Njoki ’ s Winning Streak Continues
Totalsports Women ’ s Race Cape Town • Friday 9 August 2024
ROAD RUNNING
With a record field of around 12,500 entrants , the Totalsports Women ’ s Race lived up to its billing as one of the country ’ s most iconic Women ’ s Day celebrations , in spite of the Cape winter weather unleashing a few cloudbursts on the runners ’ heads during the morning . Having comfortably won the first Totalsports Women ’ s Race in Durban , Christine Njoki lined up in Cape Town as one of the favourites to secure a third consecutive win in South Africa , but this time she would be facing stiffer competition , with Ethiopian Tadu Nare also in the field . Nare is a serial winner of races in South Africa , and having missed the race in Durban , she was determined to claim another podium place in Cape Town .
Shorty before the starting time , a report of a fire in a building right next to the race route forced the organisers to exclude a block from the first half of the course , in order to ensure the safety of all participants , and this resulted in the course being shortened by approximately a kilometre , but then it was all systems go . As expected , Njoki and Nare set the pace , running shoulder to shoulder from start to finish , and in the end the Kenyan won the sprint for the line , 28:30 to 28:31 . SA ’ s Glenrose Xaba rounded off the podium in 29:26 .
“ The race was enjoyable . The course was tough with a lot of hills , and it was windy on route . However , the last kilometre was great !” said a very pleased Njoki . “ This is my third race in South Africa , and I am so grateful to be able to run here . Also , this event is fantastic , because it ’ s dedicated to women , and I want to remind all women that no human is limited . Do what you love and leave a remarkable legacy for future generations to remember .”
Cape Town Top 10
1 Christine Nalimo Njoki ( Kenya ) |
28:30 |
2 Tadu Nare ( Nedbank / Ethiopia ) |
28:31 |
3 Glenrose Xaba ( Boxer ) |
29:26 |
4 Selam Fente Gebre ( Nedbank / Ethiopia ) |
29:48 |
5 Diniya Kedir Abraya ( NedbankEthiopia ) |
30:22 |
6 Marion Chepkoech ( Kenya ) |
30:59 |
7 Tayla Kavanagh ( Hollywood ) |
31:27 |
8 Karabo Maluila ( Tuks ) |
32:03 |
9 Fortunate Chidzivo ( Langa / Zimbabwe ) |
32:53 |
10 Yandiswa Shange ( Athlete Academy ) |
34:31 |
More than 12,000 participants contributed to a great vibe in Cape Town
Xaba dominates in Jozi
Totalsports Women ’ s Race Joburg • Saturday 17 August 2024
The Totalsports Women ’ s Race concluded its 2024 season on a high note , with an impressive 10,000 runners gathering at Marks Park ( Emmarentia ) for the third and final race in Johannesburg . At the front end of the field , SA 10km Record-holder Glenrose Xaba delivered a standout performance , leading the race from start to finish and securing the win in 32:56 , with Ethiopia ’ s Diniya Kedir Abaraya claiming and SA ’ s Cacisile Sosibo rounding out the podium positions .
“ I am excited to win the Totalsports Women ’ s Race again in Joburg ! I love this course – it just proves that when it comes to hills , I destroy them ,” said Xaba , with a laugh . “ I took the lead from the start and hoped
The leading pair in Cape Town were shoulder to shoulder throughout
Start of the Totalsports Women ’ s Race Cape Town
the other girls would help me , but unfortunately , they stayed behind me . I just told myself that I needed to control the race until the finish , and considering the altitude and tough course , I ’ m really happy with my time . It ’ s a good feeling to win .”
“ I want to thank God , my supporters , my coaches Violet and Caster Semenya , and my family , who are always there for me ,” added Xaba . “ I ’ m also grateful to the sponsors and the race organisers , Stillwater Sports , for inviting me . Racing at home means a lot to me – it shows we don ’ t need to go overseas to face strong competition . They bring top runners here so we can challenge them and perform well on home soil . I truly appreciate that .”
Christine Njoki adds another win in Cape Town
Johannesburg Top 10
1 Glenrose Xaba ( Boxer ) |
32:56 |
2 Diniya Kedir Abaraya ( Nedbank / Ethiopia ) |
34:24 |
3 Cacisile Sosibo ( Boxer ) |
34:59 |
4 Millicent Nyaberi ( Kenya ) |
35:29 |
5 Malineo Mahloko ( Lesotho ) |
36:55 |
6 Lebogang Phalula ( Boxer ) |
37:09 |
7 Lebo Phalula ( Boxer ) |
37:22 |
8 Shanice Peens ( Nedbank ) |
40:03 |
9 Gillian Farquharson ( Nedbank ) |
40:04 |
10 Esme Morake ( Temp ) |
40:04 |
The Joburg race also had a record field of around 10,000
Start of the Totalsports Women ’ s Race Joburg
The leading pack early in Joburg race
Glenrose Xaba breaks the tape in Joburg
Thanks for the Memories |
“ Congratulations to all our winners , it was an honour to witness such strong fields |
“ This year , we had the pleasure of hosting the Totalsports Women ’ s Race on |
of elite women in action , competing in these women-only race ,” said Michael |
three separate days across three major cities , and thousands of runners and |
Meyer , Managing Director of Stillwater Sports . “ However , these events weren ’ t |
walkers united to celebrate women and support PinkDrive ,” said Nikki Crous , |
just about the elites , they were for everyone – from every day social runners |
Head of Marketing at Totalsports . “ The support was inspiring , the atmosphere |
to seasoned athletes . Participants from all walks of life came out to celebrate women and support PinkDrive , and the event embodied a true celebration of |
was electric , and it was a wonderful three days out , with women emerging as the
33 ultimate victors !”
|
women ’ s strength , unity , and health .” |