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Tshepo Tshite breaks nine-year SA record in electrifying Ostrava opener

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Tshepo Tshite breaks nine-year SA record in electrifying Ostrava opener
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African middle-distance star Tshepo Tshite launched his 2026 campaign like a runner hitting the bell lap with fresh legs, slicing through history with a new South African national short track 3000m record at the Czech Indoor Gala in Ostrava on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old stormed to second place in a blistering 7:38.17, shaving more than a second off the previous South African record of 7:39.55 set by Elroy Gelant in Belgium in February 2014. Tshite crossed the finish line a heartbeat behind Portuguese winner Isaac Nader, who claimed victory in 7:38.05, in a race that unfolded like a tactical chess match played at full sprint.

Tshite’s performance adds another glittering medal to his growing collection of national milestones. The versatile speed merchant already owns South African records in the indoor 1500m (3:35.06), outdoor 1500m (3:31.35) and indoor mile (3:54.10), further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic distance talents.

Running with the poise of a seasoned campaigner and the hunger of an athlete still chasing new horizons, Tshite stayed tucked into the lead pack before producing a measured surge in the closing stages. His rhythm never faltered, gliding around the indoor toward history.

Athletics South Africa acting president John Mathane praised the performance, recognising both its timing and significance for the season ahead.

“Congratulations to Tshepo, his coaches and support team! It’s a great start for him so early in the season,” said Mathane.

Gelant, whose long-standing mark finally fell, welcomed Tshite’s breakthrough, acknowledging the evolving strength of South African distance running.

“Records are there to be broken, and I’m proud to see Tshepo raising the bar for South African athletics,” said Gelant. “It shows the depth and growth of our distance running, and I’m excited to see how far he can take it this season.”

Tshite’s record-setting run signals a statement of intent for the year ahead, positioning him as a serious contender on the global indoor circuit. His ability to balance raw speed with endurance makes him a rare hybrid. He is equally comfortable navigating the tactical surges of championship racing and the relentless pace of record attempts.

Meanwhile, world indoor 800m champion Prudence Sekgodiso also lined up in Ostrava, finishing seventh in the women’s two-lap contest in 2:04.26. Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew dominated the race, breaking the tape in a world-class 1:59.98.

While Sekgodiso’s outing served as an early-season gauge, Tshite’s performance rang out like the crack of a starter’s pistol for South Africa’s 2026 athletics ambitions. If this opening stride is anything to go by, the road ahead could see Tshite shifting gears into even faster territory as the season unfolds.

World No.1 Brenda Jepchirchir targets historic Sub-30 African 10K debut in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on World No.1 Brenda Jepchirchir targets historic Sub-30 African 10K debut in Gqeberha

Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, the 20-year-old world No.1 will toe the line at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026, chasing history and dragging the pace of women’s road running on the continent into uncharted territory.

Fresh from her electrifying victory at the Valencia 10K in January, where she scorched the streets in 29:25, Jepchirchir has already torn through one of distance running’s most stubborn psychological barriers. Now she’s eyeing something even bigger: becoming the first woman to run a sub-30-minute 10km road race on African soil.

Jepchirchir’s rise has been built on patience and precision. Her Valencia performance launched her to the top of the 2026 world rankings and cemented her status as one of the sport’s most feared road racers. But rather than staying on Europe’s lucrative circuit, she’s followed the fast lane south. It’s a path previously carved by icons such as Genzebe Dibaba and Yelamzerf Yehualu.

The draw is simple: the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has become a speed laboratory where elite athletes don’t just chase times, they manufacture them.

“I’ve heard great things about the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and the Gqeberha 10K. The course is known for being fast, the organisation is excellent, and the competition is strong. I’m excited to experience racing in South Africa and to be part of such a high-energy event,” Jepchirchir said.

Her presence transforms the race into a high-octane proving ground for South Africa’s leading women’s 10km specialists, particularly Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh amongst others. Both runners have steadily tightened their grip on the domestic road scene, and lining up beside the world’s fastest woman is the equivalent of stepping onto a treadmill that keeps accelerating.

For Xaba, a proven championship racer with tactical steel, Jepchirchir’s relentless tempo could serve as the perfect pacing carrot, or a punishing reality check. Meanwhile, Kavanagh’s fearless front-running style could thrive in a race that promises to unfold at record-threatening speed. The clash offers South African athletes a rare opportunity to test themselves against global gold standard pacing without leaving home soil.

Jepchirchir’s breakthrough wasn’t accidental. It was the product of months spent stacking disciplined mileage like bricks in a foundation built for speed.

“It was an amazing feeling and a very special moment for me. Valencia is such a competitive race, so winning there and breaking 30 minutes for the first time meant a lot,” she explained.

“The biggest factor has been consistency. Over the last six months I’ve been able to train well, stay healthy, and really build momentum. On 1 March, the goal is to put together a strong race, compete well, and see what time is possible on the day. If conditions are right, I’d love to run fast again, but the focus must also be on execution and racing smart.”

Race organisers believe Jepchirchir’s debut injects jet fuel into an already electric event.

“To have the current world No.1, fresh off a sensational win in Valencia, choose to make her South African debut at our event speaks volumes about the stature of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

“Brenda’s presence raises the bar once again and guarantees an exciting, world-class race for both elite and recreational runners on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.”

With a combined prize purse of R1.686 million across the 2026 series, alongside performance incentives designed to reward South African athletes, the Gqeberha leg promises fireworks.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K START by Anthony Grote

When the starter’s gun cracks, the race could unfold like a perfectly executed negative split: smooth, controlled, and devastatingly fast when it matters most.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series dates

1 March: Gqeberha 10K

10 May: Cape Town 10K

12 July: Durban 10K

23 August: Tshwane 10K 24 September: Joburg 10K

For more info visit: https://runyourcityseries.com/

Nedbank Running Club Invests in the Future of South African Running

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Nedbank Running Club Invests in the Future of South African Running
Nedbank Running Club is proud to announce a wave of exciting new signings for the 2026 season, reaffirming our commitment to the future of South African athletics. As one of the country’s most successful and respected running clubs, we believe that investing in young, emerging talent is the key to sustaining our nation’s proud tradition of excellence on the roads, tracks, and trails.
 

The foundation of our club’s legacy lies in discovering and developing future stars. Champions like Sipho Ngomane, Joseph Molaba, Claude Moshiywa, Bongmusa Mthembu, Ludwick Mammabolo, Gerda Steyn and Farwa Mentoor, Charne Bosman, Caroline Wostman —All of them household names in South African running—rose to prominence through the support and development opportunities that Nick B Sport incorporating Harmony and Nedbank Running Club’s offered them,” says Nick Bester, Nedbank Running Clubs National Manager, adding, “By focusing on talent identification and athlete development, we continue to set the pace for the sport nationwide.”

This year, we are especially excited to unveil a strong squad from the home ground of the Comrades marathon Association -KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a region brimming with untapped potential like Bongmusa Mthembu and hunger for success. Athletes such as Sithembiso Mqhele, Musawenkosi Mthalane, Sinethemba Tshangase, Bonginkosi Mavuso, Thokozani Mbambo, Nathi Khanyezi ,Jenna Challenor , Fikile Mbuthuma ,Msawenkosi Nsibande and Dion Ross have joined the club, eager for the opportunity to highlight their talent on the biggest stages. We believe that with the right support and guidance, these runners will become household names in the years to come.

To support our athletes’ ambitions, Nedbank Running Club is investing in a series of high-performance training camps across the country:

–  Comrades and Two Oceans training camp in the Drakensberg mountains in Underberg and Bulwer, managed by Mthandeni Nene, is providing vital altitude and endurance preparation for our elite squad.

– Comrades training camp in Klerksdorp under the guidance of Pio Mpolokeng, featuring standout athletes such as ‘Onalenna Khonkhobe, Lucky Mohale, the Sibeko brothers (Samuel and Simon), Puseletso Mofokeng, Thabang Mosiako, and others, is sharpening the team’s competitive edge for the year’s biggest ultra.

– Two Oceans training camp in George, led by Lloyds Bosman, brings together a group of upcoming talented Nedbank RC stars, including Francois Maqhosa and Selwyn Mathews, to prepare for the unique demands of the Cape’s iconic race.

– Comrades training camp in Dullstroom where we combine our National athletes with our international athletes:

Names like Deanne Laubscher, Dominika Stelmach, Piet Wiersma etcetera.

Looking ahead to South Africa’s premier ultra-distance events, Nedbank Running Club is proud to highlight

Onalenna Khonkhobe and George Kusche as strong contenders for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) and the iconic Comrades Marathon. Their performances and dedication position them among the top athletes to watch this season.

At the same time, we wish to acknowledge the departure of two of South Africa’s most celebrated ultramarathoners, Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi. While their contracts have not been renewed due to their requested retainer rates exceeding what the club can sustainably offer, we hold the deepest respect for their achievements and contributions to the green dream. We wish Tete and Edward everything of the best as they continue their remarkable journeys.

Nedbank Running Club remains steadfast in its mission: to discover, develop, and champion the very best in South African running. Our investment in emerging talent today is an investment in the champions of tomorrow.

For more information on their athletes, events, and club initiatives, visit Nedbank Running Club’s website or follow them on social media.

Nick Bester-National Manager of the Nedbank Running Clubs.

Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Gift Leotlela proved he’s back and very much in the mix for the national 4x100m relay team after storming to a first ever national 100m title on the opening day of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Leotlela burst onto the scene in 2021, running his first sub-10-second time and representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics, but has struggled to regain that form until now.

Defending champion Akani Simbine’s decision to forgo these championships to compete at the first Diamond League meet of the season in China, meant Thursday’s final was wide open, with world junior champion Bayanda Walaza and returning Olympic semifinalist Benji Richardson also vying for top honours.

In the end, it was Gift who dipped ahead of Bayanda on the line to win it in 9.99 seconds. Earlier in the day, he had run a wind-assisted time of 9.95 in the semifinal, giving a hint of what was to come. And he delivered when it mattered, beating Bayanda by just one- hundredth of a second, with Benji third in 10.05 seconds.

“I had no idea. I actually thought he [Bayanda] won. I thought he had nicked it,” said a thrilled Gift afterwards.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I haven’t processed everything but all I know is that I am very happy that I got the win today,”

As for the prospect of being part of the SA relay team who will be looking for another global medal at the World Championships later this year, the 26-year-old added: “I think it’s good for South African sprinting to have a lot of guys running quick. It increases our chances of medalling at worlds and Olympics, so I’m available. If they want to pick me for the team, I’ll
be there.”

Meanwhile, the women’s 100m produced something of a surprise with Joviale Mbisha taking the title. Defending champion Viwe Jingqi withdrew from the semifinals as a precaution and Joviale made the most of her absence, claiming the win in 11.48 seconds. Gabriella Marais was second in 11.55 and 17-year-old Rumé Burger third in 11.58.

“Everyone can believe in you but if you don’t believe in yourself, it will never happen,” said Joviale afterwards. “I believe in myself and I told myself I’m going to be SA champ and that’s exactly what happened.”

As for Viwe missing out on the final, the Masters student added: “I definitely wish that she could have been in the final. I love a challenge and she’s really a phenomenal athlete so it would have been really nice to get the chance to run with her.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Glenrose Xaba cruised to a 10th senior national title on the track, winning the 5000m in 15 minutes 27.95 seconds. That saw her completing a dominant distance double after claiming the national 10,000m, which was contested in Cape Town at the start of the month.

“The race was good for me but I was a bit disappointed with the time. But I can’t complain because it’s a good time inland. So I’m looking forward to my track season overseas and doing better,” she said.

In the field events, Aiden Smith secured his first ever national title by claiming shot put gold. His effort of 20.31m may not have been a world-beating mark, but it was good enough to get the better of two-time Olympian and defending champion Kyle Blignaut who finished second with a throw of 20.07m.

“I’ve won the juniors a few times, but the seniors is just a different feeling, with the big guys, to get that title is an absolute privilege,” he said.

The SA Senior Track and Field Championships continue until Saturday.

Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Prudence Sekgodiso and Marioné Fourie both produced promising performances to boost their confidence levels ahead of jetting off to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China next week.

Competing at the first ASA Grand Prix meet of the season at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, Fourie blazed to the fastest season-opener of her career, winning the 100m hurdles in a speedy time of 12.77 seconds.

“12.7 to begin with for the 100m hurdles and a world lead, I’m very excited,” said an elated Marioné afterwards.

“This gives me a lot of confidence because we didn’t know where I was standing in training so having this fastest season’s opener shows that we are ready for next week.”

Prudence looked to have plenty in the tank as she cruised to victory in the 800m. The Olympic finalist slotted in behind training partner Oratile Nowe of Botswana for much of the race before taking the lead on the back straight in the final lap, eventually reaching the finish in a time of 1:59.01. Oratile was second in a new national record for Botswana of 1:59.46.

“The girls were slowing down so I had no choice but to pass them… I’m glad that I maintained that sub-two minutes. It shows that there’s something big coming looking towards the World Championships coming up next week,” said Prudence afterwards.

“I’m actually shocked because for the past two weeks I’ve been training for the 1500. I’ve been doing long stuff at training yet I ran sub-two minutes. I don’t know how I did it but thanks to God, I just have the natural speed in me.”

Later in the evening, it was a teenage sprint sensation who stole the show when he defeated Kenya’s African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala in the men’s 100m.

Karabo Letebele stormed home in a time of 10.19 seconds – the fastest 100m time by a junior athlete in the world this year – to take the win. Emile Erasmus was second by a few thousandths of a second with Ferdinand relegated to third place in 10.22.

“I didn’t expect to beat him [Ferdinand]. I thought he was going to run a 9.-something so I just told myself to execute my own race, go through my phases and I’ll be fine,” said the 18-year-old from Vanderbijlpark who is planning to take up a scholarship to study business management in the USA later this year.

“This has given me more confidence knowing that I have what it takes, especially in my age group. I’m going against the likes of [Olympic silver medallist] Bayanda [Walaza] so I’m just happy to see that my hard work pays off and I have what it takes to be number one.”

Meanwhile, there were two South African records set on Wednesday. Leandri Holtzhausen was first up in the women’s hammer throw, bettering her own mark set four weeks ago with a distance of 67.95m.

“I definitely think I can get close to 70m,” she said afterwards. “I really feel good, my training has been going really well, so it’s just a matter of time.”