Seen Here: Aerial View – 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Start Photo Credit: Motion.Pro.TV
CAPE TOWN, 9 August 2026 – Kenyan distance star Daisilah Jerono announced herself in spectacular fashion on her South African debut, winning the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in 31:29 on Sunday as 10,000 women took to the streets of the Mother City to celebrate National Women’s Day.
Jerono, who entered the race as the world’s No. 7-ranked half-marathon runner in 2026, produced a commanding performance to claim victory and better her personal best, adding another impressive chapter to a breakthrough season.
The Kenyan has established herself among the leading half-marathon runners in the world after clocking 1:05:21 in Berlin, making her the second-fastest Kenyan over the distance this year.
But despite her impressive credentials, victory was not necessarily on Jerono’s mind when she arrived in Cape Town.
Seen Here: Ocean of Pink at 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Photo Credit: Motion.Pro.TV
“The race was tough. It was windy, with a few ups and downs, but I am happy to have run today,” said Jerono.
“This is my first time in South Africa. I didn’t come with the idea of winning; I came to see where I am in my training.”
The 10km race proved to be an ideal test for the Kenyan, who responded to the challenging conditions with composure and determination before crossing the finish line first.
Jerono was particularly impressed by the atmosphere created by the thousands of women lining the route.
“The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. I am so happy to win today. I was not expecting it; it’s by God’s grace. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”
Seen Here: Coca Cola South Africa kept runners hydrated at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Photo Credit: Motion.Pro.TV
Faith Cherono, also from Kenya, secured second place, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala, winner of the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban in 32:06 on 2 August, completed the podium in third.
More than a race
While the elite contest delivered world-class competition, the Cape Town event was equally defined by its celebration of women, health, fitness and community.
With 10,000 entrants, women of all ages and abilities filled the streets as the Totalsports Women’s Race marked National Women’s Day while raising awareness and support for PinkDrive, the non-profit organisation providing breast cancer awareness, education and free services to medically uninsured communities across South Africa.
Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer praised the quality of the elite competition and the thousands of participants who transformed the event into a celebration of women’s strength and solidarity.
Seen Here: Busiswa Gqulu at Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Photo Credit: Chris Hitchcock
“Congratulations to Daisilah Jerono on a truly outstanding performance. The standard of elite racing at this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was exceptional, with an exciting display of talent and determination from start to finish,” Meyer said.
He added that the mass participation element remained at the heart of the event.
“It was equally inspiring to see thousands of women take to the streets to celebrate Women’s Month, support PinkDrive and embrace the spirit of this iconic event.”
Seen Here: All smiles at Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Photo Credit: Chris Hitchcock
Cape Town sets the stage for Joburg
Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous said the event once again demonstrated the power of women coming together around a shared purpose.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” she said.
Crous thanked participants, volunteers, partners and supporters for helping create an event that combined competitive running with meaningful community impact.
The Women’s Race celebration now moves to Johannesburg on Sunday, 16 August, bringing the 2026 series to its final stop.
Seen Here: Start of the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Photo Credit: David Sullivan
The Joburg race will feature 10km and 5km routes, with the 10km starting at Judith Road at the Orange Street intersection and the 5km starting at Orange Street and Judith Street. Both races will finish at the Orange Road and Buffalo Road junction at Marks Park.
South African music powerhouse Busiswa will also bring her energetic live performance to the Johannesburg event, adding entertainment to a day centred on fitness, celebration and women’s empowerment.
After a thrilling Durban opener and Jerono’s breakthrough victory in Cape Town, all eyes now turn to Johannesburg for the final chapter of the 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race.
Seen Here: Daisilah Jerono and Faith Cherono Photo Credit: David Sullivan
With elite athletes chasing victory, thousands of women running for fitness and PinkDrive benefiting from the collective effort, the series continues to prove that women’s sport can be both a powerful competitive platform and a force for positive social impact.
Seen Here: Podium Winners Photo Credit: David Sullivan
