One Weekend, Two Worlds
Some running weekends are routine. Others leave a mark — not just on your legs, but on your heart.
This past Women’s Day weekend was one of those.
On Saturday 9 August, I joined thousands in the Totalsports Women’s Race through Cape Town’s city streets — a day bursting with pink, laughter, and solidarity.
A day later, on Sunday 10 August, I found myself at the starting line of the SANDF John Korasie 30km in Simon’s Town — a completely different vibe: disciplined, challenging, and steeped in military and running heritage.
At first glance, these races couldn’t be more different. But run them both, and you’ll see they share a common thread: they’re both woven into the fabric of South African running culture and deserve their places on the race calendar.
Part One – Totalsports Women’s Race: Pink, Power, and Purpose
There’s nothing quite like stepping into the streets of Cape Town on Women’s Day and seeing a tide of pink as far as the eye can see.
The Totalsports Women’s Race isn’t just another 5km or 10km run — it’s a celebration, a safe space, a statement, and a show of solidarity.
The Meaning Behind the Date
National Women’s Day in South Africa isn’t just another public holiday. It marks 9 August 1956, when over 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws.
These laws restricted the movement of Black South Africans by forcing them to carry pass books — a tool of control and oppression. The women who marched that day stood silently for 30 minutes and then sang:
“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” — “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”
It was a powerful statement of resistance, unity, and strength. Every year, we remember their courage. Running a women’s race on this day is a way to honour them — by taking to the streets for freedom, visibility, and solidarity.
The Start Line
The morning starts early, with the city still half-asleep.
By the time we reach the start area, the streets are alive — music blasting, announcers on the mic, the smell of coffee from nearby cafés mixing with the salty Cape Town air – and Uncle Jeff from Lawrence House, Child and Youth Care Centre – is there to make sure we are not late.
I’m immediately surrounded by runners of every age and ability. Some wear head-to-toe pink; others have customised shirts with the names of loved ones they’re running for. There are groups taking photos under the event banners, friends sharing safety pins for race bibs, and the occasional man grinning sheepishly in a pink tutu.
The Vaaib On The Route
The Totalsports Women’s Race offers two options — 5km and 10km — both weaving through Cape Town’s streets with marshals cheering every step of the way.
There’s live music, water tables run by volunteers in pink, and spectators holding handmade signs.
There are work colleagues gossiping, teenagers keeping pace with older relatives, and women who’ve clearly been doing this race for years.
Everyone’s smiling, waving, and enjoying the rare freedom of running traffic-free through the city.
Running For A Cause
The race supports PinkDrive, South Africa’s breast cancer community carer. PinkDrive brings mobile units into communities to provide free screening and education — vital in a country where access to healthcare can be uneven.
Knowing that each step helps raise awareness makes the kilometres fly by. It’s the kind of race where the finish line feels like a celebration, not a relief.
Part Two – John Korasie 30km: Discipline, Distance, and Determination
If the Women’s Race is about joyful unity, the John Korasie 30km is about grit and discipline.
This isn’t just a race — it’s a military-organised operation. Hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), it runs with the precision you’d expect from the country’s armed forces – in other words – late! At least the start was late. But it was windy.
John Korasie was a South African road-running talent who died in 1979 during the bush war serving his country.
But this race also honours Simon’s Town’s naval roots. Runners pass the imposing gates of the naval base, an active reminder of the town’s role in South Africa’s maritime history.
The SANDF’s involvement isn’t just symbolic — you’ll feel it in the seamless organisation, the disciplined marshals, and the respect paid to the heritage of both the sport and the area.
Starting in Simon’s Town, the race offers spectacular views of False Bay before leading runners into rolling hills that demand a smart pacing strategy. At 30km, it’s the perfect “test before the test” for those training for the Cape Town Marathon or any other spring marathon.
It’s a distance that forces you to be strategic — start too fast and you’ll pay for it later; pace it right and you’ll finish strong, with your confidence sky-high for race day.
Two Races, One Weekend
On their own, these races are excellent. Together, they create a weekend that reflects the full spectrum of running in South Africa — the joy and community of the Women’s Race, the grit and tradition of the John Korasie.
Supporting both ensures we keep variety alive in our running culture: races that celebrate inclusion and social causes, and races that uphold tradition and athletic challenge.
Final Thoughts
Next year, when the calendar rolls around to early August, consider blocking off that weekend. Wear pink, run for a cause, then test your mettle a day later with the SANDF John Korasie 30km.
Your legs might complain… but your heart will thank you.
Thanks and photo creds:
Jarred
Saeed
Thank you Gabieba for writing this Blog. ❤️ You very strong