Latest news with #HollywoodAthleticsClub
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Tayla Kavanagh plays the field to perfection in setting PB at Totalsports Women's Race Durban
Tayla Kavanagh (right) set a personal best of 31:53 in finishing fifth at the Totalsports Women's Race Durban on Sunday, behind Lesotho's Neheng Katala (left). Tayla Kavanagh cunningly used the strong international field to pull her along as she shattered her personal best 10km time at Sunday's extremely fast Totalsports Women's Race Durban, the local favourite confirming her status as one of the rising young stars of South African distance running. The consistent Kavanagh, who clocked 34:20 to win the Durban International Marathon 10km race on May 4, was the first South African runner home on Sunday. The 24-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club distance runner finished fifth in a fast time of 31:53. She dipped under 32 minutes for the first time. The race was won by defending champion Christine Njoki of Kenya, who broke the all-comers record in near-perfect conditions in a time of 30:14. Clare Ndiwa came in second in 31:37 while Jane Chacha finished third in 31:51, making it a clean podium sweep for the Kenyans. In fact, Kavanagh prevented a foreign sweep of the top 10 in the prestigious women's race that was the first of a series of three women-only races in August. 'My goal over the last while has been getting back to that 32:10, which was my PB. It's always nice to break that by quite a bit, so I'm really happy,' the Hillcrest-born ace told Independent Media Sport after her monumental achievement. 'I just went out there and I know I've been in good shape, so I was hoping to run a low 32. So to break 32, I'm really stoked. 'I knew the field was really strong today so I thought to myself you've got to use every opportunity you get on a fast course with a really strong field. And I think I just went out to run hard, use the girls and I caught up to a lot of them along the way. 'It's always quite motivational catching up to someone, running with them and then taking them because you're like one position ahead. It really helped having so many internationals here to pull me along and I think that's why I ran so well today.'
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mokoka eyes Masters world record – and R100k – in Durban 10K bid
Stephen Mokoka is gunning for the Masters 10km world record at next month's Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K — with R100 000 on the line and history within reach on home soil. Photo: Action Photo Image: Action Photo As if Stephen Mokoka needed more motivation to run the race of his life at the next instalment of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the organisers have added extra fuel to the legendary runner's fire. Now, the Hollywood Athletics Club star has an additional 100 000 reasons to break the Masters 10km world record when he lines up at the Durban event next month. Mokoka has long made his intention clear to usurp Bernard Lagat as the fastest over-40 runner in the distance and will make his attempt on 13 July. His quest has now been given further impetus by organisers Stillwater Sports, who have dangled a R100 000 carrot as incentive for him to dip under the 27:48 mark that Lagat ran in Manchester a decade ago. 'The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has always strived to create a platform for our local athletes to shine on home soil and to incentivise exceptional performances,' said Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and Series founder. 'When Mokoka shared his goal of breaking the Masters world record earlier this year, we knew we wanted to support him in a meaningful way. 'Stephen has been a strong supporter of the series since its inaugural event in 2015. The R100 000 incentive is our way of showing appreciation, while recognising both his ambition and his remarkable contribution to South African road running. "It would be an honour to celebrate such a monumental achievement with Stephen right here in Durban, on July 13.' Mokoka has gleefully welcomed the incentive. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The opportunities we get through the series truly make our lives easier,' said Mokoka. 'To break the record, Bernard Lagat had to travel all the way from America to run in Manchester, UK. So, I'm thankful to have an opportunity like this on home soil – especially now, with the younger guys performing so well over 10km. These days, you can't get onto a podium with a 28:10 easily. 'A platform of this magnitude excites me, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.' Mokoka certainly has it in him to break the record – a mark set in a race he participated in. He has often recalled how he had to push hard in the Great Manchester Run to avoid being beaten by 'a 40-year-old', ultimately finishing just ten seconds ahead of Lagat, who was second. Most recently, he ran a 28:06 to finish third at the Cape Town leg of the popular series in May. Now, he is putting the final touches on his preparation alongside his long-time coach, the revered Michael 'Sponge' Seme, after a tough outing at the TotalSports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. 'My coach decided I had to go back to the drawing board. It's not easy, but I've got young guys at UJ in the Sponge Group who are doing a great job of burning my chest and legs,' Mokoka laughed. 'It's also been great to visit other groups. At Zoo (the Zoo Lake group of Hendrick Ramaala), the course is tough – nine laps gave me 400m of elevation. I can see why the Precious Masheles and Chris Mhlangas are so strong on the hills. 'With the way I'm training now, I'm hopeful. I'll be grateful for whatever comes, but hopefully, the weather in the City of Ethekwini plays along – and I can get that Masters record.' And, of course, swell his bank balance by that cool R100 000.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
South African athletics mourns Mathews Leeto: A Tribute to 'The General'
Mathews Leeto, affectionately known as 'The General', remembered for his humility, quiet strength, and dedication to the sport. Image: Supplied The South African athletics community is in mourning following the death of elite long-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who died in a car accident on Wednesday, along with his coach, Motlagale. Leeto was a prominent member of the Hollywood Athletics Club and affectionately known by many as "The General" for his quiet strength and dignified presence on and off the track. The club expressed its deep sorrow, confirming the loss of 'one of our Elite athletes, Mathews Leeto, who tragically lost his life in a car accident yesterday.' 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, a supportive teammate, and a kind-hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General'. His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside,' said the club. Leeto's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with fellow runners and fans remembering both his athletic excellence and his humility. He leaves behind a young family, with the club urging the public to respect their privacy during this painful time. 'We stand in support of his loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.' On social media, long-time followers and fellow athletes have shared personal memories of Leeto's journey and rise in the running scene. Longtime friend and fellow athlete Tumelo Mabua shared a personal reflection on Facebook, remembering Leeto's breakthrough moment at the Tembisa Mile. 'He ran so fast that day that he led the race for 5km, with years came experience, and he matured,' Mabua wrote. He recalled how Leeto often laughed about being overtaken in that early race, a memory his coach never let him forget. Leeto's growth in the sport was evident in later achievements, including his standout performance at the Motsepe Foundation 10km Race. 'Leeto was establishing himself and taking his own space in the running arena. Sadly, we will not see much further. It's a blow to SA running,' Mabua said, ending his tribute with; 'May his soul rest in peace. Death be not proud!' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hollywood Athletics Club said Mathews will be deeply missed by his clubmates, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. "He will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport, but for the way he carried himself with humility, grace, and quiet leadership.' The athletics world now awaits details of the upcoming memorial, with the club confirming; 'Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when available.' As the tributes continue to flow, the name 'Mathews Leeto' will be remembered not only for the races he ran, but for the spirit he embodied, steady, noble, and deeply respected. IOL News
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Elite marathon runner Mathews Leeto dies in car accident
Leeto and his coach, Adam Motlagale, both represented South Africa at international level. Mathews Leeto crosses the finish line in second place at the 2024 SA Marathon Championships in Durban. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images The South African road running community is in mourning following the sudden death of elite athlete Mathews Leeto. According to Hollywood Athletics Club, 34-year-old Leeto and his coach Adam Motlagale both died in a car accident on Wednesday. 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, supportive teammate, and a kind hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General',' the club said in a statement. 'His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside. 'He leaves behind a young family, and our thoughts are with them as they face this heartfelt loss.' Memorable career Leeto, who was based in Potchefstroom, represented South Africa at the World Cross Country Championships in 2023 and 2024. Perhaps the best performance of his career was achieved at the Durban International Marathon last year where he finished second in a 42km personal best of 2:09:47, securing the silver medal in the national championships. He was first across the line at the SA 10km Championships in Johannesburg last year, though he was later disqualified for not wearing a licence number. Motlagale, 64, was also a former elite athlete. He finished eighth at the World Half-Marathon Championships in Brussels in 1993.
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
You feel like you are not inside your own body, says jubilant Steyn
Gerda Steyn has described winning the Comrades Marathon as 'an out-of-body experience'. On a day when Louis Massyn became the first man to complete the race 50 times, the Hollywood Athletics Club athlete reigned supreme once again. Steyn secured her fourth Comrades Marathon title — an unprecedented feat for a woman — with a composed run of 5:51:19, and yet her elation resembled that of a first-time winner. 'The feeling? You feel like you are not inside your own body,' she said during the post-race press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium. 'It's like you look down on yourself doing it. To get to a point where you are in the finishing straight and you are going to win it — it is meaningful and impactful.' A crowd favourite, Steyn still had the energy for a celebratory lap of honour, high-fiving supporters with her trademark smile — though a rare grimace was spotted during the race, suggesting that this year's win didn't come as easily as in her previous triumphs. 'I try to share it,' she explained. 'That moment is so big, you can't hold it all in one body. So I will try to share it with the supporters. I will forever remember it.'
