Kenyan middle-distance sensation Christine Njoki successfully defended her title when she claimed an emphatic victory in the second in the series of three Totalsports Women's 10km races in Cape Town on National Women's Day in Cape Town on Saturday morning.
The 26-year-old surged across the finish line in a blistering 31 minutes and 16 seconds on the Grand Parade in the shadow of Table Mountain claiming R30, 000 in prize money.
Her victory comes hot on the heels of her brilliant 30:14 Allcomers record set in Durban just a week ago. It was a back-to-back triumph that mirrored her 2024 double in both cities
Njoki led a Kenyan clean sweep with compatriots Jane Chacha (32:19) and Clare Ndiwa (32:20) finishing second and third, respectively. Ethiopian Selam Gebre (32:32) was fourth with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (32:48) in fifth place.
While Njoki had hoped for Durban’s cloudless conditions, Cape Town offered a cooler stage, overcast with the forecasted rain staying away.
The race was enjoyable. I particularly enjoy running in South Africa. I was aware of the fierce competition, but I came here to run my own race. I enjoyed the course and the fans along the road; they were cheering for me. They motivated me on the way. It feels good to run in Cape Town. I knew it was going to be tough, but I prepared mentally for this race. This season I said that I must go there, and I will run a good race.
For Njoki, victory is as much about spirit as it is about splits. On a day celebrating women, she delivered a rallying cry:
Let’s come together, support each other, motivate each other, and empower women. This has inspired me, and when I return to Kenya, I’ll know that I have motivated women in Cape Town through the Totalsports Women’s Race.
The local spotlight fell on Karabo More, first South African home in eighth place with 34:05.
It feels great (to be the first South African). As soon as I saw the big girls, I was like oh my goodness I’m just here for the time, but I just had to run with my heart. I ran my own race. It feels great to do the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town.
Looking ahead to Johannesburg’s race, she added:
I’ll run my own race again and try to push to the end.
Event organiser Michael Meyer saluted the champions and the masses alike:
Congratulations to Christine Njoki on a well-earned and inspiring victory. Well done to the entire elite field for delivering competitive racing of the highest standard. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the 15 000 women who took to the streets of Cape Town today – your energy made this day truly special.
Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous described the day as nothing short of spectacular.
Today we enjoyed a powerful celebration of women. From the vibrant energy at the start line to the sea of pink winding through the streets of Cape Town, the atmosphere was truly electric.
We are incredibly proud to have been part of this iconic event that honours the strength, spirit, and resilience of women. A heartfelt thank you to every runner, walker, supporter, and partner who made the day so special.
Cape Town - you showed up, and you showed us what it means to #RunUnited. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
The popular women’s series now turns its gaze inland.
Next stop: Johannesburg, 17 August.
RESULTS: 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
Date: Saturday 09 August 2025
Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town
Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town
Top 10 Elite Women
- Christine Njoki (Kenya) 31:16
- Jane Chacha (Kenya) 32:19
- Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) 32:20
- Selam Gebre (Ethiopia) 32:32
- Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 32:48
- Seniya Bereka (Ethiopia) 33:00
- Transfora Ngimbudzi (Tanzania) 33:21
- Karabo More (South Africa) 34:05
- Getenesh Agafaw (Ethiopia) 34:12
- Siftolina Chemeda (Ethiopia) 34:32
