Kenya’s Christine Njoki successfully defended her Totalsports Women’s Race Durban title on Sunday, 3 August 2025, delivering a sensational performance to set a new Allcomers Record with a blistering time of 30:14.
“The race wasn’t easy. I wanted to chase the record (referring to the Women’s Only 10km World Record), but I missed it. The next time I come here I know I will prepare well so that I can chase the record,” says Njoki.
When asked about the new Allcomers Record that she set, Njoki had the following to say: “I focused on my PB first. I feel so happy to defend my title today. I enjoyed running with my fellow women. To see your physical toughness, it’s good to run with only women. Next week I’ll run the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town. If the weather is the same as today, I know I will run another PB there.”
Clare Ndiwa came in second, while Jane Chacha finished third making it a clean sweep for the Kenyans.
Lesotho’s 10km national record holder, Neheng Khatala, delivered a superb performance, setting a new national record of 31:53 for the Mountain Kingdom and securing an impressive 4th place overall on the day.
“The race was absolutely perfect, the weather was absolutely perfect,” says a very happy Khatala. “I could see on my watch that I was running on a comfortable pace. I didn’t know that I was on record pace (referring to the Lesotho record). I was just pushing with Tayla (Kavanagh). We were communicating. From halfway we just pushed a little more. Today it was not about the position, it was about us pushing through time. We were just very focused; I am so excited. I’ve been trying to run sub 32 for so many years. I am so excited for Mr Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports) for trusting me without a doubt. I’ve been running these races for so long, and finally I’ve done it today.”
Neheng’s fellow club runner and first South African home on the day, Tayla Kavanagh also set a new PB of 31:53 for 5th place on the day.
In a bold move to elevate women’s road running, in 2025 title sponsor Totalsports, in collaboration with event organiser Stillwater Sports, announced a groundbreaking R1 million incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban. The time to beat was 29:27, set by Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich. Despite a strong and determined effort from the elite field, the Women’s-Only 10km World Record remains intact following an exciting day of racing at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, praised all entrants for their fantastic performances and thanked them for being part of the event and showing such incredible support: “Well done to Christine Njoki on successfully defending her title and setting a new Allcomers Record at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban – an inspiring performance and a powerful way to launch the 2025 series! A big shoutout to Neheng Khatala for dipping under the 32-minute mark and setting the new Lesotho Record. We are also incredibly proud to have welcomed 8000 runners and walkers to the start line in a race that not only celebrates women, but also proudly supports the important work of PinkDrive. A heartfelt thank you to every participant for being part of this unforgettable day, and to our sponsors for their continued support. It’s a true honour to be involved in an event that uplifts, empowers, and unites women through movement.
Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, echoed Meyer’s sentiments, adding that the Durban leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race has set a high standard for the upcoming events in Cape Town on Saturday, 9 August, and Johannesburg on Sunday, 17 August.
“Congratulations to each and every one of the 8000 incredible women who joined us on the start line of the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban – what an unforgettable way to kick off the 2025 series,” says Crous. “Your energy brought this celebration of women’s strength to life. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the friends, families, and supporters who lined the route and cheered our runners and walkers every step of the way. We’re excited to carry this incredible energy through to Cape Town and Johannesburg!”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race
| DATE: | CITY: | RESULTS: |
| 1. Sunday, 03 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Durban
Start Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade Finish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade |
Christine Njoki (Kenya) 30:14 |
| 2. Saturday, 9 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town Start Time: 10km: 08:00 5km: 08:10 |
COMING UP NEXT |
| 3. Sunday, 17 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg
Start Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park Finish Venue: Marks Park, Emmerentia Start Time: 10km: 08:00 5km: 08:10 |
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org
LIVE PERFORMANCE: South African songstress Lady Zamar is set to ignite the stage at all three iconic Totalsports Women’s Race events in 2025. Renowned for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics, Lady Zamar will join thousands of women as they run, walk and celebrate sisterhood in support of PinkDrive and the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
Like our Facebook page: Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Instagram: Women’s Race / PinkDrive
Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
WhatsApp Line: 064 815 4116
Website: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za