GLOOMY skies and unpredictable weather could not deter the spirit witnessed at Suncoast today (Sunday), when 7 500 local and international runners and walkers converged for this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race, for the 5km and 10km. Participants of all ages, men and women, colourfully showed support for PinkDrive’s Durban race.
It was the continent’s darling, Christine Njoki, who touched the finish line in 31 minutes for the 10km run, claiming the day’s victory. Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre came in second in a time of 32:01, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala rounding off the podium at 32:03.
Locals, Cacisile Sosibo was the first South African to cross the finish line, securing 6th place, Tayla Kavanagh followed in 7th place, and Jenet Mbhele finished in 8th. Sosibo bagged gold last year, as the winner.
“My race was good. My target was to run under 30 minutes, but we had some wind on the course which made it tough. As athletes, we have to fight. I’m happy with my performance as today’s result isn’t far from my personal best,” said Njoki. She added that this was her second time running in Durban, and she enjoyed running here, mentioning the great weather and the people.
Also read: Sosibo claims gold at Totalsports Women’s Race
“I am grateful to have run with so many women and feel that I have proven my mental and physical toughness. It’s great to race with other women and encourage each other. I want to thank the event organisers and Durban for hosting me. I hope to come back in 2025,” she concluded.
Janice Benecke, Pink Drive Durban’s marketing and events coordinator was grateful for the sold-out event and thanked all the sponsors who made the event possible. She conducted a breast self-examination demonstration on-site, seeing thousands of women participating.
Benecke is a three-time cancer survivor and continues to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.
“Durban provided the perfect backdrop for the first Totalsports Women’s Race of 2024,” said Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports.
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“Watching the elite race in action is truly inspiring. However, the event wasn’t just for the elites; participants from all walks of life came together to celebrate women and support Pink Drive. We had a wonderful day in Durban, celebrating elite performances, friendship, family, health and, most importantly, women,” he added.
“Durban was alive with energy today as we welcomed thousands of runners and walkers to the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race, the first event in a series of three. The event celebrated women and supported Pink Drive, creating an inspiring and electric atmosphere. It was amazing to see the streets of Durban in a sea of pink,” said Nikki Crous, head of marketing at Totalsports.
The 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race series will continue in Cape Town and Johannesburg on August 9 and August 15 respectively.
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