Dikeledi Majara's outstanding performance of 35:01 earned her the top spot in the Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10km Challenge, held in perfect running conditions on Sunday 23 August, at the Pietermaritzburg Oval Cricket Stadium.
The race saw a new champion emerge as Tayla Kavanagh, the three-time defending champion, was absent. Majara's first-place finish marked a significant milestone, as she had previously finished third in the Pietermaritzburg legs on two occasions (2024, 2025). The 32-year-old Lesotho International athlete who pocketed R10 000 for her effort, expressed her delight at claiming the title.
"I'm so happy to win the race. I woke up today in a very good mood, and I was feeling excited to be on the start line. The race was good, as it turned out to be a lucky day for me as I won the race."
"It's feels like a dream to win after years of trying to come first. This is the first time winning this race as I have finished third in the past two years. It also marks my first time winning SPAR, and I didn't plan to do so. Overall, a very perfect day of running and healthy competition from the ladies," said the elated Nedbank Running Club athlete.
Majara executed a decisive move at approximately 2km and never looked back, as the second-place finisher, Malineo Mahloko of Maxed Elite Running Club, followed with a time of one minute and two seconds slower. Meanwhile, multiple Comrades Marathon gold medallist Jenet Mbhele achieved a commendable 36:25, securing third place on the podium.
"At around 2km, I moved away from the bunch of athletes, and they failed to follow me. It was not even a hard pace that I was going with. I didn't stress too much regarding the gap I've created to the second place athlete as my goal was to finish strong, "
This year has seen Majara achieve unprecedented success, becoming the first female athlete from Lesotho to secure a Comrades gold medal, completing the race in 06:12:29 and finishing eighth overall in the women's category. Furthermore, she won the N12 Ultra 50km race in North West. Majara attributes her outstanding season to the guidance of Nick Bester, athlete manager at Nedbank Running Club.
" I think joining Nedbank last year, my life changed for the better. They have been taking good care of me and it easy for me to put out a strong performance on the road. I must thank Nick Bester for making sure that I get all what I want. So far, this is the best season of my career, "
The race attracted over 4,000 sold-out entries and at the prize giving, SPAR KZN gifted the race charity, Dlalanathi with a cheque to the value of R30,000 comprised of R5 from every entry and a top up amount donated by SPAR KZN.
Results:
Seniors
1. Dikeledi Majara 35:01, 2. Malineo Mahloko 36:03, 3. Jenet Mbhele 36:25 4. Bathobile Mkhize 37:54, 5. Banele Mabizela 38:09
Juniors
1. Anele Mtungwa 40:59, 2. Courtney Van Wyngaard 41:43, 3. Elizabeth De Goede 51:04
40-49
1. Makhosazane Mhlongo 38:25, 2. Mabusi Makhunga 41:43, 3. Rozanne Geldenhuys 44:20
50-59
1. Janene Carey 41:38, 2. Wilhelmina Du Plessis 48:29, 3. Anita Jacobs 48:42
60-69
1. Gail Babich 48:05, 2. Zandile Mtolo 01:01:54, 3. Aletta Wegener 01:02:47
70+
1. Blanche Moila 56:37, 2. Pat Fischer 58:23
Top image: Dikeledi Majara's outstanding performance of 35:01 earned her the top spot in the Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10km Challenge, held in perfect running conditions on Sunday 23 August, at the Pietermaritzburg Oval Cricket Stadium. Photo Rogan Ward
Below: And they are off: The start of the 2026 Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10km Challenge, held in perfect running conditions on Sunday 23 August, at the Pietermaritzburg Oval Cricket Stadium. Photo Rogan Ward
