IMAGE: CUAN WALKER
While Kenya’s Christine Njoki stormed to victory in a time of 30:14 at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, Neheng Katala and Tayla Kavanagh impressed for the Hollywood Athletics Club with standout performances.
The Totalsports Women’s Race delivered a performance for the record books on Sunday, as Kenya’s Christine Njoki stormed to victory in a time of 30:14. From the starting gun, Njoki dominated the field, setting an All-Comers Record and posting the fastest time ever run by a woman on African soil.
Though she struggled around kilometres 7 and 8, clutching her stomach in visible discomfort, she dug deep and finished strong, narrowly missing the sub-30-minute mark that many had hoped for.
Tayla Kavanagh and Neheng Khatala, both representing the Hollywood Athletics Club, also delivered standout performances, each clocking sub-32-minute finishes in a highly competitive international field. For Tayla, it was a personal best and a significant milestone in her comeback journey after battling injury earlier this season. She finished in fifth place, and was awarded the same time as her clubmate Neheng.
“Absolutely stoked to have run a PB at the Totalsports Durban Women’s 10km race,” said Tayla. “A fast and flat course with a loaded international field helped push me to run a fast race.”
Neheng, who secured fourth place, not only achieved a personal best but also set a new Lesotho National Record with her time of 31:53, a remarkable achievement.
“Crossing the finish line in 31:53 was a deeply emotional moment. I felt overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It was a moment of validation for all the hard work, sacrifice, and discipline that has gone into my training,” said Neheng.
“I also thought of my country and the young girls back home in Lesotho it felt like I was running for them too.”
Throughout the race, Tayla and Neheng ran side by side, supporting one another, sharing water, and clearly pushing each other to greater heights. Their efforts and teamwork were evident, ending in celebratory hugs at the finish line.
The two athletes have been consistently placing in the top 10 across 10km races this season, earning admiration from both fans and neutrals alike. Hollywood Athletics Club Elite Manager Manfred Seidler was thrilled with their performances.
“Absolutely ecstatic. It’s been a long time coming for Tayla and Neheng,” he said. “It was an incredible day for the athletes and the Hollywood Athletics Club. Tayla has had a rough two and a half years, and this result is a testament to her determination and resilience. This is a major breakthrough for her.
As for Neheng, she’s been knocking on the door of a sub-32 performance for some time, and to see her achieve it now is incredibly rewarding. What stood out even more was how the two of them ran together, encouraged each other, and stayed connected throughout the race. They’re close friends, and it truly showed.”
Looking ahead, the duo will compete on home soil at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km on Saturday, 30 August 2025, where they aim to go one better. With their current form, they’re sure to be among the top contenders against South Africa’s best.
