By Jacky McLean
Annie Bothma obliterated the field at the Totalsports Women’s 10km Race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day.
Annie Bothma – Photo by Mark Sampson
Botha crossed the finish line at the Grand Parade in the Mother City in 35 minutes 20 seconds on Thursday.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was my comeback race,” said a very happy Bothma.
“I’ve been in America for the past three years on a full scholarship. While there I was in two vehicle accidents, after which I decided that it’s time to come home.
“I have an amazing support system here. Zola Budd was my coach for two years. Now that I am home I’m training with Bennie Stander.
“Zola and Bennie have a similar approach to racing. They believe that you must be patient, pick your races and know when to perform.”
“The Totalsports Women’s Race has always been close to my heart,” continues Bothma.
“My first 10km race was run at the Totalsports Women’s Race a few years ago. I’ve now taken part three times (racing it twice).
This is my first 10km race in three years. It was specifically chosen as my comeback race. It’s a really special race.
“The route was challenging, while the wind was really strong at times. I made my gap at roundabout the 2km mark and managed to keep the lead. My goal was to win.”
Zintle Xiniwe came in second, while Aynslee van Graan finished third.
Annie Bothma and Zintle Xiniwe – photo by Mark Sampson
In Johannesburg Mamorallo Tjoka claimed gold in the 10km Totalsports Women’s Race in the City of Gold.
Mamorallo Tjoka crossed the finish line at Mary Fitzgerald Square (Newtown) in an impressive time of 34 minutes 33 seconds.
“I wasn’t able to run as fast as I wanted to due to the windy weather conditions,” said Tjoka.
“I’ve also just come back from injury and wasn’t sure where my fitness would be at. Glenrose Xaba and I ran together up until the 7km mark before I made a move. I knew that I didn’t have enough speed and that Xaba would be too fast for me at the finish.”
“I entered the Totalsports Women’s Race because I wanted to celebrate with thousands of women,” continues Tjoka.
“I also wanted to test my fitness. I am very happy with my win today. It’s nice to see that my fitness is back. I will definitely be back next year.”
Glenrose Xaba (Totalsports Women’s Race Durban 2018 winner) came in second, while Cornelia Joubert finished third.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2018 Totalsports Women’s Race
| Date: | Venue: |
| Thursday, 09 August 2018 | Johannesburg: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown |
| Cape Town: Grand Parade, Cape Town CBD | |
| Sunday, 22 July 2018 | Durban: Kings Park Athletics Track |
Jozi runners (and walkers) were treated to a memorable performance by Sho Madjozi, while Capetonians enjoyed a live performance by GoodLuck.
Each entrant received a fitted Event T-shirt, a finisher’s bracelet and a Totalsports head scarf.
PRIZE PURSE: The 2018 Totalsports Women’s Race (Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town) boasted a combined prize purse of R123 600.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a Non-Profit Company (NPC) that is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. PinkDrive was present at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban (July), Johannesburg and Cape Town offering FREE clinical breast examinations and educating on the importance of self- breast examinations.
Like our Facebook page: Women’s Race / The PinkDrive
Follow us on Twitter: @womensrace, @TotalsportsSA, @thepinkdrive
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For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.co.za. For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.com
