Pink was the colour of the day when collectively, just over 20 000 women lined the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban on Tuesday 9 August to celebrate National Women’s Day by taking on the Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive.

Founded in 2001, this was only the second time that the Totalsports Women’s Race celebrated Women’s Day across three cities on the same day.

To add to the excitement, this was also the first time since 2019 that the event was hosted due to the pandemic.

Fortunate Chidzivo celebrated the day in style by claiming her first Totalsports Women’s Race 10 km victory when she crossed the finish line at Grand Parade in a deserving time of 35 minutes 28 seconds.

“I did my first Totalsports Women’s Race in 2016 when it was still hosted in Stellenbosch. I think I finished sixth. It feels amazing to come back in 2022 and win it,” says Chidzivo.

“I think I am lucky at Totalsports events. I won the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, and this is my second big race and it’s the Totalsports Women’s Race. I am proud to take part in a Women’s Race on Women’s Day.

“It’s important to stay healthy and I couldn’t wait to line up with thousands of women. I am proud to cross the finish line first. It gives me confidence to keep working hard because I’m reaping the fruits. I will definitely come back next year.”

Nolene Conrad came in second, while Anél Terblanche finished third.

“We had a fantastic time celebrating National Women’s Day with thousands of runners and walkers across three cities,” says Jonathan Stein, head of Totalsports.

“We’ve missed the excitement and amazing vibe that the entrants bring to the Totalsports Women’s Race, and it was an absolute privilege spending the morning with so many women (and men) who #LoveTheRun. Congratulations to Fortunate Chidzivo, Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh for claiming gold in the Totalsports Women’s Race 10km in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban respectively. Being able to watch you in action was truly inspiring.”

“We would like to thank each entrant and spectator for joining us today; without your support the event would not be possible. Finally, a shout out to all the PinkDrive representatives that were out in each city. You do amazing work, and your zest to always help those in need leaves us in awe. It’s an absolute pleasure to have PinkDrive as the event charity.”