Gebre outlasts Khatala at Totalsports Women's Race Joburg

Selam Gebre despatched a quality field including the likes of Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala to win the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg this morning. After taking fourth position during the Cape Town leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race last week (9 August), The Nedbank Running Club ace prevailed in a battle against Khatala on the hilly route which started and finished at Marks Park in Emmerentia. Speaking after her 33:27 clocking, the Ethiopian said today’s victory was reward for staying the course during a particularly busy Women’s month of racing, which also saw her claim a podium finish at the Tshwane SPAR Women’s Challenge on 2 August.

"I'm tired from my travels and could feel it in my legs this morning," admits Gebre. "Neheng was with me for a big part of the race. I just had to keep moving. When she 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."

Gebre celebrates victory at the Totalsports Women's Race Joburg. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

Speaking much of her time travelling between her home base in Ethiopia and her competitions in South Africa, Europe and the United States, Gebre added that she will always return to run the Totalsports Women's Race whenever she's invited. "I joined the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024. The organisers are very nice and always invite me to race. I am very happy with my performance. The Totalsports Women's Race is special because it gives women the opportunity to show themselves and all their hard work."

Finishing in second was Lesotho's 10km national record holder Khatala, who came home in a time of 33:44, while Kenya’s Debrah Cherotich rounded out the podium in 34:20. Karabo Mailula in fourth position, was the first South African home. After finishing outside the top ten in The Mother City last week, Mailula wore a broad smile as she crossed the finish line in 35:09, saying she focused on recovery this week, which paid dividends.

The top three women. Photo Credit: NRC.

"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. It is because I focused on recovery. Since I returned from the World Student Games in Germany three weeks ago, I haven't done any recovery. But this week I did an ice bath and a massage which helped me a lot."

"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. 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."