Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba turned Marks Park into her personal launchpad on Sunday, producing a street-smart 32:11 victory in the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg and putting a powerful South African stamp on the final leg of the 2026 Women’s Month series.
Xaba ran with the patience of a chess player and the instincts of a seasoned road warrior. The undulating Emmarentia course served up plenty of bite, yet the South African kept her powder dry before delivering the decisive surge with roughly two kilometres remaining.
“I saw a post that there would be a lady aiming for sub-30:30, and I said I would go with her. I knew the course was tough, but I would try my best to stick with her,” said Xaba.
“The beginning was hard because she was pushing, but I tried my best to keep the pace. I noticed that when it came to the hills, she was not as strong, so I tried to close the gap on the downhills so that when we approached the hills, I could stick with her. I think the plan worked for me.”
The plan became a masterclass in pacing.
“I think it was two kilometres to go when I broke away from her. I knew that when we got to one kilometre to go, we were going to climb again. The route is very fast, but also very challenging because there are a lot of ups and downs.”
Xaba crossed the line with the confidence of an athlete gathering momentum ahead of bigger targets.
“It feels amazing to cross the finish line first. I think it’s my second win of the year, so I am very happy. It shows that my training is going well. I am focusing on the World Champs, so when I come to a race, I am coming with a full programme.”
Brenda Kenei of Kenya finished second, with Cacisile Sosibo completing the podium in third.
“It was a great event. Women got together, raced with friends and family, and enjoyed themselves,” Xaba added.
The Joburg victory completed a three-city running relay that began with Neheng Khatala winning Durban in 32:06 on 2 August and Daisilah Jerono taking Cape Town in 31:29 on 9 August.
Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer hailed the finale.
“Congratulations to Glenrose on a superb performance and a well-deserved victory,” said Meyer. “We would also like to congratulate and thank every woman who took part, helping to create such an incredible atmosphere while uniting behind the important work of PinkDrive and celebrating the strength, achievements and spirit of women.”
“The Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg was the perfect culmination of this year’s three-race series, following memorable events in Durban and Cape Town. It has been fantastic to see women across South Africa come together in such numbers, and we are incredibly proud of what the series has achieved.”
Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, said Joburg provided a fitting finish.
“We are incredibly proud of the energy, enthusiasm and support shown by women across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, with each event creating its own special celebration of women, fitness and community.”
Amapiano, Afropop and Gqom powerhouse Busiswa added musical firepower across all three race days, while PinkDrive remained at the heart of the campaign, supporting breast cancer awareness, education and free services for medically uninsured South Africans.
The finish line has fallen silent. The message keeps running.
RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Johannesburg 2026 10km
Date: Sunday 16 August 2026
Start Time: 08:00
Start Venue: Judith Rd at Orange St intersection
Finish Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park
Top 10 Elite Field
1 Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 32:11, 2 Brenda Kenei (Kenya) 32:28, 3 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 34:01, 4 Irvette Van Zyl (South Africa) 34:23, 5 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:44, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 35:02, 7 Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho) 35:41, 8 Carina Swiegers (South Africa) 37:04, 9 Cornelia Joubert (South Africa) 38:19, 10 Maria Shai (South Africa) 39:06
