TOTALSPORTS WOMEN’S RACE ATTRACTS AFRICA’S ELITE
Some of Africa’s elite women’s runners will take on the streets of Cape Town for the Totalsports Women’s Race.
The Women’s Race, held annually on 9 August, will see an 12 000-strong “Sea of Pink” commemorate Women’s Day with a 10km and 5km race.
This year’s race features a loaded field of elite athletes including SA 10km record holder, Glenrose Xaba.
Fresh off winning the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Tshwane, Xaba will continue a long-standing battle with Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.
Xaba pipped Nare to first place by two minutes in the 10km SPAR Women’s Challenge.
For the Mpumalanga-born runner, the Totalsports Women’s Race holds a significance for her.
“This 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. I also appreciate that it’s a women’s-only race, providing a vital opportunity for women to network and support each other in sports,” says Xaba.
“Having a substantial prize purse is very important as it will encourage elite female athletes to participate in the race, while encouraging upcoming athletes to keep to the short distances like 10km,” says Xaba.
“My goal at both races will be to have fun with fellow athletes, while networking and spending time with all the supporters. I am looking forward to a big crowd and big vibes.”
ELITE COMPETITION
Nare brings with her a ton experience having won the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon earlier this year and won the Copenhagen Half Marathon and Valencia Marathon in 2022.
She entered the race not only to win but because it honours women as the cornerstone of families and communities.
“I like that it’s a women’s only race as we get to push hard at the front of the race. It builds confidence. I entered the Cape Town event because I personally like to run fast, flat races. More importantly I like to represent my club, Nedbank, as they are a great team. Through my performance I want to show that our team is the best in South Africa and the world. My goal on race day is to run my best,” says Nare.
Xaba and Nare will also be going up against Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre, Diniya Abaraya and Ebste Btaw and Kenya’s Marion Chepkoech and Christine Njoki among others.
The Totalsports Women’s Race will have a total prize purse a total of R137 500.
The 10km race starts at 08:00 with the 5km event kicking off at 8:10 from City Hall.
