Fresh off scorching the Durban asphalt with a blistering 30:14 Allcomers Record, Kenya’s Christine Njoki has now set her sights by defending her title and gunning for glory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town on National Women’s Day, 9 August 2025.
Last year’s showdown in the Mother City was a photo finish when Njoki edged out Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare by a single second that separated triumph from second place. South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba kept the race honest, storming into third with trademark grit.
Naru and Xaba will however not be participating on Sunday and Njoki will not have to contend with them breathing down her neck this time around.
Xaba showed great form on a tough hilly route when she outclassed Naru’s Ethiopian compatriots Diniya Abaraya and Selam Gebre as well as Kenyan Debrah Cherotich at the Spar Grand Prix 10km at SuperSport Park Centurion in Tshwane on Saturday.
“The main goal is to better my previous time and defend my title,” Njoki says, her words as measured as her pace.
“My experience at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in 2024 was amazing. There was so much energy from both the runners and the organisers.”
But Njoki remembers more than just the clock.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race is such a special event because they value women. They not only celebrate our love and hard work but also acknowledge the challenges we face. It’s an honour to compete in a race like this.”
The 28-year-old considers the series of 10km races in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg the summit of female resilience. It epitomises the courage of women who lace up against odds both personal and societal.
“It means a lot to see the Totalsports Women’s Race empowering women, especially considering the many challenges we go through,” she explains.
“The event also creates more opportunities for us. I am coming back because of the love from the fans and the organisers.”
As the starter’s pistol draws near, Njoki’s message to her fellow racers is equal parts encouragement and anthem:
“Keep rising up for your rights and, most importantly, enjoy doing what is positive and brings joy to your life. Enjoy the Totalsports Women’s Race and challenge your PBs when competing.”
The streets of Cape Town from Darling Street to the Grand Parade are set to become a theatre of tenacity as thousands of women run not just for medals but for meaning.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christine Njoki back to the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town after her fantastic performance in Durban,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports.
“Christine is an incredibly exciting athlete to watch, and her energy is truly inspiring. We wish her all the best as she sets out to defend her title in Cape Town. It’s going to be a race to remember!”
And while Njoki races with fire in her soles, Lady Zamar will raise her voice to the skies, will also be performing in Cape Town, and Joburg with her soulful anthems of empowerment echoing alongside the pounding of feet and hearts.
The Totalsports Women’s Race supports PinkDrive, a vital lifeline in the fight against breast cancer. Every stride taken is a stride toward awareness, early detection, and hope for thousands of uninsured South Africans.
2025 Totalsports Women’s Race Series:
- Durban | 3 August | Christine Njoki (KEN) – 30:14
- Cape Town | 9 August | Start: Darling Street | Finish: Grand Parade | 10km – 08:00 | 5km – 08:10
- Joburg | 17 August | Start: Orange & Buffalo Roads | Finish: Marks Park, Emmarentia | 10km – 08:00 | 5km – 08:10
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WhatsApp Line: 064 815 4116
Website: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.
