Seen Here: Runners enjoying the action of the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban in 2025. Photo Credit: Chris Hitchcock
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s premier women-only road running event has secured a major boost ahead of this year’s Women’s Month celebrations, with Absa announcing a landmark three-year partnership as the Official Banking Partner of the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race.
The strategic collaboration brings together two influential brands with a shared vision of empowering women, promoting healthier lifestyles and creating meaningful opportunities for thousands of participants across South Africa.
Attracting more than 28,000 women annually across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, the Totalsports Women’s Race has grown into far more than a road running event. It has become one of the country’s most celebrated Women’s Month initiatives, championing fitness, unity, resilience and female empowerment.
A Partnership Built on Purpose
Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer described the partnership as an important milestone in the continued growth of the event.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Absa as the Official Banking Partner of the Totalsports Women’s Race,” Meyer said.
“This exciting three-year partnership unites organisations that genuinely believe in empowering women, building meaningful connections and making a lasting impact within the communities we serve.”
He said the partnership would help elevate the participant experience while strengthening the race’s role as a platform that celebrates women from every walk of life.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race is about much more than crossing a finish line. It celebrates the courage, resilience and achievements of women while inspiring thousands to come together in a spirit of unity and empowerment.”
Seen Here: Absa at Totalsports Women’s Race Durban. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Shared Vision for Women’s Empowerment
Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous believes the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating lasting social impact.
“This collaboration brings together brands that are passionate about empowering women and delivering meaningful experiences,” she said.
“We’re excited to work alongside Absa to inspire even more women to embrace healthy lifestyles while celebrating their strength and determination.”
Investing in Communities Through Sport
For Absa, the partnership represents another step in its ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and create opportunities for women to realise their full potential.
Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing at Absa, said the race aligns closely with the bank’s purpose-driven approach to community development.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race is much more than a sporting event,” Nsibanyoni explained.
“It is a powerful celebration of women, their resilience and their ability to inspire positive change within their families, workplaces and communities.”
She added that Absa is proud to support a platform that encourages women to invest in their health, wellbeing and personal growth.
“Our partnership reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that empower people to achieve their ambitions. We are honoured to walk—and run—this journey alongside thousands of South African women over the next three years.”
Seen Here: Absa at Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg. Photo Credit: Charles Ndou
Women’s Month Celebration Returns
The 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race will once again take place across South Africa’s three major cities:
- Durban – Sunday, 2 August
- Cape Town – Sunday, 9 August
- Johannesburg – Sunday, 16 August
Organisers have confirmed that all three events are officially sold out, highlighting the continued popularity of the race as one of South Africa’s largest women-only sporting events.
Adding to the celebrations, award-winning South African music star Busiswa will headline live performances at all three races, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere for runners and supporters alike.
The event will also continue its long-standing partnership with PinkDrive, supporting breast cancer awareness, education and free screening services for medically uninsured South Africans.
More Than a Race
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, the partnership between Absa and the Totalsports Women’s Race signals a renewed commitment to investing in women through sport, wellness and community engagement.
With thousands of runners preparing to take to the streets in August, the collaboration promises to strengthen one of the country’s most inspiring sporting traditions—one that celebrates not only athletic achievement but also the resilience, determination and limitless potential of South African women.
The next three years are set to usher in an exciting new chapter for the Totalsports Women’s Race, as Absa and Totalsports work together to ensure every stride taken on race day becomes a step towards empowerment, inclusion and lasting impact.
