Kenya’s Christine Njoki will return to Durban this Sunday, 03 August 2025, as she sets her sights on defending her title at one of South Africa’s most iconic Women’s Month celebrations, the Totalsports Women’s Race.

Christine Njoki made a sensational Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Durban in 2024, dominating the field with a blistering victory in a lightning-fast 31 minutes. Selam Gebre of Ethiopia claimed second in 32:01, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala rounded out the podium with a strong 32:03 finish.

“My experience at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban was amazing - there was incredible energy from both the runners and the organisers,” says Njoki. “I’m coming back because of the love and support from the fans, the race organisers, and of course, the opportunity to defend my title. I always look forward to connecting with fellow athletes, making new friends, and enjoying a great race.”

Njoki believes the Totalsports Women’s Race holds a special place because of the meaningful impact it has on women.

“Not only does the event celebrate women’s passion and hard work, but it also acknowledges the unique challenges we face. It’s truly an honour to compete in such an empowering race.”

When asked about the R1 000 000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record (29:27) at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban, Njoki shared her thoughts:

“It’s an incredibly motivating incentive. Every woman lining up in Durban will give her best to challenge the world record. It’s a powerful statement that women are valued and celebrated in society through the Totalsports Women’s Race. My primary goal will be to improve on my previous time. If I feel strong after the halfway mark, I’ll definitely push to challenge the world record.”

Other top elite women to look out for will include Jane Ghati Chacha (Kenya), Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) and Tayla Kavanagh (South Africa) to mention just a few.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christine Njoki, the reigning Totalsports Women’s Race Champion in both Durban and Cape Town, back to Durban for what promises to be an electrifying day of world-class women’s racing,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “Christine’s return adds incredible excitement to this year’s event, and we can’t wait to see her in action. We wish her the very best as she defends her title and invite all Durban residents to come out, line the streets, and show their support for these phenomenal athletes.”