'I really surprised myself' - new mom Jacobs to continue comeback at Absa TSHWANE 10K after solid run at TWR Cape Town

Just five months after welcoming her first child, Kyla Jacobs impressed with a strong showing at the Totalsports Women's Race Cape Town on Sunday, 9 August. Now, she's set to build on that momentum when she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Jacobs last raced in April 2024 before a stress fracture in her foot forced her to the sidelines. She then chose to start a family, extending her break from competition. Making her return on National Women’s Day, the Boxer Athletics Club athlete clocked an encouraging 35:51 for 15th place on the hilly Totalsports Women’s Race course in the Mother City.

"That was awesome!" she said after crossing the finish line in Darling street outside City Hall. "It was an awesome day for me to be out there racing. It was so good to compete again. It's been almost 18 months of no racing, so it's been a while. But I really surprised myself because I felt strong and had a lot more left in the tank."

Jacobs at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town where she placed 15^th in a time of 35:51. Photo Credit: Retruvent Media.

The 30-year-old Capetonian chose the perfect month for her return, with South Africa celebrating Women's Month. Jacobs says she draws inspiration from athletes like Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon gold medalist, multiple Soweto Marathon champion, and four-time Olympian Irvette Van Zyl - a mother of two who continues to compete at the highest level.

"I feel really strong in training and I've got a good community around me - people like Irvette, Landie Greyling and Anel Terreblanhce who all inspire you and show you that moms can do it. They give me the strength and motivation to come back stronger"

Satisfied with her first outing on the road and rooted in a nurturing support structure, South Africa's sixth fastest 5000m athlete of all time (15:20.61) will now begin the process towards representing the country at a maiden Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Key to that is maintaining her steady reintroduction to 10km racing which will continue at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K.

Jacobs says she is working towards representing South Africa again soon. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I just want to race for PUMA and Boxer and all the sponsors. I’m not expecting to be as competitive yet. It’s more about building up my fitness and getting that racing experience again. I'm going to give it my best on the day and see what I'm capable of."

"Kyla's performance at the Totalsports Women's Race Cape Town was truly inspiring - especially considering it was her first race back after giving birth just a few months ago," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "We're excited to welcome her to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 2025. We wish her all the best for race day and encourage Tshwane residents to come out in full force to support her and all the athletes as they race through the city."