Neheng Khatala, is ready to give her absolute best at the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 02 August 2026 and Joburg on Sunday, 16 August 2026.After securing a well-deserved fifth-place finish in 32:04 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 12 July – an event billed as the Greatest 10K on African Soil thanks to its world-class local and international elite field – Khatala is confident that she is ready to execute her race plan at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban and Johannesburg in August.“If I execute my race plan well, I believe a great result will follow,” said Khatala.

“Every race is an opportunity to improve, and I want to make the most of it.”

For the Lesotho National Record Holder, competing in an event that brings thousands of women together on one day means a great deal.“It shows the power of women supporting and inspiring one another. Running brings us together regardless of where we come from or our backgrounds. As an athlete from Lesotho, it is an honour to be part of an event that celebrates strength, resilience and unity among women.”

Admitting that her biggest motivation is becoming the best version of herself, Khatala hopes to inspire others through her journey.“Every race teaches me something new and reminds me that growth comes through consistency and hard work.

My advice to women starting out is to believe in yourself, be patient with your progress, and never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Every champion started with a single step.”With the Totalsports Women’s Race routes renowned for their incredible atmosphere, Khatala is looking forward to experiencing the energy of the spectators.

“Crowd support always gives me an extra boost, especially when the race gets tough,” she said. “Hearing people cheer reminds me to keep fighting until the finish line, and it often helps me find another gear.

Securing gold at the Totalsports Women’s Race would be a special achievement. It would be a reward for the hard work my coach and I have put in, and it would make my family, supporters and my country, Lesotho, proud.

It would also motivate me to keep striving for even bigger goals in my running career.”In closing, Khatala shared the following message with her fellow Totalsports Women’s Race entrants: “Believe in yourself, trust your preparation and enjoy every step of the journey. Whether you’re running for a personal best, your health or simply the joy of finishing, your effort matters. Be proud of yourself because just being on the start line is already a victory.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, is proud to welcome Neheng Khatala back to the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2026 and believes the Lesotho star is well positioned to deliver standout performances at the iconic Women’s Month celebration in both cities.

“We wish Neheng the very best for the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban and Joburg,” he said. “We look forward to seeing her showcase her talent alongside thousands of women celebrating the joy of running.”Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, is excited to welcome Neheng Khatala back to the Totalsports Women’s Race and believes her participation will inspire runners of all ages and abilities.

“As one of Africa’s leading distance runners, Neheng’s participation adds to the excitement of the event and serves as an inspiration to women of all ages and abilities,” says Crous. “We wish Neheng the very best for race day and look forward to cheering her on alongside thousands of runners in both cities.

“About the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Route: The Totalsports Women’s Race Durban will once again feature its fast and flat route, renowned as the ideal course for runners chasing personal bests and record-breaking performances.

Following the success of the 2025 event, the route has been retained, offering returning participants a familiar course while giving first-time entrants the opportunity to experience one of South Africa’s fastest road running routes.

From the beachfront to iconic landmarks such as Blue Lagoon and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the route promises a scenic and exciting journey from start to finish.About the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg Route:Johannesburg’s 5km and 10km routes have been carefully designed to deliver an even better experience for all participants. While it still offers a rewarding challenge, the course is less hilly than last year’s route, creating a faster and more enjoyable run.

Both the 5km and 10km routes have been redesigned to to ease congestion through the suburban sections, while showcasing the natural beauty of Emmarentia, its surrounding neighbourhoods and the picturesque Zoo Lake.

EVENT INFORMATION: 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race LIVE PERFORMANCE: Renowned for her electrifying performances and chart-topping hits spanning Kwaito, House, Gqom, Amapiano and Afropop, South African music powerhouse Busiswa will perform live at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 02 August, Cape Town on Sunday, 09 August, and Johannesburg on Sunday, 16 August 2026, ensuring participants and supporters enjoy an unforgettable race-day experience both on and off the route.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa.Like our Facebook page: Women’s Race / The PinkDriveFollow us on Instagram: Women’s Race / PinkDriveHashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive WhatsApp Line: 064 815 4116For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

ISSUED BY:Stillwater Sports ON BEHALF OF: Totalsports Women’s Race