Elite Athletes Lead Thousands in Pink for Totalsports Women’s Race 2024 in Cape Town

Some of Africa’s elite women’s field runners will lead a 12,000-strong ‘sea of pink’ through the heart of Cape Town for the Totalsports Women’s Race on Friday, 9 August 2024. This annual event, held to commemorate Women’s Day and support breast cancer awareness, will see participants from all walks of life come together to celebrate women’s strength and unity.
The race, featuring a 10km and 5km route, is a vibrant display of solidarity, health, and empowerment, with runners proudly supporting the PinkDrive campaign. Elite athletes, including SA 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba and international champions from Ethiopia and Kenya, will headline the event, setting the pace for this inspiring and impactful day.

Route and Road Closures

The Totalsports Women’s Race is not just about sports; it’s an occasion for promoting healthy living, raising awareness about breast cancer, and commemorating Women’s Day. Clad in their distinctive pink t-shirts, participants will run through some of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, starting at Darling Street in front of City Hall. The 10km race begins at 08:00, followed by the 5km event at 08:10, taking runners through District Six, Gardens, and the CBD before finishing on the Grand Parade.

Supporting the PinkDrive campaign, the event focuses on breast cancer education and enhancing healthcare services for women in South Africa. PinkDrive will be present throughout the event, providing free clinical breast examinations and highlighting the importance of self-breast examinations.

Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, emphasized the event’s broader significance: “The Totalsports Women’s Race is not just a day for sports; it’s an occasion for healthy living, raising awareness about worthy causes, and commemorating the significance behind Women’s Day for our country.

The City of Cape Town’s sponsorship of the event over several years reflects our commitment to supporting women in various aspects of their lives, whether in sports or overall health. We wish all the runners a successful race in the Mother City.”

Due to the race, several roads will be affected on Friday, 9 August 2024. A comprehensive list of road closures can be found here: https://bit.ly/3WzZAmq.

Celebrating Women’s Strength and Unity

The Totalsports Women’s Race is inclusive, welcoming everyone from elite athletes to social runners, ensuring a fantastic experience for all. This year’s event has attracted a strong field of top runners, including Kenya’s Christine Njoki, Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare, Selam Gebre, Diniya Abaraya, and South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba.

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, highlighted the event’s significance: “The Totalsports Women’s Race doesn’t just showcase athletic excellence; it celebrates the strength and spirit of women from all walks of life. Participants will experience the beauty of Cape Town, the camaraderie among runners, and the opportunity to support a great cause with PinkDrive. It’s a day of empowerment, community, and celebration.”

Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, added: “We had a fantastic event in Durban on Sunday, and we’re excited to continue the celebration in Cape Town. This race is all about bringing women together to celebrate their strength and unity. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a social runner, you’ll find an incredible atmosphere of support and camaraderie. We’re thrilled to support PinkDrive and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for all participants. Cape Town runners, we can’t wait to #LoveTheRun with you on National Women’s Day.”