The streets of Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town were flooded with a “sea of pink” when close to 23 000 runners and walkers joined forces to celebrate National Women’s Day at the Totalsports Women’s Race on Friday 09 August 2019 in support of PinkDrive, proving that they are #StrongerTogether.
For the first time since the event’s inception in 2001, the Totalsports Women’s Race celebrated National Women’s Day on one day across three major cities.
Jenet Mbhele (Umzimkulu) was the first 10km runner to cross the finish line at the Kings Park Athletics Track in Durban. “I was prepared to do well today. I broke away from the leading group at round about the 5km mark and kept the lead. I am so happy to take first place. It has motivated me to continue doing well.” Mbhele claimed gold in an impressive time of 34 minutes 51 seconds. Jenna Challenor came in second, while Janie Grundling finished third.
Glenrose Xaba (Embalenle, Mpumalanga) took no prisoners in Johannesburg crossing the finish line at Mary Fitzgerald Square (Newtown) in a deserving time of 35 minutes 05 seconds. “I am very happy with my race today,” says Xaba. “I enjoyed the course, it had hills. I broke away from the group on approximately the 1 – 2km mark and decided to go with my own pace. The Totalsports Women’s Race is an amazing race. The support and vibe is great. I like it. My year started on a rough note with injuries, so I feel very excited to cross the finish line first. I wanted to gain confidence. I am thankful to Totalsports for inviting me to race. I will definitely come back next year.” Carina Viljoen came in second, while Kathryn van Meter finished third.
A very happy Annie Bothma (Mouille Point, Cape Town) successfully defended her title when she crossed the finish at Grand Parade (Cape Town CBD) in a time of 34 minutes 52 seconds. “I came here with only one purpose,” says Bothma. “I didn’t really care about the time. I just wanted to defend my title. The race is challenging because it’s a very hilly course and I knew that Zintle (Xiniwe) is a very strong runner. I like this course because I am strong on hills. I repeated the mantra ‘conquer the hills you are stronger than the hills’. It feels incredible to successfully defend my title today. The vibe makes this race so special. It’s so beautiful to see all these women unite on one day and run together.” Zintle Xiniwe came in second, while Beetrice Themane finished third.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a Non-Profit Company (NPC) that is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. PinkDrive was present at each event (Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town) offering FREE clinical breast examinations and educating on the importance of self- breast examinations.
PinkDrive received a welcomed donation of R75 000 (R25 000 per city) during the 2019 Totalsports Women’s Race Prize Giving in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. For an complete Prize Purse Breakdown visit: https://www.totalsportswomensrace.com/prize-purse
PRIZE PURSE: The 2019 Totalsports Women’s Race boasted a whopping combined Prize Purse of R123 600, that’s a total of R41 200 per city.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town closed off on a high note with a live performance by singer-songwriter Paxton. Moonchild’s energetic performance left Durbanites wanting more, while Hip Hop sensation Boity had Joburg residents tapping their feet.
Facebook page: Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Twitter: @womensrace / @TotalsportsSA / @thepinkdrive
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For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.co.za. For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.com
ENDS
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Totalsports Women’s Race
For further information contact Jacky McClean via email jacky@newsportmedia.tv
