The Hollywoodbets 10km Challenge returns this year for its sixth edition, with a record-breaking 15 000 runners expected to take to the streets. The dramatic growth in entries, from just 12 000 runners last year to this year’s 15 000, reflects the growing popularity of running in the city, with major races continuing to attract thousands of runners from across the province.
Among the elite athletes expected to race against the clock is Tayla Kavanagh, who recently represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. She will be joined by Neheng Khatala, who claimed first place at this year’s Totalsports Women’s 10km Challenge in Durban, as well as established favourites Stephen Mokoka, Thabang Mosiako of Nedbank Running Club and Karabo More of Boxer Athletics Club.
What runners can expect on race day
Hollywoodbets ambassador Makazole Mapimpi will add excitement to the start of the 10km race when he fires the starting gun. As a double world champion and one of the country’s best-known sporting figures, Mapimpi is set to give runners an energetic send-off.
Rugby enthusiasts can also look forward to seeing former rugby national team and Hollywoodbets Sharks player Odwa Ndungane, who will be accompanied by Sharks legends Lwazi Mvovo and Tera Mtembu as they swap the rugby field for the 5km route. Although running is not their professional sport, their athleticism, speed and competitive edge should make for an entertaining race as they tackle the distance together.
Keeping the energy levels high throughout the event will be Senzo “DJ Nzwiri” Buthelezi, who will provide the soundtrack for runners and spectators. An avid runner himself, DJ Nzwiri will be playing music that will get everyone’s feet moving.
Runners will also stand a chance to drive away in a vehicle sponsored by the race’s motor sponsor, Renault. The motoring giant will be joined by Coca-Cola, Nawty Water, East Coast Radio, Booming Games, Ntenga Foundation and MTN as sponsors supporting this year’s event.
Hollywood Athletics Club Manager, Brett Goodwin, said the club was excited by the way the city had embraced the race and the wider running culture.
“Although we will have some of the Hollywood Athletics Club elite runners participating, we are especially excited to see recreational runners take on the challenge, pushing themselves to beat their personal bests. The event is also an opportunity for people to socialise with their loved ones in a healthy way and include their children, with runners aged 14 and older permitted to register.”
While entries are closed, readers can watch the action live on SABC 2 on 30 August 2026
