Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre delivers dominant performance at Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg

A record field of 12 000 runners lined up for the season finale of the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race, held at Marks Park, Emmerentia, on Sunday, 17 August 2025, in support of PinkDrive. Amidst a stellar lineup of world-class elite athletes, Selam Gebre (Ethiopia) emerged as the strongest competitor of the day, powering to a well-deserved victory with an impressive time of 33 minutes 27 seconds. 

“I’m tired from my travels and could feel it in my legs this morning,” admits Gebre. “There was one runner with me for a big part of the race. I just had to keep moving. The runner got tired and dropped off. I kept going. The course was tough. I am very happy to be first today. It motivates me for my next event.”

In closing, Gebre added: “I joined the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024. The organisers are very nice and always invite me to race. The Totalsports Women’s Race is special because it gives women the opportunity to show themselves and all their hard work.”

Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) came in second, while Debrah Cherotich (Kenya) finished third.

Khatala, Lesotho’s 10km National Record holder, competed in all three Totalsports Women’s Races – Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg – in 2025.

According to Khatala, she’s always happy to be part of the Totalsports Women’s Race. “I’m very excited with my second position today. This was my second time at the Joburg race. Last year I had flu and couldn’t finish, so I am very proud of myself. I executed the race very well. For the first time I did all three races. I am so proud of myself. I hope to do it next year again.”

The first South African to cross the finish line, Karabo Mailula claimed 4th place in a deserving time of 35:09. 

“It feels great to represent South Africa well,” says Mailula. “The start was fine. I didn’t know the course, but my teammate told me that the course is going to be difficult. I knew it because Jozi is always difficult. I was aiming for a better time, but I think that I have improved. I am happy with the result, position four, it’s fine for me. The Totalsports Women’s Race is doing a great job. Their goodie bags, the things inside are nice. I can encourage other girls to come and enjoy the race especially because it is in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. It gives the opportunity to all the ladies around.”

“Congratulations to Selam Gebre on a well-earned victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We also extend our sincere thanks to the 12 000 women who participated, the supporters who lined the streets, and our valued sponsors and partners who made this event – and the entire 2025 series – possible.

We’re incredibly proud to have hosted such an impactful celebration of women through sport across three iconic cities, and we’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support we received every step of the way. The Totalsports Women’s Race continues to be a platform for unity, empowerment, and positivity – and we’re already looking forward to what the future holds.”

Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “The streets of Johannesburg came alive as 12 000 women ran united in the final leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race. It was truly inspiring to witness the joy on route – a powerful reminder of the impact of celebrating women through sport. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together across Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg in 2025. Here’s to the incredible women who continue to show up, lift each other up, and run with purpose. Until next year – keep running united!”