Friday 09 August 2024

Christine Njoki secures her second Totalsports Women’s Race victory, this time in Cape Town

Kenya's Christine Njoki claimed her second Totalsports Women’s Race victory, this time in Cape Town on National Women’s Day on Friday 9 August 2024.
Njoki, who set a South African all-comers record and personal best at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K early in July and secured her first Totalsports Women’s Race victory in Durban just under a week ago with a dominant performance, faced stiffer competition in Cape Town. Ethiopia’s Tadu Teshome Nare ran shoulder to shoulder with her, challenging the leading lady throughout the race.

"The race was good and enjoyable,” said a very pleased Njoki. “The course was tough with a lot of hills, and it was windy on route. However, the last kilometer was great. I feel good. This is my third race in South Africa, and I am so grateful to be able to run here. I hope to come back. The event is fantastic, especially because it's dedicated to women, and the support was amazing. I'm glad to be here and want to remind all women that no human is limited. Do what you love and leave a remarkable legacy for future generations to remember."

Tadu Teshome Nare (Ethiopia) came in second with South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba rounding off the podium.

“The race was tough, I ran a hilly course last week, and a long run, so I felt the hills today, but I am very happy to be back in Cape Town, even though the weather is disappointing sometimes,” laughs Xaba. “I am very happy to have performed well today. It was a good race for me as I felt really strong at the end.”

One of the Mother City's most iconic Women's Day celebrations, the Totalsports Women’s Race, attracted a record field of 12,500 runners in 2024. On National Women’s Day, these participants took to the streets of Cape Town to celebrate women and support PinkDrive. After their run, they were treated to a live performance by South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis.

"The Mother City boasted a fantastic turnout for the Totalsports Women's Race today on National Women’s Day,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We were once again treated to an impressive Elite Women’s 10km race, with both local and international athletes vying for the top spot on the podium. Congratulations to Christine Njoki with your impressive win today, and to Tadu Nare and Glenrose Xaba for bringing the competition. We are also thankful to the thousands of runners and walkers from diverse backgrounds who joined in on the fun today. Your support and enthusiasm made the event possible. You brought the vibe and turned it into a true celebration of women, health, and PinkDrive. It was an amazing day out in Cape Town.”

"What a way to celebrate National Women's Day in the Mother City,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “Cape Town was abuzz as thousands of inspirational women of all ages and backgrounds participated in the Totalsports Women's Race. The event truly celebrated women, with overwhelming support for PinkDrive. The atmosphere was vibrant and inspiring, marking a fantastic day where women shone as the true heroes! With two fantastic events behind us in Durban and Cape Town, we look forward to closing off the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race series in Joburg on 17 August. Jozi always brings the vibe, and we are excited to see thousands of runners and walkers proudly wearing their event t-shirts as they take over the streets of the City of Gold and #LoveTheRun with us."

Please Note: "Due to a building fire on Sir Lowry Road in Cape Town this morning, which impacted the first half of the race route, we had to exclude the entire block from the course. The fire posed a significant safety concern, not just because of the smoke but also due to the flames encroaching on the road. We were faced with a choice: delay the race or find a safe deviation and continue. As a result, we started 20 minutes later with a slight route change, which unfortunately shortened the course by approximately a kilometer. We’re proud of our team’s quick response, as this all unfolded at 07:45, just fifteen minutes before the race was scheduled to start. By 08:20, the race was underway, and participants were able to enjoy a safe course for their Women’s Day celebration," says Dezroy Poole, Director of Stillwater Sports.

NEXT UP: 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race Johannesburg

ENTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 

IMPRESSIVE PRIZE PURSE: The Totalsports Women’s Race boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R 412,500.00 in 2024. With the race now spanning three separate days in three different cities (Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg), the level of action and excitement will be higher than ever. The prize purse will be split evenly between each of the three races, with each race being allocated a total of R137,500.00. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in the Open Category, with the winner receiving R30,000, the runner-up R20,000, and the 3rd place finisher R15,000. Additionally, prize money will also be allocated to the top 3 finishers in the following categories: Junior, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Wednesday 7 August 2024

Totalsports Women’s Race attracts a record field of 12 500 entrants in Cape Town

One of the Mother City's most iconic Women's Day celebrations, the Totalsports Women’s Race, has attracted a record field of 12,500 runners in 2024. On Friday, 9 August, these participants will take to the streets of Cape Town to celebrate women and support PinkDrive. Among the top contenders to watch are Christine Njoki (Kenya), Tadu Nare (Ethiopia), and Glenrose Xaba (South Africa).

After dominating the field in Durban on Sunday (4 August), during her Totalsports Women’s Race debut, Kenya's Christine Njoki, the current SA all-comers record holder, has set her sights on a second Totalsports Women's Race victory, this time in Cape Town. “On Friday my target will be to run under 30 minutes,” says Njoki. “This will be the first time that I race in Cape Town and the first time that I visit Cape Town. I heard that Cape Town is a beautiful town. I don’t worry about competition, because as an athlete you must face any challenge. That is the only way that you can win the race. My message to all the runners is to do what you enjoy and leave a remarkable mark that future generations will remember."

Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare is in good shape and looking forward to her Totalsports Women’s Race debut. “I entered the Cape Town event because I like to run fast, flat races,” confirms Nare. “It’s wonderful that the Totalsports Women’s Race honors women as they are the cornerstones of families and communities. I also like that it’s a women’s only race as we get to push hard at the front of the race. My goal on race day is to run my best.”

No stranger to the Totalsports Women's Race, Glenrose Xaba—the newly crowned SA 10km record holder—has secured the top spot on the podium once in Durban and twice in Johannesburg during her illustrious career.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is close to my heart because it takes place during Women’s Month and supports PinkDrive, an organisation that helps those diagnosed with cancer,” says Xaba. “I appreciate that it’s a women’s-only race, providing a vital opportunity for women to network and support each other in sports. Having international athletes like Christine and Tadu racing in the Totalsports Women’s Race is very important to us SA women. The international women are pushing us, helping us to run faster. We don’t need to go overseas to compete, as the event brings women that are very fast to run here. I look forward to having a good race on Friday. My message to fellow entrants is to enjoy the experience and stay positive. With faith and determination, there’s no such thing as impossible.”

"The Totalsports Women’s Race is special because it’s an event that welcomes everyone, whether you're an elite athlete or a social runner—you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. "The 2024 event has attracted its strongest field yet, featuring top runners such as Kenya's Christine Njoki (SA all-comers record holder), Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare, Selam Gebre, Diniya Abaraya, Kenya’s Marion Chepkoech, and SA 10km national record holder Glenrose Xaba, to mention just a few. It is a privilege to witness this caliber of racing in a women's-only event on home soil, especially on National Women's Day. If you didn’t enter the race, we invite you to come show your support and enjoy the day with 12 500 amazing women."

In closing, Meyer adds: "The Totalsports Women’s Race doesn’t only highlight athletic excellence but also celebrates the strength and spirit of women from all walks of life. Participants will experience the beauty of Cape Town, the camaraderie among runners, and the opportunity to support a great cause in PinkDrive. It's a day of empowerment, community, and celebration."

"We had a fantastic event in Durban on Sunday, and we can't wait to continue the celebration in the Mother City," says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing Totalsports.  "This race is all about bringing women together to celebrate their strength and unity. Whether you're an elite athlete or a social runner, you'll find an incredible atmosphere of support and camaraderie. We're excited to support PinkDrive and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for all participants. Cape Town runners we can’t wait to #LoveTheRun with you on National Women’s Day."

EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town 2024

ENTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

HARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 

IMPRESSIVE PRIZE PURSE: The Totalsports Women’s Race boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R 412,500.00 in 2024. With the race now spanning three separate days in three different cities (Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg), the level of action and excitement will be higher than ever. The prize purse will be split evenly between each of the three races, with each race being allocated a total of R137,500.00. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in the Open Category, with the winner receiving R30,000, the runner-up R20,000, and the 3rd place finisher R15,000. Additionally, prize money will also be allocated to the top 3 finishers in the following categories: Junior, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Monday 05 August 2024

SA all-comers record holder Christine Njoki sets her sights on a second Totalsports Women's Race Victory

After dominating the field in Durban on Sunday, 4 August 2024, during her Totalsports Women’s Race debut, Kenya's Christine Njoki, the current SA all-comers record holder, has set her sights on a second Totalsports Women's Race victory, this time in Cape Town on Friday, 9 August 2024 (National Women’s Day).

“I had a good race in Durban. My target was to run under 30 minutes, but we had some wind on the course which made it tough,” says Njoki. “In Cape Town my target will once again be to run under 30 minutes. This will be the first time that I race in Cape Town and the first time that I visit Cape Town. I don’t worry about competition, because as an athlete you must face any challenge. That is the only way that you can win the race.”

Adding to the excitement of Friday’s race in the Mother City, the battle will continue between South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare:  

This past weekend, Glenrose Xaba achieved a long-awaited victory over Ethiopia's Tadu Nare, when she crossed the finish line ahead of her longstanding rival at the Spar Women’s Race in Tshwane. This Friday, the duo will face off once more, this time at the Totalsports Women's Race in the magnificent Mother City.

No stranger to the Totalsports Women’s Race, Xaba who is also the newly crowned SA 10km record holder, has claimed the top spot on the podium in Durban once and in Joburg twice during her illustrious career.

“I love that the Totalsports Women’s Race honors women and encourages them to stay healthy and fit,” says Xaba. “This race is close to my heart because it takes place during Women’s Month and supports PinkDrive, an organisation that helps those diagnosed with cancer. I also appreciate that it’s a women’s-only race, providing a vital opportunity for women to network and support each other in sports.”

In closing, Xaba adds: “My message to fellow entrants is to enjoy the experience and stay positive. With faith and determination, there’s no such thing as impossible.”

Xaba won’t rest on her laurels though, as Tadu Nare has proven to be a formidable opponent with an impressive list of accolades. Nare secured 1st place at the Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2024, 5th place at the Chicago Marathon in 2023, and 1st place at both the Copenhagen Half Marathon and Valencia Marathon in 2022—the latter with the 12th fastest time in history. She also claimed victory in her debut marathon at the Barcelona Marathon in 2021. Additionally, Nare boasts an outstanding personal best 10km time of 31:13.

According to Nare, it’s wonderful that the Totalsports Women’s Race honors women as they are the cornerstone of families and communities. “I like that it’s a women’s only race as we get to push hard at the front of the race. It builds confidence. I entered the Cape Town event because I personally like to run fast, flat races. More importantly I like to represent my club, Nedbank, as they are a great team. Through my performance I want to show that our team is the best in South Africa and the world. My goal on race day is to run my best.”

Other top contenders to look out for will include Ethiopia’s Debash Desta, Selam Gebre, Diniya Abaraya and Ebste Btaw and Kenya’s Marion Chepkoech to mention just a few.

EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town 2024

ENTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 

IMPRESSIVE PRIZE PURSE: The Totalsports Women’s Race boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R 412,500.00 in 2024. With the race now spanning three separate days in three different cities (Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg), the level of action and excitement will be higher than ever. The prize purse will be split evenly between each of the three races, with each race being allocated a total of R137,500.00. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in the Open Category, with the winner receiving R30,000, the runner-up R20,000, and the 3rd place finisher R15,000. Additionally, prize money will also be allocated to the top 3 finishers in the following categories: Junior, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Monday 29 July 2024

Xaba set to shine at Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town and Joburg

New SA 10km record holder, Glenrose Xaba, is in the best shape of her life and ready to prove it this Women’s Month when she lines up at the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on Friday, 09 August 2024, and in Joburg on Saturday, 17 August 2024.

No stranger to the Totalsports Women’s Race, Xaba has claimed the top spot on the podium in Durban once and in Joburg twice during her illustrious career. In 2024, for the first time ever, the three races will be hosted across three major cities on three separate days in August, allowing Xaba to compete in more than one race. Unfortunately, the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban is not on her schedule this year, as "Supercharge," as she’s affectionately known, already had a prior commitment.

Setting the stage for an unforgettable Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town and Joburg, Xaba is energised by her recent achievement after breaking the national 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K with a remarkable time of 31:12. This incredible achievement shaves one second off the previous record set by Elana Meyer in October 2001.

“I love that the Totalsports Women’s Race honors women and encourages them to stay healthy and fit,” says Xaba. “This race is close to my heart because it takes place during Women’s Month and supports PinkDrive, an organisation that helps those diagnosed with cancer. I also appreciate that it’s a women’s-only race, providing a vital opportunity for women to network and support each other in sports.”

In 2024, the Totalsports Women’s Race will feature an impressive, combined prize purse of R412,500. This purse will be split evenly across the three races, with each race receiving a total of R137,500. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in the Open Category, with the winner receiving R30,000, the runner-up R20,000, and the third-place finisher R15,000. Additionally, prize money will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in the Junior, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ categories.

“Having a substantial prize purse is very important as it will encourage elite female athletes to participate in the race, while encouraging upcoming athletes to keep to the short distances like 10km,” confirms Xaba. “My goal at both races will be to have fun with fellow athletes, while networking and spending time with all the supporters. I am looking forward to a big crowd and big vibes.”

In closing, Xaba adds: “My message to fellow entrants is to enjoy the experience and stay positive. With faith and determination, there’s no such thing as impossible.”

EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race

ENTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Monday 22 July 2024

Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Nare, confirms entry into Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town

The competition is heating up in the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race as Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Teshome Nare confirms her entry into the 10km race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day, Friday 09 August 2024.

Boasting an impressive list of accolades, Nare's achievements include 1st place at the Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2024, 5th place at the Chicago Marathon in 2023, 1st place at both the Copenhagen Half Marathon and Valencia Marathon in 2022 (the latter with the 12th fastest time in history), and 1st place at her debut marathon, the Barcelona Marathon, in 2021.

Bringing it closer to home and focusing on the Totalsports Women’s Race specifically, Nare boasts an outstanding personal best 10km time of 31:13. This makes her a top favorite to bring the heat on race day in Cape Town on National Women’s Day.

Thrilled about her Totalsports Women’s Race debut, Nare had the following to say: “It’s wonderful that the Totalsports Women’s Race honors women as they are the cornerstone of families and communities. I like that it’s a women’s only race as we get to push hard at the front of the race. It builds confidence. I entered the Cape Town event because I personally like to run fast, flat races. More importantly I like to represent my club, Nedbank, as they are a great team. Through my performance I want to show that our team is the best in South Africa and the world. My goal on race day is to run my best.”

In closing Nare adds: “My message to other runners is that you must not only run for prize money, as it is more important to have good health and a long life. Running helps women to be the healthiest versions of themselves. You automatically have more energy, and I believe that active women who run are the happiest and suffer less from stress. I’m looking forward to making my Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Cape Town on August 9^th and invite all women to join me.”

EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race

RNTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Monday 08 July 2024

Jimmy Nevis set to join the Women's Day Festivities at Totalsports Women's Race Cape Town

South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis will perform for thousands of women in Cape Town on Friday, August 9, 2024, as they take on the Totalsports Women’s Race (5km or 10km) in support of PinkDrive.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is a fun event, and I love that it supports women,” says Nevis. “As someone who enjoys running, I’ve participated in this race before and even performed at it a few years back. I believe it’s especially important, as a man, to support initiatives that empower women. Coming from a family of strong women and having my business run by strong women, showing support is a very natural part of who I am.”

In closing Nevis adds: "As for my performance on the day, all I can say is that it's going to be uplifting and fun—we want to keep people dancing!"

EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race

The Totalsports Women's Race is a mass participation, women's only road race that take place across three major cities (Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg) and caters to both social runners and elite athletes. It is a celebration of women's strength and empowerment, providing a platform for women from all backgrounds to come together and participate in a high-energy, caring environment in support of PinkDrive.

ENTER: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za, www.webtickets.co.za or any Pick ‘n Pay store nationwide.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. When registering online for the event, runners have the option to support PinkDrive by donating to the cause. PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations in each city, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’s “Shop4Cancer” at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause and run with pride. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org 
Like our Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive / Jimmy Nevis
Follow us on Instagram:  Women’s Race / PinkDrive / Jimmy Nevis
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za