From seasoned champions to first-time runners, this race for African women was not only about speed. Uplifting womanhood and demonstrating solidarity was at the heart of this event for South Africa’s National Women’s Day.
By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
On Saturday August 9, 2025, the streets of Cape Town flowed like a pink river as 15,000 women from across Africa took part in the annual Totalsports Women’s Race.
The event unfolded during South Africa’s National Women’s Day as a showcase of unity to celebrate the mark of their strides and reaching personal milestones
A gathering of seasoned runners and first-timers, the participating women ran for various causes. It was about fitness for some. For others, they ran to honor friendships and family members.
The overall winner, Kenyan-national, Christine Njoki, said gained a lot more than coming in first place.
“This has inspired me, and when I return to Kenya, I’ll know that I have motivated women in Cape Town through the Totalsports Women’s Race,” said 26-year-old Njoki, after breaking through to finish the 10km run at an impressive 31:16 time.
South Africa’s Karabo More, who finished in eighth position in 34:05, also echoed a personal mantra as she enjoyed racing with ‘big girls.’
“As soon as I saw the big girls, I thought, oh my goodness, I’m just here for the time, but I ran with heart. I ran my own race.”
Kenya showcased its dominance lead by Njoki and joined by compatriots Jane Chacha and Clare Ndiwa in second and third place.
Ethiopia fielded a squad with Selam Gebre (4th), Seniya Bereka (6th), Getenesh Agafaw (9th), and Siftolina Chemeda (10th).
Lesotho fielded Neheng Khatala (5th) and Tanzania was represented by Transfora Ngimbudzi (7th).
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports said, “We’re proud to celebrate and empower women through sport.”
Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, described the day as “a powerful celebration of women.”
The Totalsports Women’s Race is a mass participation, women’s only road race that take place across three major cities – Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Christine Njoki breaks the tape to defend her title at the Totalsports Women’s 10km in Durban a week before the Cape Town Race. Photo – Anthony Grote
Kenya’s Christine Njoki delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, 09 August 2025, storming to victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in a blistering time of 31:16 in celebration of National Women’s Day and in support of PinkDrive. Photo Courtesy: David Sullivan
The first South African to cross the finish line, Karabo More claimed 8th place in a deserving time of 34:05. Photo Courtesy: David Sullivan
Cape Town resembled a sea of pink with runners making their way through the majestic streets in celebration of National Women’s Day at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town. Photo Courtesy: Motion.Pro.TV
Runners in the streets of The Mother City on Saturday, 09 August 2025 during the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town. Photo Courtesy: Chris Hitchcock
