The 2025 edition of the Overtakers Women’s Day Race is gearing up to be the biggest yet, with a surge of increased entries for 10km event and traditional winners missing from the 21km, leaving space for a new champion.
Now in its eighth year, the race takes place on August 9 from 6.30am at Beacon Bay Country Club, featuring three distances: a 5km fun run, a 10km challenge, and the flagship 21.1km half marathon.
Hosted by the Overtakers Running Club, the event has grown from a small grassroots gathering into a staple on the Eastern Cape’s road running calendar, fusing athletic excellence with social advocacy.
Runners in the 21km race can expect a scenic yet demanding route that winds through East London’s suburbs and coastal terrain.
“It includes a series of steady climbs, rewarding views, and fast downhills — ideal for seasoned athletes aiming for a personal best,” race organisers said.
The 10km route is designed to be just as rewarding, with a blend of flat stretches and moderate inclines, bolstered by community support stations and motivational signage to keep spirits high.
Following participant feedback from 2024, more marshals have been added along the Hemingway hill section of the course to improve safety in bushy areas.
The race was first conceptualised after a frightening incident involving the club’s former deputy chair, Noluthando Mahlangeni, who in 2017 was left behind in the dark during a marathon and feared for her safety. That moment of vulnerability sparked a movement.
Since then, the event has grown to represent not only sport, but also solidarity, gender justice and social change.
“This race is known for being particularly challenging,” Overtakers founder Templeton Yoba said. “That difficulty is symbolic. It represents the uphill battles many women face daily in society.
“Conquering the course becomes a metaphor for resilience.”
With support from institutions such as the University of Fort Hare and NGOs focused on gender-based violence (GBV), this year’s race will once again include on-site education booths, and serve as a platform for dialogue and awareness.
“The race has become more than a competition — it’s a platform for unity, healing and change,” Yoba said.
“Our long-term vision is to see this event become a national race and inspire similar GBV-focused races across SA.”
With last year’s men’s 21km winner Yanga Malusi not returning, the field is wide open, creating space for new local champions to emerge.
While the final entry list is yet to be confirmed, several regional runners are expected to shine.
Manual entries are open at Sportsman’s Warehouse until August 2.
Late entries and number collection will take place from August 6-8 at Beacon Bay Country Club.
Online entries are available at: https://entrytickets.net/womensday.
For further information, participants can contact the organisers at templetonyoba@gmail.com.
