Athletics
Trail runners experience adventure in awe-inspiring mountains in fourth Pass2Pass Ultra-Trail
More than 700 trail runners enjoyed a day out in perfect running conditions along some of the Western Cape’s lesser-known trails between Paarl and Wellington in the fourth Pass2Pass Ultra-trail over the weekend.
The race’s tag-line ‘where adventure awaits and limits are tested’ was an apt description of the challenging trails across soaring mountain peaks which offered stunning panoramic views.
Both the men’s and women’s winners in the ‘P2P Hundred’ raced to big-margin victories in the gruelling race over 100,1km, the shorter events provided close competition among several of the country’s leading trail athletes.
Little more than three minutes separated the top three finishers in the men’s P2P Challenge over 36km and the women’s P2P Lite over 25km.
While a handful of elites returned from last year’s Pass 2 Pass Ultra Trail, it was largely a cast of newcomers setting the trails alight. Pretoria’s Maryke van Zyl was the only athlete able to defend her title, winning the 42,4km Marathon in an impressive 4:36:19 – 12 minutes clear of Great Britain’s Emi Dixon.
Experience trail athlete, Michael Molyneaux, raced home in the Hundred in 11:56:01 – 64 minutes clear of Matthew Cross, with Tarrin van Niekerk, who finished second in the 65km Ultra last year, winning the women’s race by an even bigger margin. Van Niekerk’s 16:24:44 was 1 hour 19 minutes clear of runner-up, Philippa Law.
One of the strongest performances of the day came from Cape Town-based American, Emily Djock, who bounced back to form to win the P2P Ultra 65km in a swift 7:58:43, all of 36 minutes clear of second-placed Kayla Wheeldon. Only the top two male finishers, Jacques Buys and Mark Winter, crossed the line ahead of her.
Djock won the second Pass2Pass Ultra Trail ‘65km’ in 2024, finishing ten minutes clear of Tarrin van Niekerk, after extensive fires in the Bains Kloof region had significantly shortened the course.
“This time the route was amazing,” Djock remarked. “It was almost as if I’d stumbled upon a secret path. I couldn’t believe how big and remote and beautiful these moutains are.
“I had not had the best training block leading up to the race. After the UTMB CCC (Djock was the second American to finish last September in the high-profile race in the French Alps) I struggled quite a bit and was not where I wanted to be.
“But I felt really good on the weekend, except for the last ten km, which I found hard. There was a stretch between 40 and 50km in the Krom River Dome region which was especially amazing. The summit is so remote, almost alpine. It was very technical, with loose rocks to navigate, and mentally it took a toll.
“I struggled to keep concentration after that loop and had a ‘few wobbles’ along the trail before the finish.”
Adding to the sense of remote wilderness was the fact that Djock ran solo from pillar to post. “With the exception of runners from races who we overlapped a few times, I was on my own the whole way. It felt remote and special – it was a good and happy race for me.”
Djock looks forward to another successful season both at home (she has entered the Two Oceans Trail Race in April) and abroad (she travels to Italy with fellow Cape Town athlete, Samantha Reilly) to race the highly competitive 80 km Lavaredo Ultra-trail in June).
Gauteng-based athlete, Jacques Buys, has proved to be one of the country’s leading marathon and ultra-trail athletes in recent years and lived up to expectations with a convincing victory over Mark Winter in the 65km race, winning by 28 minutes in 7:11:29.
“I ran with Mark up to around the halfway point,” Buys reflected. “(It was a) pretty fast pace up to that point.
“Mark started struggling with stomach/nutrition issues so I pulled away from there and ran the second half on my own. I struggled with cramps around 40kms, so lost quite a bit of time but luckily managed to get it under control.”
Like Djock, Buys found the route challenging and awe-inspiring. “The route is insane – it’s a good variety of runnable and technical trail and very scenic pretty much throughout the whole route,” Buys continued.
“The three big climbs with the most technical one at the end make it super challenging. I’d rate it as one of the more difficult trails I’ve race – for me it’s harder and longer than Ultra-trail Cape Town’s 55km.”
One of the closest finishes of the day came in the P2P Challenge over 36km, when Jacques du Plessis came home in 3:01:08, just over a minute ahead of defending champion, Southern Cape athlete, Underson Ncube. Grobler Basson, joint-winner of last year’s 65km finished a further two minutes back in third.
“It was a good race for me, but wouldn’t really say it was a tight race,” Du Plessis reflected. “The guys seemed to be running more slowly in the beginning. I was running comfortably and before I knew it there was no-one behind me. I think they fell behind around 6km, but I had no idea how far behind me they were.
“I was running hard, but well within myself. Frustratingly, I lost around a minute as the first two aid stations were not ready for me and took around 30 seconds each to boot up before I could scan my bib. If I’d known Underson was just a minute behind, I would have run a bit faster.
“But it was really a nice day out in perfect running conditions and I had a very good experience of the race.”
Groote Schuur Hospital running doctor, Ebeth Marais, came out on top of a quality field in the P2P Lite over 25km in 2:22:13 – less than two minutes clear of Lijan Burger, with Mila Geldenhuys just over a minute further back in third.
Siviwe Nkombi won the men’s race by just 20 seconds over Lukas van der Merwe, clocking 2:08:42 for the 25km distance.
Results (SA unless otherwise indicated)
P2P HUNDRED – 100,1km (31 finished out of 42 starters)
Men: 1 Michael Molyneaux 11:56:01; 2 Matthew Cross 13:02:00; 3 Demetrius Van Rooyen 13:12:49; 4 Anele Bans 13:12:49; 5 Cobus Smit 13:46:50
Women: 1 Tarrin van Niekerk 16:24:44; 2 Philippa Law 17:43:25; 3 Dani Coetzee 21:21:53
P2P ULTRA – 62,8km (69 finished out of 80 starters)
Men: 1 Jacques Buys 7:11:29; 2 Mark Winter 7:39:32; 3 Pieter Joubert 8:34:28; 4 Bernard van der Veen 8:46:30; 5 Guido Tagge (DE) 8:51:54
Women: 1 Emily Djock (USA) 7:58:43; 2 Kayla Wheeldon 8:34:32; 3 Jessie Waldman (GB) 8:36:58; 4 Verone de Bruyn 8:56:26; 5 Mari Marincowitz 9:01:40
P2P MARATHON 42,4km (112 finished out of 116 starters)
Men: 1 Iain Peterkin 3:53:12; 2 Jason Koopman 3:58:04; 3 Gabriel Kriel 3:59:26; 4 Skye Clark 4:18:28; 5 Brandon Hulley 4:20:00
Women:1 Maryke van Zyl 4:36:19; 2 Emi Dixon (GB) 4:48:34; 3 Brigitte Joubert 5:10:10; 4 Helen Bosman 5:24:23; 5 Hester le Riche (NL) 5:26:15
P2P CHALLENGE 36,0km (164 finished out of 164 starters)
Men: 1 Jacques du Plessis 3:01:08; 2 Underson Ncube 3:02:32; 3 Grobler Basson 3:04:36; 4 Travis Brigg 3:17:12; 5 Ryno Owen 3:18:57
Women: 1 Anna Firth (GB) 3:41:49; 2 Julia Hunter4:05:03; 3 Olga Antoniceva (Lativa) 4:10:01; 4 Caitlin Perry 4:27:41; 5 Frances Weiner 4:28:24
P2P LITE 25km (181 finished out of 182 starters)
Men: 1 Siviwe Nkombi 2:08:42; 2 Lukas vd Merwe 2:09:02; 3 Joshua Blackshaw 2:10:23; 4 Ben Derman 2:11:33; 5 Frans vd Merwe 2:17:14
Women: 1 Ebeth Marais 2:22:13; 2 Lijan Burger 2:23:58; 3 Mila Geldenhuys 2:25:14; 4 Louise Dippenaar 2:28:41; 5 Leane van Zyl 2:38:00
P2P Dash 14,1km (157 finished out of 158 starters)
Men: 1 Ruben Hanekom 1:04:53; 2 Owen Davis 1:08:00; 3 Robert Raubenheimer 1:08:20
Women: 1 Chris-marie Matthee 1:16:44; 2 Marelie Annalet Both 1:18:10; 3 Clara Kotze 1:20:08
The post Trail runners experience adventure in awe-inspiring mountains in fourth Pass2Pass Ultra-Trail appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
Athletics
AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials
The president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has lauded the introduction of Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence ahead of the forthcoming national trisls in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that Okowa also showered encomiums on AFN’s second vice-president, Akuchukwu Chineze Aghazu for floating the elaborate cash prizes in honour of her late father, Ben Aghazu.
It was further gathered that, under the scheme, outstanding athletes will get N100,000 each for achieving performance standards in 14 events during the natuonal trials holding from June 20th to 22th at Yaba College ofTechnology, Lagos.
Aghazu also announced that two exceptional coaches, one male and a female, have already been selected to receive the athletics excellence award for tacticians in various track and field events.
In reaction to the development, Okowa expressed delight with the initiative, which he described as a commendable gesture that will inspire athletes to put in extra efforts towards getting better results during the trials.
Okowa declared, “I am excited by this thoughtful initiative from our second vice-president, Aku Aghazu. This is the kind of support that motivates our home-based athletes to give their very best during these all-important Commonwealth Games Trials.”
Okowa, who is also the senior vice-president of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), used the opportunity to call on corporate organisations and philanthropists to support athletics and invest in the country’s sporting talents.
“We appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and stakeholders in the private sector to throw their weight behind athletics and our athletes. There is enormous talent in Nigeria and with the right support, our athletes can continue to make the nation proud on the global stage,” Okowa solicited.
AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye added in a press statement, “The Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence in Athletics covers the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and 5000m, as well as the long jump and javelin events.
“To earn the N100,000 reward in the men’s 100m, an athlete must clock 10.10 seconds, while the women’s benchmark is 11.20 seconds.
“In the 200m, male athletes must run 20.60 seconds, while female athletes are required to achieve 22.70 seconds. The qualifying standards for the 400m are 45.30 seconds for men and 51.00 seconds for women.
“For the 1500m, athletes must run 3:50.00 for men and 4:20.00 for women to claim the prize, while the 5000m standards have been fixed at 14:00.00 for men and 17:50.00 for women.
“Field event athletes have also been included in the incentive package. Male long jumpers must soar to 7.90 metres, while female athletes are expected to reach 6.50 metres. In the javelin throw, the targets are 81 metres for men and 55 metres for women.
“Should athletes meet the required marks across all 14 events, a total of N1.6 million could be disbursed during the three-day competition, (ahead of which) the scheme sends a powerful message that outstanding performances will be recognised and celebrated.”
Sports247 gathered further that, with the Commonwealth Games trials fast approaching, athletes now have an added incentive to produce world-class performances with Aghazu’s gesture, which honours the legacy of her late father.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Athletics
Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has stressed that athlete welfare and proper preparation will remain central to Team Nigeria’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
READ ALSO: NLO: Coach Richard Nwosu Reveals Secrets Behind Chekas FC’s Impressive Run, Eyes NNL Promotion
Speaking during a strategic meeting with sports federation executives and technical officials in Abuja, Olopade revealed that the Commission is determined to provide athletes with the right environment and support needed to compete successfully.
“Athlete welfare remains a top priority for us,” Olopade said.
According to the NSC boss, the Commission’s preparation plans will focus heavily on discipline, improved support systems, and performance standards across all sports federations.
“We want our athletes to compete under the best possible conditions,” he implied.
Olopade also challenged Team Nigeria to aim for at least 20 medals at the Games, insisting the target remains ambitious but achievable.
“We are targeting a minimum of 20 medals,” he noted.
The sports administrator explained that current projections suggest Nigeria could secure around 16 medals, but the Commission wants athletes to push beyond expectations.
“The idea is to motivate the athletes to achieve more,” he added.
Olopade stressed that athlete welfare, discipline, and strong preparation would remain major benchmarks in the Commission’s roadmap ahead of the Games.
“Every federation must raise its standards,” he stressed.
The NSC remains optimistic that the groundwork currently being laid will help Nigeria produce one of its strongest Commonwealth Games performances in recent years.
“Good preparation and proper welfare can improve performances significantly,” many sports observers believe.
Team Nigeria is expected to compete across several sporting events as preparations continue intensifying ahead of Glasgow 2026.
For Bukola Olopade, the message is clear.
Athlete welfare is important.
Nigeria must aim for at least 20 medals.
And strong preparation remains essential for international success.
Because athletes perform best when they are motivated, supported, and properly prepared to compete at the highest level.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
- Event: Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026
- Categories: Half Marathon (21KM), 10KM (Fun Run), 5KM (Walk for Fitness Inclusivity)
- Prize money: Ug.Shs 120,000,000
- Date: Saturday, 20th June 2026
- Start & finish: Bushenyi sports ground
- Theme: Move, Learn & Discover for Nutrition-Care
- Chief Runner: His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), in partnership with Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBIC) and Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), officially unveiled a UGX 120,000,000 (One hundred and twenty million) prize cash for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run set for 20th June in Bushenyi District.
The event to unveil this hefty prize money took place at the BIRDC head offices in Kampala on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.
Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye, the Nutrition Ambassador at Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) graced the event flanked by UOC’s administrator Elijah Njawuzi and the route director Timothy Masaba.
“The prize monies across the different categories are meant to appreciate the effort of the runners and motivate them as we grow the sport of running in Uganda” Rev. Prof Muranga stated.
The prize money will be awarded across the 21KM Half Marathon, 10KM Road Race, and 5KM Fun Run/Walk categories, including a dedicated Under-16 Youth Race aimed at nurturing and rewarding emerging talent.
A lion’s share of this money will go to the 21KM runners who will pocket Ug.Shs 72,000,000 in total for the total five across both gender.
Ug.Shs 24,000,000 will be rewarded to the 10KM runners and the rest will be shared among the 5KM recreational runners.
Besides the money for the top runners, there will be a ceremonial medal for everyone who participates as well as a gift hamper.
Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,” the Run seeks to raise support for Uganda’s team to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, promote healthy lifestyles, and champion nutrition awareness through the power of sport.
Registration is ongoing at register.olympictookerun.com. Secure your kit today for only UGX 35,000 and be part of a movement that is transforming lives through sport and nutrition.
His Excellency president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
The post Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026: Hefty Ug.Shs 120,000,000 prize money kitty unveiled appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
-
News4 months agoCamilla Lamina shows calm leadership even off the bench
-
Football4 months ago
2026 Uganda Cup: The confirmed fixtures, venues & kick off times at round of 32
-
DLSU4 months agoShan Nunag shows composure beyond year in La Salle debut
-
Cricket News4 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: 'We've got to stay positive' – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains hopeful of reaching Super 8 despite back-to-back losses
-
Foreign Pros4 months ago
‘Eric Chelle must pay compensation to quit Super Eagles post’
-
Football4 months ago
Divine Mukasa plays full time as Leicester City bows out of FA Cup to Southampton
-
Others4 months ago
Sarah Babirye Kityo: The majestic return to 12th Parliament, to front sports talent development
-
CAF4 months agoAFCON, Host Country Decisions, and Why African Football Needs an “Imbizo”