Title sponsor Totalsports, in partnership with event organiser Stillwater Sports, has announced an unprecedented R1 000 000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record at the Totalsports Women’s Race, taking place in Durban on Sunday, 03 August 2025.
On Saturday, 26 April 2025, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) set a new Women’s-Only 10km World Record of 29:27 at the ADIDAS Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Ngetich broke the previous record of 30:01, set by her compatriot Agnes Tirop in Germany on 12 September 2021.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race holds a very special place in our hearts — it’s a celebration of strength, unity, and the incredible power of women in sport,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “We are immensely proud to be part of an event that continues to uplift and inspire women across the country. Announcing a R1 000 000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record in Durban is an honour for us, and a bold statement of our commitment to women’s athletics. It’s about creating opportunities, pushing boundaries, and being part of history in the making.”
The Totalsports Women’s Race Durban route is a scenic showcase of coastal charm and speed. Known for being fast and flat, the course winds through some of Durban’s most picturesque spots, making it the ideal stage for personal bests — and even world records. With its combination of beauty and pace, this route promises an unforgettable running experience for elite and social runners alike.
“For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has proudly led the way in championing women’s sport in South Africa — celebrating strength, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of women,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “In 2025, we’re excited to take the event to unprecedented heights with the announcement of the R1 000 000 World Record Incentive bonus. This bold and historic initiative represents a monumental step forward for women’s sport, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Importantly, this would not be possible without the incredible drive and commitment of Totalsports, whose passion for empowering women in sport continues to break new ground. We look forward to welcoming some of the world’s top athletes as they chase greatness. Get ready to witness history in the making – a women’s road running world record on African soil for the very first time!”
The newly crowned Women’s-Only 10km World Record holder, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya), shared her thoughts on the Totalsports Women’s Race’s World Record Incentive announcement: “I am happy for it because it creates life-changing opportunities for women in Africa. It also attracts more talent to these events and increases visibility for women in sport.”
A number of key role players in the sport of road running in South Africa had the following to say about the announcement:
“It’s an amazing initiative. The fact that the Totalsports Women’s Race is offering a R1 000 000 incentive to women means so much. For the first time, women are being recognised in a big way, especially in athletics. I can’t wait to see those records being broken. Well done to the event organisers for coming up with something this powerful—not just for South Africa, but for Africa as a whole. It will attract many more elite runners. Congratulations, ladies. I can’t wait to see you making history!”
– Karabo Mabilo, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Acting President
The Totalsports Women’s Race in August this year is now the pinnacle of the 10km running in the world. Totalsports is challenging women from all over the globe to go for the 10km world record in Durban. There’s no better place on the African continent or in the world to set records. So, we say to Totalsports big up. You and your partners, thank you. To the women out there, it’s your chance, go for it.
– Steve Mkasi / President KZN Athletics
“We would like to take this opportunity as a federation to congratulate and express our appreciation for the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race. This incentive presents a tremendous opportunity for our women in the country – a meaningful boost for the growth, development, and promotion of our sport. For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has honoured our mothers, daughters, and sisters. Now, with this world record incentive, the bar has been raised to new heights. Experiencing this moment in our lifetime, and in the city of Durban, is truly marvellous and must be cherished. As a province, we are proud to be the host and promise nothing less than world-class hospitality. We wish everyone the very best and look forward to August 3rd.”
– Mandla Mngomezulu, KZN Athletics Vice President
“This initiative represents a powerful recognition of women’s talent. It encourages more women to participate and strive for higher levels of achievement, knowing there is a substantial reward. A financial incentive like this can inspire young girls and women to pursue running, and it highlights successful female athletes as role models – showing that greatness in sport is achievable and can be rewarded. The announcement also draws long-overdue attention to women’s sport, which has traditionally received less media coverage and sponsorship than men’s. By promoting high-stakes competition, it helps elevate the profile of women’s athletics in South Africa. Investing in women’s sport challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers, and promotes empowerment and equality. This is a promising step forward – fostering a culture where female athletes can truly thrive and receive the recognition they deserve.”
– Elroy Gelant, 3x Olympian and multiple SA Champion
EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race
| DATE: | CITY: |
| Sunday, 03 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Start Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade Finish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade Start Time: 10km: 08:005km: 08:10 Entry Fee: 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.0010km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R200.00 / includes temp license5km Standard Fee: R115.00 Entries Close: Monday 28 July 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
| Saturday, 9 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town Start Time: 10km: 08:005km: 08:10 Entry Fee: 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.0010km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R210.00 / includes temp license5km Standard Fee: R115.00 Entries Close: Monday 04 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
| Sunday, 17 August 2025 | Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg Start Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park Finish Venue: Marks Park, Emmerentia Start Time: 10km: 08:005km: 08:10 Entry Fee: 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.0010km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R210.00 / includes temp license5km Standard Fee: R115.00 Entries Close: Monday 11 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa.
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Hashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za