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.

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+.

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For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za