The much-anticipated Hollywoodbets 10km race could not have come at a better and perfect time, as the cold and winter season is officially over, with about 12 000 runners gearing up to enjoy running under the summer bliss of Durban this coming Saturday at Kingsmead Stadium.
The race this year has 12 000 entries – 4 000 runners more than last year.
The race was also sold out in the first two months, which ultimately showed the level of excitement around the race.
Major elites such as Neheng Khatala and Stephen Mokoka will once again line up at the 10km and grace the occasion once again this year.
Khatala is the defending champion in the women’s race and will be going up against tough competition such as Tayla Kavngah, Tuks runner Karabo Mailula, Boxers Karabo Moore, Cacsile Sosibo, and the favourite Glen Rose Xaba, who will all be gunning for the crown.
In the men’s race, Mokoka of the Hollywood Athletics Club will be up against the speedster Thabang Mosiako from Nedbank.
Mosiako is fit and should be revved up to hit the track after recovering from his injury. He had an impressive run at the Foskor half marathon, where he reclaimed the SA Half Marathon title by finishing in a time of 1:0247.
There will also be one of the favourites, Kabelo “Kabza’da Fast” Mulaudzi, who has been enjoying an impressive 2025 season on the road. Mofolo from Xcel Running Club will be one to look out for, as he has a sub-28 finish this year and has had some good performances on the road.
So, it goes without saying that Mokoka has a tough task on his hands, but he will be expected to bring out his A-game as he is in search of breaking the master’s record in the 10km distance.
Of the 1 2 000 contestants who will be on track, 72 elite contenders will be vying for the R37 500 winners’ prize money.
Currently the most financially rewarding 10km race in South Africa, the Hollywoodbets race pays from number one to 10, with the latter set to walk away with R600 for both males and females. The series will then head to Johannesburg on September 13.
A fun fact and interesting part about the Johannesburg race is that no runner has been able to defend their title since inception, with new winners every year.
Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans winner Greda Steyn, four-time Soweto Marathon champion Irvette van Zyl, Cain Oldknow, and Two Oceans champion Joseph Seutloali are expected to feature in the event in Jozi.
