Women In Motion: Record Breakers and Rising Stars

The Legends Who Paved the Way

South Africa boasts a rich heritage of female endurance running. Any conversation about local distance legends must start with Elana Meyer, whose historic silver medal in the 10,000m at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics remains one of the most enduring and emotional images in South African sports history. Meyer went on to set a national marathon record in 1994 that stood untouched for an incredible 29 years.

That torch has been brilliantly carried forward by modern ultra-marathon queen Gerda Steyn. Not only is Steyn the undisputed champion of the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons, but she also shattered Meyer's long-standing marathon record, cementing her own legendary status and securing her spot on the ultimate Olympic stage.

The Modern Trailblazers

The current crop of elite South African runners is proving that our pedigree in the 5k, 10k, and cross-country disciplines is as strong as ever. Keep your eyes on these phenomenal athletes who are pushing the boundaries:

​

• Glenrose Xaba: A tactical mastermind and relentless competitor, Xaba is currently in the form of her life. As the national 10km cross-country champion, she recently led Team SA to a solid finish at the World Cross Country Championships. She also sent shockwaves through the athletics world by shattering the South African marathon record on her debut in Cape Town, proving she is a powerhouse across multiple distances.

• Tayla Kavanagh: Known for her fearless, front-running style, Kavanagh is a formidable force on the domestic road scene. Her battles in the 10km distance are thrilling to watch and consistently push the pace of South African racing to international standards.

• Cian Oldknow: A versatile and gritty runner, Oldknow transitions seamlessly between cross-country and road running, representing South Africa on the global stage alongside Xaba and constantly threatening the podium in major local races.

The Road to the Ultimate Stage

For these elite athletes, reaching the pinnacle of the sport—the Olympics or the World Athletics Championships—requires executing perfect races at crucial qualifying events.

While the standard European track circuits are traditional hunting grounds for fast 5,000m and 10,000m qualifying times, local fixtures have become highly competitive proving grounds. Events like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K series and the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships serve as critical stepping stones. By racing these high-octane local events against invited international talent, athletes secure the vital ranking points and standard times required to book their tickets to the ultimate global start lines.

Get in Motion: Local Women's Month Events

Totalsports Women's Race. Source: totalsportswomensrace.co.za

You don't have to be an elite athlete to celebrate Women's Month on the road! August is packed with incredible mass-participation 5k and 10k events that celebrate movement, community, and female empowerment.

• The Totalsports Women’s Race: Taking place this August across major cities, including a massive flagship event on August 16, 2026, at Marks Park in Johannesburg. This iconic race paints the streets pink. Whether you tackle the competitive 10k or enjoy the 5k fun run, it's a vibrant celebration of sisterhood.
• SPAR Women’s Challenge: Another cornerstone of the South African running calendar, this nationwide series of 10k and 5k races draws tens of thousands of women of all fitness levels, championing healthy lifestyles and raising funds for local charities.

Whether you are tuning in to watch our elite stars chase Olympic qualifying times or lacing up your own shoes for a local 5k, there is no better time to celebrate the power of women in motion.