Khatala claims women’s victory at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km

Race Results

October 21, 2026
By Hollywood Athletics Club

by Cuan Walker

Neheng Khatala delivered a standout performance on Sunday, winning the women’s race in 33:40. The Lesotho international finished ahead of Emma Pallant-Brown, who clocked 35:04, while Hollywood Athletics Club teammate Irvette van Zyl completed the podium in third place in 35:17.

“It is so amazing to be able to win the race here in my clubs’ colours at our race, Khatala said after the race.

“We really don’t get any pressure in this club. We are just told to give it our best so for me to win here with all the people who support us is extra special, especially to the people who look up to us.”

Khatala now has victories in both Hollywoodbets Durban 10km (2024) and Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km (2026).

For Van Zyl, third place provided another podium finish in a competitive women’s field, while the result highlighted the strength of Hollywood’s women’s squad.

In the men’s category, Purple Elite Star Edward Mothibi finished second. The 2019 Comrades Marathon champion crossed the finish line in 30:51 holding off a fast finish with Rebaone Obotseng who was given the same time, making for a close battle behind the winner.

The third edition of the popular event brought 12 000 runners to Nasrec, where defending champion Thabang Mosiako successfully retained his men’s title in 30:43.

Mosiako’s victory was particularly impressive given that he had competed in the Cologne Marathon in Germany just two weeks earlier, finishing eighth in 2:11:59. Reflecting on his performance, Mosiako said:

” I’m really happy to take the win here today and defend my title because I am coming from a marathon and my legs were still a little bit tired.”

The event also featured several of South Africa’s most recognisable distance-running names, including five-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn and veteran Olympian Stephen Mokoka, who both finished in the top 10, finishing 4^th and 7^th respectively.

Steyn returned to Johannesburg after finishing second in the 2025 edition, continuing to use shorter road races to sharpen her speed for her longer-distance ambitions.

With Mothibi on the men’s podium, Khatala taking the women’s title and Van Zyl adding another top-three finish, Hollywood Athletics Club had plenty to celebrate at its flagship event.

Beyond the elite results, the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km once again brought together competitive athletes, club runners and recreational participants for a celebration of road running.

The sold-out event at Nasrec showcased the depth of South African distance running and gave athletes the opportunity to compete on a challenging route through the surrounding streets of Johannesburg and Soweto.

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