brings great competition and amazing energy wherever it goes,” says Xaba.
“The event is well organised, the atmosphere is electric, and it always feels like a celebration of running.”
Victory in Joburg, she admits, would be more than just another win, it would complete a perfect streak across all three debut host cities.
“Winning in Joburg would complete a special streak. Taking gold at all three debuts would be something I’m really proud of,” she says.
“Each race has its own challenges, so to come out on top again would be a great reward for all the hard work and consistency my team and I have put in.”
Xaba also praised Boxer’s continued investment in the sport.
“The event’s R147K combined prize purse is amazing! It shows that Boxer truly values and invests in athletes. That kind of prize money motivates us to give our absolute best and helps us continue building our careers.”
For Xaba, race day is all about strategy:
“My goal is to run my best race, to stay focused, control my pace, and finish strong. I’ll be aiming for the win, but I also want to execute my race plan well and see how far I can push myself.”
Running stride for stride with her training partner is Karabo More, the Boxer Super Run Durban 2024 champion, who says the Joburg leg is a celebration of local running culture.
“Hosting the race in Joburg is exciting. The city has an incredible running energy,” says More.
“It gives more athletes and fans the chance to be part of the experience and to showcase talent from this region on a bigger stage.”
More believes the R147K purse“is an amazing incentive. It shows how serious and prestigious the event is. My goal is to run strong, stay consistent, and execute my plan with focus, and hopefully chase a personal best.”
Also toeing the elite line is Zanthe Taljaart, eager for her Boxer Super Run debut.
“The 5km distance is fast, exciting, and highly competitive,” says Taljaart.
“It requires both endurance and speed. My goal is to run a strong, consistent race and aim for a sub-17-minute finish.”
Making her comeback from injury,Cian Oldknowsees the race as a vital stepping stone.
“The 5km distance is quite challenging, especially for someone like me who comes from the longer distances,” says Oldknow.
“This race will be a great way to test my fitness, it’s a building block, not a PB chase. I’m just keen to get back on the start line.”
“You never quite know what will happen on the day. The elite races almost always end in a nail-biting sprint finish,” says Pillay.
“We encourage all runners to stick around after their events to cheer on the elites and soak up the incredible atmosphere. It’s going to be an exciting day of running and celebration for everyone involved.”
With four of South Africa’s finest women athletes lining up, the Boxer Super Run Joburgis set to deliver a sprint-finish spectacle through the City of Gold where speed, strategy, and heart will decide who breaks the tape first.
The stakes just got higher for South Africa’s fastest 5K specialists. When theBoxer Super Run Joburg hits Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November 2025, athletes will be chasing more than just personal bests, they’ll be racing for a slice of a R147 200 prize purse.
Both the elite men’s and women’s champions will earn R20 000 each, while payouts extend to the top eight finishers in both races. Age-group podiums in the Open Wave will also share in the spoils, rewarding standout performances from Juniors to 70+ runners.
“Our goal is to elevate the profile of short-distance road running by rewarding top performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“The 5K may be short, but it demands both raw speed and tactical precision. With strong incentives on the line, we’re expecting world-class racing.”
The Joburg edition marks the first time the Boxer Super Run series lands in Gauteng, following successful events across South Africa that have drawn large, social fields alongside elite competition.
Known as the most social 5K in the country, the event blends festival atmosphere with serious racing at the sharp end.
“By offering R147 200 in prize money, we’re celebrating the dedication of South Africa’s elite athletes,” addsLee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.
“We want to inspire every runner, from elites to social participants, to give their best on race day.”
The event schedule will see the Open Wave start at 07:00, followed by Super Social Waves from 08:00 to 09:30, before the spotlight shifts to the Elite Women at 09:45 and Elite Men at 10:00. A 1km Kids’ Race rounds off the day at 10:30.
ELITE WOMEN’S WAVE Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg
With its blend of high stakes, fast racing, and festival spirit, the Boxer Super Run Joburg is set to deliver an explosive debut where seconds matter and every stride could mean silverware and lucrative prizemoney.
Boxer Super Run Joburg – Key Details
Date: Sunday, 9 November 2025 Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Johannesburg Distance: 5km Prize Purse: R147 200 (R20 000 to each elite winner) Start Times:
07:00 – Open Wave
08:00–09:30 – Super Social Wave
09:45 – Elite Women
10:00 – Elite Men
10:30 – Kids 1km Race
Follow: Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superrun5k
The 2025 race’s cancellation meant that the city’s second evaluation could not be completed, but AbbottWMM has thrown its full support behind organisers and sponsors for prioritising safety.
SCTM by Diwan Krige
“We fully support the decision to cancel the 2025 event in the interests of runners, volunteers and staff,”AbbottWMM said, also applauding title sponsor Sanlam for offering to fund entries for all 2025 participants in 2026 or 2027.
AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone praised the local team:
“I’d like to thank race director Clark Gardner and his team for their brave actions under pressure. We look forward to being back in Cape Town next May to see both the runners and the race cross that finish line.”
Race organiser Clark Gardner called the development a milestone moment:
“We’re ecstatic that, should we pass stage 2 in 2026, all finishers will receive an Abbott World Marathon Majors star. It’s a huge step toward becoming Africa’s first Major, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with our incredible running community.”
SCTM by Diwan Krige
The 2026 race, taking place on May 24, will also host the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships, whose finishers will likewise receive provisional stars.
Ballot entries open on November 6, setting the stage for what could be a historic year for Cape Town, and for African marathon running.
Adriaan Wildschutt has done it again. The South African road running sensation added another national record to his growing collection on Sunday, turning heads in Spain with a breathtaking run at the Valencia Half Marathon.
In his first-ever outing over 21 kilometres, the 27-year-old from Ceres clocked 59 minutes and 13 seconds, slicing 23 seconds off Stephen Mokoka’s previous South African record of 59:36, set in 2020.
Wildschutt’s performance placed him fifth overall in a fiercely competitive race won by Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha in 58:02.
Adriaan Wildschutt trains hard on the track Photo: Facebook
His record run comes just weeks after Maxime Chaumeton (26:55)broke Wildschutt’s SA 10km record (27:28) set earlier this year at theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K, marking a golden period for South African distance running.
The Olympic finalist, who represented South Africa in the Paris 2024 Games in the 10 000m, said he thrives on setting ambitious goals and putting them in plain sight.
“So many people have been asking me why I put my goals out there for everyone to see and potentially criticize,” Wildschutt explained in a post on social media.
“My response is simple … I like challenging myself, and I’m not scared to fail. I feel like I thrive under pressure, even if it’s pressure I put on myself. In the end, I’m doing this for myself and no one else.”
Wildschutt represents Western Province Athletics (WPA) when he competes in South Africa. He is however based in the USA.
Adriaan Wildschutt in action in the colours of Western Province Athletics (WPA) Photo: Supplied
After completing his collegiate career and earning his MBA from Florida State, Wildschutt moved to Arizona and joined the HOKA NAZ Elite professional running squad.
Running in the HOKA Northern Arizona Elite colours, Wildschutt battled gusty winds over the final stretch but refused to ease up.
“It was quite windy the last 8k, and I know I can go even faster,” he said.
“For now, I’m very grateful to God and everyone who’s always supporting me.”
The Valencia performance marks Wildschutt’s fourth South African record, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most versatile and consistent distance runners. He already owns national bests over 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02), and 10 000m (26:50.64). These achievements speak to years of relentless training and discipline.
WPA President Farouk Meyer praised the athlete’s record-breaking form, noting that his path to road-running success was forged on the track.
“Adriaan once again proved that if elite athletes want to perform on the road, they need to build their speed on the track,” said Meyer.
“He’s a perfect example of this philosophy. WPA is extremely proud of him.”
From Ceres to the world stage, Wildschutt continues to show that South African distance running is alive and kicking. And, in his case, sprinting into fresh territory with every stride.
