ELITE RACE
Start of the 2024 Totalsports Women’ s Race in Cape Town
KHATALA WELCOMES TRIPLE CHALLENGE
Lesotho’ s Neheng Khatala, is ready for triple the challenge this August when she takes on South Africa’ s largest women’ s month celebration, the Totalsports Women’ s Race. She has previously competed in the Totalsports Women’ s Race in Durban and Johannesburg, but 2025 will mark her Cape Town debut – and she arrives in the Mother City in terrific form, having finished fourth in Durban in a new Lesotho National Record of 31:53.
MOTIVATED SPEEDSTERS
Here are just a few of the stories to look out for in this year’ s elite race at
the Totalsports Women’ s Race in Cape Town on Saturday 9 August.
NJOKI READY TO DEFEND ANOTHER TITLE
After a sensational run this past Sunday( 3 August), where she successfully defended her Totalsports Women’ s Race Durban title and set a new SA All-comers Record of 30 minutes 14 seconds, Kenya’ s Christine Njoki has now set her sights on another title defence, this time at the Totalsports Women’ s Race Cape Town on National Women’ s Day( Saturday 9 August).
In 2024, Njoki faced fierce competition from Ethiopia’ s Tadu Nare in the Cape Town race, and in a thrilling sprint to the finish, it was Njoki who claimed victory by a mere second. South Africa’ s Glenrose Xaba delivered a strong performance to secure third place and complete the podium. This year, with one successful title defence already in the bag, the Kenyan says she is relishing the opportunity to defend her title in Cape Town.
“ My experience at the Totalsports Women’ s Race Cape Town in 2024 was amazing. There was so much energy from both the runners and the organisers,” says Njoki.“ The Totalsports Women’ s Race is such a special event because they value women. They not only celebrate our love and hard work, but also acknowledge the challenges we face. The event also creates more opportunities for us. So, it’ s an honour to compete in a race like this, and I am coming back because of the love from the fans and the organisers.”
Christine Njoki on her way to a scintillating win in Durban this year
CHACHA SETS SIGHTS ON CAPE TOWN
After securing a phenomenal victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K earlier this year in an impressive time of 31:45, and finishing third in the recent Totalsports Women’ s Race Durban( 31:51), Kenya’ s Jane Ghati Chacha will be hoping to go still faster in Cape Town and challenge defending champion and compatriot Christine Njoki for the win.“ I entered the Durban and Cape Town Totalsports Women’ s Races because they are well-organised events that attract strong athletes to the start line,” admits Chacha.“ I want to improve my PB in both cities while gaining experience.”
When asked what she thinks about the fact that the Totalsports Women’ s Race celebrates and honours women, the Kenyan says it is a very good purpose.“ Women are strong and independent in daily life, and sport gives us even more self-confidence. My message to the thousands of female athletes taking part is to be the best version of yourself today, so you can make your younger self proud.”
Jane Ghati Chacha will be hoping to repeat her Gqeberha win earlier this year
“ Each city offers a unique racing experience. In Durban, the fast and flat route along the coast is ideal for testing my speed, and Joburg boasts a vibrant crowd and a highaltitude challenge that always brings a special atmosphere, but I’ m especially looking forward to experiencing the race for the first time in Cape Town, and soaking up the energy of the Mother City,” she says.“ My goal in Durban was to run a strong, fast 10km and build momentum for the season. In Cape Town, I want to compete confidently, enjoy my debut, and aim for a podium finish. In Joburg, I’ ll aim to improve on my previous performance and push myself in the altitude conditions.”
RACE PRIZE PURSE REVEALED
Neheng Khatala( left) posted a new Lesotho Record in Durban
The 2025 Totalsports Women’ s Race series of three races boasts a combined prize purse of R412,500, spread equally between the three races in Durban( 3 August), Cape Town( 9 August) and Johannesburg( 17 August). Each event will have a total prize purse of R137,500, including prize money for the top 10 finishers in the Open Category, where the winner receives R30,000, second place takes home R20,000, and third place earns R15,000. Additional prize money will go to the top three finishers in the Junior, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, and 70 + categories.
“ The prize purse is not only about celebrating the winners – it’ s about honouring their dedication, perseverance, and hard work,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports.“ From early morning runs to late-night training sessions, these athletes embody the spirit of commitment and passion, and we’ re honoured to support and reward their efforts.”
Images: Mark Sampson, Anthony Grote, Matthew Pearce, Tobias Ginsberg
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