For the first time in the history of women’s road running on the African continent, a staggering R1 million will be up for grabs — but only for a woman bold and fast enough to rewrite the record books at the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 3 August.
In a landmark announcement that has electrified the athletics community across the globe, title sponsor Totalsports, in collaboration with Stillwater Sports, has launched a never-before-seen incentive to celebrate and elevate the achievements of female athletes. If any runner manages to beat the current Women’s Only 10km World Record during this iconic Durban event, she’ll walk away with a life-changing cash prize — and a permanent place in sporting history.
This is more than just a race — it’s an opportunity to change the game.
The Totalsports Women’s Race holds a very special place in our hearts — it’s a celebration of strength, unity, and the incredible power of women in sport. We are immensely proud to be part of an event that continues to uplift and inspire women across the country. Announcing a R1,000,000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record in Durban is an honour for us, and a bold statement of our commitment to women’s athletics. It’s about creating opportunities, pushing boundaries, and being part of history in the making.
The current world record, a blistering 29:27, was set just days ago on April 26 by Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich at the ADIDAS Road to Records event in Germany — smashing the previous mark of 30:01 set by fellow Kenyan Agnes Tirop in 2021. Now, eyes turn to the fast and flat streets of Durban, known for offering the perfect blend of speed and scenery. The route — starting and finishing at Suncoast Casino — threads through coastal vistas that could well serve as the backdrop for another world-class moment.
Ngetich herself welcomed the move.
I am happy for it because it creates life-changing opportunities for women in Africa. It also attracts more talent to these events and increases visibility for women in sport.
This is the kind of impact Totalsports and Stillwater Sports hope to spark — not just a record chase, but a reimagining of what’s possible for women in African sport.
For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has proudly led the way in championing women’s sport in South Africa — celebrating strength, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of women.
In 2025, we’re excited to take the event to unprecedented heights. This bold and historic initiative represents a monumental step forward for women’s sport, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Get ready to witness history in the making — a women’s road running world record on African soil for the very first time!
The announcement has received widespread acclaim from South African athletics leaders. Karabo Mabilo, Acting President of Central Gauteng Athletics, called it “an amazing initiative".
For the first time, women are being recognised in a big way, especially in athletics. I can’t wait to see those records being broken… Well done to the event organisers for coming up with something this powerful.
Steve Mkasi, President of KZN Athletics, praised the event as the pinnacle of 10km racing:
There’s no better place on the African continent or in the world to set records… To the women out there, it’s your chance, go for it.
From a broader perspective, the incentive is being hailed as a major moment for gender equality in sport. Mandla Mngomezulu, Vice President of KZN Athletics, highlighted the significance:
This incentive presents a tremendous opportunity for our women — a meaningful boost for the growth, development, and promotion of our sport. Experiencing this moment in the city of Durban is truly marvellous and must be cherished.
This initiative represents a powerful recognition of women’s talent. It encourages more women to strive for higher levels of achievement, knowing there is a substantial reward. It also draws long-overdue attention to women’s sport… This is a promising step forward — fostering a culture where female athletes can truly thrive.
Beyond the elite competition, the Totalsports Women’s Race remains committed to its community roots, with proceeds supporting PinkDrive, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness and access to healthcare.
With additional events in Cape Town (9 August) and Johannesburg (17 August), the Durban leg will be the focal point as the world watches to see if greatness can be achieved on African ground — and whether history will be made in the form of a new Women’s Only 10km World Record.
Race Details:
- Durban | Sunday, 3 August 2025 | Start: 08:00 | Venue: Suncoast Casino
- Entry Fees: 10km – R150 (licensed), R200 (unlicensed), 5km – R115
- Entries close 28 July or once full
Will it be one million reasons to run? The clock starts ticking now.
