'We are doing something right' - New start and finish for Hollywoodbets Durban 10km with 5000 entries already sold

Organisers of the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race have announced a new finish venue for this year's event. The race which is scheduled for 31 August will now finish at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium - moving away from the Hollywoodbets King's Park Stadium due to a rugby match. Despite the change to the start and finish venue, the course will remain the same, as does the prize money of R37 500 for both the male and female winners of the race. Speaking during yesterday’s announcement (8 July) Hollywood Athletics Club elite athlete manager Manfred Seidler believes the route is ideal for the fast times.  

"We had to change a start and finish because the usual venue is booked for the rugby game. The beauty though is that we are not changing the course. The elevation and actual route stays the same. We have to do some measurements and make sure the verification is right. This is a very fast course and I believe the SA record (27:28) can be run here," said Seidler 

He further added that to witness fast times they are talks with country's big names athletes to come and participate in the race. 

The Hollywoodbets Durban 10km has grown to become one of the biggest road running events in KZNA. Photo Credit: Hollywood AC.

"I would love for the top South African athletes to come. I'm in conversation with them now. Last year, we had Tebello Ramakongoana who came here and won. Elroy Gelant has been here a few times. Stephen Mokoka always comes, as does Thabang Mosiako. Kabelo Mulaudzi is on fire and won the race two years ago. So that's the calibre of athletes that we are chatting to as we want them to line-up for the race. We are still in discussion with them and nothing has been finalized as yet," he explained.

As the event celebrates it’s fifth edition this year, organisers are targeting a total field of 10 000, with over 5 000 entries having already been sold making it one of the fastest growing races in the country. For Hollywood Athletics Club co-ordinator Lala Cele who has been involved in the race since it’s inception in 2021, she is still shocked by the tremendous growth of one of Durban's most well-attended mass participation events.

Manfred Seidler and Lala Cele speaking during the launch of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km. Photo Credit: Hollywood AC.

"The support we have been getting from the start is unbelievable. I remember when we staged the race for the first time during Covid19 times - we had around 800 runners. Then from there, the race has grown so much. At the moment we are sitting with over 5 000 entries which is a huge number. I'm very pleased with how runners are reacting to our race. It is an indication that we are doing something right," she said.

Meanwhile KwaZulu-Natal Athletics President Steve Mkasi applauded the Hollywood Athletics Club’s parent company Hollywoodbets for their continuous efforts to uplift athletics in the province.

"It's good to see a company like Hollywoodbets coming into athletics to support us. What they have done over the years is good for the sport. The race itself has attracted good athletes as good prize money is on offer. We are in need of these types of well-paying races as some of athletes make a living through sport. As KZNA, we are happy to have such events that prioritize athletes.”