Totalsports Women’s Race in Joburg blushes pink with success

This Joburg event was the races conclusion after races were hosted in Durban and Cape Town earlier in the month.

A participants shows off her smile. Photo: Neo Phashe

The Totalsports Women’s Race concluded its 2024 season on a high note, with an impressive 10 000 runners gathering at Marks Park Sports Club on August 17 for the third and final race. The event celebrated women and supported PinkDrive, marking a fitting end to this year’s series.

Boxer Athletic Club top runner, Glenrose Xaba, delivered a standout performance, leading the race from start to finish and securing gold with an impressive time of 00:32:56. Ethiopia’s Diniya Kedir Abaraya claimed second place, while South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo rounded out the podium in third.

“I am excited to win the Totalsports Women’s Race again in Joburg! I love this course; it just proves that when it comes to hills, I destroy them,” Xaba said with a laugh. “I took the lead from the start and hoped the other girls would help me, but unfortunately, they stayed behind me. I just told myself that I needed to control the race until the finish. Considering the high altitude and tough course, I’m really happy with my time. It’s a good feeling to win.”

Glenrose Xaba crosses the finish line.

The streets of Emmarentia were lined in pink for the Totalsports Women’s Race.

Runners have a great time at Totalsports Women’s Race. Photo: Neo Phashe

Friends spend the morning together at Totalsports Women’s Race. Photo: Neo Phashe

Leading ladies at Totalsports Women’s Race.

Women take part in the Totalsport Womens’s Race. Photo: Neo Phashe

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Xaba thanked God, her supporters, coaches Violet and Caster Semenya, and her family who are always there for her. She was also grateful to the sponsors and the race organisers, Stillwater Sports, for inviting her. Racing at home means a lot to her, as it shows runners don’t need to go overseas to face strong competition. “They bring top runners here so we can challenge them and perform well on home soil. I truly appreciate it.”

Managing director of Stillwater Sports, Michael Meyer, explained they hosted a fantastic day for thousands of runners and walkers at the Totalsports Women’s Race. He congratulated Xaba on securing gold in the Elite Women’s 10km race. “It was an honor to witness such a strong field of elite women in action, competing in a women-only race,” he said.

Meyer said this event wasn’t just about the elites; it was for everyone, from every day and social runners, to seasoned athletes. Participants from all walks of life came out to celebrate women and support PinkDrive. He noted how the vibe was electric, and the event embodied a true celebration of women’s strength, unity, and health, which was a wonderful way to close off the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race series.