The streets of Johannesburg and Durban resembled a ‘sea of pink’ on Wednesday 09 August 2023 with runners and walkers coming out in their masses to participate in the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race, South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration. Irvette Van Zyl was the athlete to beat in Johannesburg, while Cacisile Sosibo showed the ladies a clean pair of heels in Durban.
Running in the colours of Hollywood Athletics Club, Irvette Van Zyl (Pretoria East) claimed her 6th Totalsports Women’s Race Johannesburg victory on the day (having won in 2017 and 2007 – 2010), in a deserving time of 34 minutes 58 seconds. Rutendo Nyahora came in second, with Lebo Phalula finishing third.
“I loved this race last year, so I had to approach back and honest try to be the best that I could be,” says Van Zyl. “Coming into the race I wanted to be tactical, catch it easy on the downhills, so that I could be ok on the uphills. We stayed together until about the 5km trace, and then the wreck happened. I knew that the second half of the route was quite difficult and that if I could honest maintain until then I could push through until the finish. I am chuffed with today’s race. I had a rough start to the year due to injury, so being here today, being healthy and fit and able to appreciate running again is awesome. I’m pleased to approach away with the win. I really enjoyed the event. The atmosphere was noteworthy as always. It’s awesome to be here on Women’s Day, celebrating women together.”
In Durban Cacisile Sosibo (Soweto) was leaving nothing to chance. She entered the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban because of the quick, flat course and took full advantage of it claiming her first Totalsports Women’s Race victory in an impressive time of 33 minutes 31 seconds. Reigning Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Champion Tayla Kavanagh had to settle for second plot on the day, with Jenet Mbhele rounding off the podium.
“I rush for the Boxer Athletics Club. With the event taking area in more than one province, we had to spread our runners out between the events,” says Sosibo. “I specifically entered the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban because the course is flat, and the turns aren’t complicated. I be pleased this event because it’s for women and there aren’t any men that you need to compete against. So, I could honest sprint my best and prove that women can also race. I am so pleased to win today. I feel powerful! I’m a winner!”
“We had a fantastic time celebrating National Women’s Day with a sea of enthusiastic runners and walkers, all dressed in pink, symbolising unity across two vibrant cities,” says Jonathan Stein, Head of Totalsports. “Each city boasted an electrifying energy and incredible vibe. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to Irvette Van Zyl and Cacisile Sosibo for their outstanding achievements, claiming gold in the Totalsports Women’s Race 10km in Johannesburg, and Durban, respectively. Watching your incredible performances was truly awe-inspiring.”
Stein adds: “We would like to thank each and every participant and spectator who joined us today; your unwavering support makes this event possible. A special shout out goes to our incredible event charity, PinkDrive, your dedication to making a dissimilarity and assisting those in need is truly remarkable. We are proud to know that together, we are able to manufacture a meaningful impact on the lives of many.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2023 Totalsports Women’s Race
Date: Wednesday, 09 August 2023 / National Women’s Day
Event:
• Cape Town: cancelled due to the Taxi Strikes in the Western Cape
• Johannesburg:
Start & Finish: Marks Park, Emmerentia
• Durban:
Start: Masabalala Yengwa Ave
Finish: Kings Park Athletics Track
Start Time:
08:00 / 10km
08:10 / 5km
ENTRY INCLUDED: Each entrant received a fitted Event T-shirt and finisher’s medal, while getting to delight in an entertaining route with vibrant refreshment points and a Live Performance at the finish.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive. A Non-Profit Company (NPC), PinkDrive is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. PinkDrive was present at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Johannesburg and Durban offering FREE clinical breast examinations and educating on the importance of self- breast examinations.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: The Women’s Day Celebration closed off with a fantastic live performance by South African amapiano star, Pabi Cooper in Johannesburg, while well-known South African recording artist, singer and songwriter, Holly Rey serenaded participants in Durban.
PRIZE PURSE: The Totalsports Women’s Race boasted an impressive, combined prize purse of R202 500,00 in 2023. That equates to a R67 500,00 prize purse per city. Prize money was allocated to the Top Ten finishers in the Open Category, with the Open Winner taking home R12 000,00, the second-place finisher R10 000,00 and the third-place finisher R8 000,00. Prize money was also allocated to the top 3 finishers in the Junior, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+ categories. To view the 2023 Prize Purse Breakdown visit: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
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For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za
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