It’s a golden Women’s Day for Tjoka and Bothma at the Totalsports Women’s Race

Seen here (left to right):  Mamorallo Tjoka and Annie Bothma Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg & Mark Sampson
Seen here (left to right):  Mamorallo Tjoka and Annie Bothma Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg & Mark Sampson

Mamorallo Tjoka and Annie Bothma enjoyed an active approach to National Women’s Day (Thursday, 09 August 2018) by claiming gold in the 10km Totalsports Women’s Race in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively.

Mamorallo Tjoka crossed the finish line at Mary Fitzgerald Square (Newtown) in an impressive time of 34 minutes 33 seconds.  “I wasn’t able to run as fast as I wanted to due to the windy weather conditions,” said Tjoka.  “I’ve also just come back from injury and wasn’t sure where my fitness would be at.  Glenrose Xaba and I ran together up until the 7km mark before I made a move. I knew that I didn’t have enough speed and that Xaba would be too fast for me at the finish.”

“I entered the Totalsports Women’s Race because I wanted to celebrate with thousands of women,” continues Tjoka.  “I also wanted to test my fitness.  I am very happy with my win today.  It’s nice to see that my fitness is back.  I will definitely be back next year.”

Glenrose Xaba (Totalsports Women’s Race Durban 2018 winner) came in second, while Cornelia Joubert finished third.

In Cape Town Annie Bothma obliterated the 10km field crossing the finish line at Grand Parade in a deserving time of 35 minutes 20 seconds.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was my comeback race,” said a very happy Bothma.  “I’ve been in America for the past three years on a full scholarship.  While there I was in two vehicle accidents, after which I decided that it’s time to come home.  I have an amazing support system here.  Zola Budd was my coach for two years.  Now that I am home I’m training with Bennie Stander.  Zola and Bennie have a similar approach to racing.  They believe that you must be patient, pick your races and know when to perform.”

“The Totalsports Women’s Race has always been close to my heart,” continues Bothma.  “My first 10km race was run at the Totalsports Women’s Race a few years ago.  I’ve now taken part three times (racing it twice).   This is my first 10km race in three years.  It was specifically chosen as my comeback race.  It’s a really special race.  The route was challenging, while the wind was really strong at times.  I made my gap at roundabout the 2km mark and managed to keep the lead.  My goal was to win.”

Zintle Xiniwe came in second, while Aynslee van Graan finished third.  

“We are overwhelmed by the support received from runners and walkers at the 2018 Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban (July), Johannesburg and Cape Town,” says Patrick Singh, Head of Totalsports Marketing.  “All three cities were engulfed by a sea of pink on race day symbolising each entrant’s support of PinkDrive.  We at Totalsports believe that sport has the power to change lives and can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Women’s Day.  This magnificent support has enabled the Totalsports Women’s Race to donate a total of R75 000 towards PinkDrive.   We are thankful to each entrant for making this donation possible and are confident that it will further enable the charity to raise awareness around breast cancer, and spreading the message that ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’.”

EVENT INFORMATION:  2018 Totalsports Women’s Race

Date: Venue:
Thursday, 09 August 2018 Johannesburg:  Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown
  Cape Town:  Grand Parade, Cape Town CBD
Sunday, 22 July 2018 Durban: Kings Park Athletics Track

Jozi runners (and walkers) were treated to a memorable performance by Sho Madjozi, while Capetonians enjoyed a live performance by GoodLuck.

Each entrant received a fitted Event T-shirt, a finisher’s bracelet and a Totalsports head scarf.

PRIZE PURSEThe 2018 Totalsports Women’s Race (Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town) boasted a combined prize purse of R123 600.

CHARITY SUPPORTThe Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a Non-Profit Company (NPC) that is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. PinkDrive was present at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban (July), Johannesburg and Cape Town offering FREE clinical breast examinations and educating on the importance of self- breast examinations.

Facebook page:  Women’s Race / The PinkDrive

Twitter:  @womensrace / @TotalsportsSA / @thepinkdrive

Instagram:  Totalsports_SA

For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.co.za.  For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.com

ENDS

ISSUED BY:                                            Newsport Media

ON BEHALF OF:                                   Totalsports Women’s Race