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Emma Pallant-Browne embraces Women’s Month challenge

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Emma Pallant-Browne embraces Women’s Month challenge
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.

Emma Pallant-Browne in action at the Two Oceans Half Marathon 2026 Photo: Mark Sampson

“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

Neheng Khatala targets Durban gold at Totalsports Women’s Race

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Neheng Khatala targets Durban gold at Totalsports Women’s Race
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.

A R1 Million Incentive announced for the Totalsports Women’s Race!

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Title sponsor Totalsports, in partnership with event organiser Stillwater Sports, has announced an unprecedented R1 000 000 incentive if the first woman runner at the Durban edition of the Totalsports Women’s is able to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record. 

On Saturday, 26 April 2025, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) set a new Women’s-Only 10km World Record of 29:27 at the ADIDAS Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Jebet broke the previous record of 30:01, set by her compatriot Agnes Tirop in Germany on 12 September 2021.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race holds a very special place in our hearts — it’s a celebration of strength, unity, and the incredible power of women in sport,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “We are immensely proud to be part of an event that continues to uplift and inspire women across the country. Announcing a R1 000 000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record in Durban is an honour for us, and a bold statement of our commitment to women’s athletics. It’s about creating opportunities, pushing boundaries, and being part of history in the making.”

The Totalsports Women’s Race Durban route is a scenic showcase of coastal charm and speed. Known for being fast and flat, the course winds through some of Durban’s most picturesque spots, making it the ideal stage for personal bests — and even world records. With its combination of beauty and pace, this route promises an unforgettable running experience for elite and social runners alike.

“For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has proudly led the way in championing women’s sport in South Africa — celebrating strength, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of women,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “In 2025, we’re excited to take the event to unprecedented heights with the announcement of the R1 000 000 World Record Incentive bonus. This bold and historic initiative represents a monumental step forward for women’s sport, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Importantly, this would not be possible without the incredible drive and commitment of Totalsports, whose passion for empowering women in sport continues to break new ground. We look forward to welcoming some of the world’s top athletes as they chase greatness. Get ready to witness history in the making – a women’s road running world record on African soil for the very first time!”

The newly crowned Women’s-Only 10km World Record holder, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya), shared her thoughts on the Totalsports Women’s Race’s World Record Incentive announcement: “I am happy for it because it creates life-changing opportunities for women in Africa. It also attracts more talent to these events and increases visibility for women in sport.”

A number of key role players in the sport of road running in South Africa had the following to say about the announcement:

“It’s an amazing initiative. The fact that the Totalsports Women’s Race is offering a R1 000 000 incentive to women means so much. For the first time, women are being recognised in a big way, especially in athletics. I can’t wait to see those records being broken. Well done to the event organisers for coming up with something this powerful—not just for South Africa, but for Africa as a whole. It will attract many more elite runners. Congratulations, ladies. I can’t wait to see you making history!”
– Karabo Mabilo, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Acting President

The Totalsports Women’s Race in August this year is now the pinnacle of the 10km running in the world. Totalsports is challenging women from all over the globe to go for the 10km world record in Durban. There’s no better place on the African continent or in the world to set records. So, we say to Totalsports big up. You and your partners, thank you. To the women out there, it’s your chance, go for it. 

– Steve Mkasi / President KZN Athletics

“We would like to take this opportunity as a federation to congratulate and express our appreciation for the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race. This incentive presents a tremendous opportunity for our women in the country – a meaningful boost for the growth, development, and promotion of our sport. For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has honoured our mothers, daughters, and sisters. Now, with this world record incentive, the bar has been raised to new heights. Experiencing this moment in our lifetime, and in the city of Durban, is truly marvellous and must be cherished. As a province, we are proud to be the host and promise nothing less than world-class hospitality. We wish everyone the very best and look forward to August 3rd.”
– Mandla Mngomezulu, KZN Athletics Vice President

“This initiative represents a powerful recognition of women’s talent. It encourages more women to participate and strive for higher levels of achievement, knowing there is a substantial reward. A financial incentive like this can inspire young girls and women to pursue running, and it highlights successful female athletes as role models – showing that greatness in sport is achievable and can be rewarded. The announcement also draws long-overdue attention to women’s sport, which has traditionally received less media coverage and sponsorship than men’s. By promoting high-stakes competition, it helps elevate the profile of women’s athletics in South Africa. Investing in women’s sport challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers, and promotes empowerment and equality. This is a promising step forward – fostering a culture where female athletes can truly thrive and receive the recognition they deserve.”
– Elroy Gelant, 3x Olympian and multiple SA Champion