Three cities, one purpose: Totalsports Women’s Race continues its commitment to PinkDrive in 2026

Ready to deliver a meaningful Women’s Month celebration in August 2026, the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with PinkDrive as the official charity of the 2026 series. Taking place in Durban (August 2), Cape Town (August 9) and Johannesburg (August 16), the event once again shines a spotlight on a cause that is deeply woven into its purpose.

A valued beneficiary for many years, PinkDrive plays a vital role in advancing breast cancer awareness, education and early detection, helping ensure that essential screening services reach communities across South Africa.

“Being involved in the Totalsports Women’s Race has allowed PinkDrive to move beyond traditional awareness campaigns and connect more deeply with local communities in a very practical, visible way. The Totalsports Women’s Race significantly expands PinkDrive’s community reach by connecting it with diverse women across urban, peri-urban and township areas – including participants from neighbouring provinces – while enabling on-the-ground screening services, strengthening word-of-mouth advocacy, and building trust through consistent, accessible engagement that brings breast health awareness and care closer to communities,” said Nelius du Preez, PinkDrive operations manager.

Kicking off in Durban on Sunday, August 2, Janice Benecke, marketing and events co-ordinator for PinkDrive KZN, will be a familiar face for many runners on the day.

“The Durban leg of the Totalsports Women’s Race enables PinkDrive to connect with women in an accessible, trusted community setting – particularly those who may not engage with traditional healthcare services. By integrating education and screening awareness into a lifestyle event, PinkDrive reaches women from diverse communities, removes barriers related to cost and access, and encourages early detection conversations in a supportive, non-clinical environment,” Benecke said.

After Durban, it’s Cape Town’s time to shine on Sunday, August 9, with Athandiwe Tyuluba, marketing and events co-ordinator for PinkDrive Western Cape, taking the reins and ready to interact with runners.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is an incredible platform that brings women together in celebration of strength, unity and wellness. It not only promotes an active lifestyle but also creates meaningful awareness around important health issues affecting women across our communities. My message to runners is: as you prepare for and participate in the race, remember that your health is your greatest asset. Take time to care for your body, know your status, and encourage those around you to do the same. Together, we can create a healthier, more informed community,” Tyuluba shared.

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Set to close out with a bang in Johannesburg on Sunday, August 16, Nelius du Preez, PinkDrive operations manager, will be the PinkDrive representative to watch at the third and final event of the 2026 season.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race attracts a broad cross-section of Johannesburg – from corporate professionals to grassroots running clubs – so PinkDrive tailors its engagement to speak to both ends of that spectrum. For some, it’s about reinforcing routine screening, for others, it may be their first exposure to breast health education. Finally, PinkDrive leans into partnership-driven outreach. By collaborating with race organisers, local sponsors, and community groups, they extend their reach beyond race day – ensuring that the conversations and awareness sparked at the event continue into surrounding neighbourhoods,” she said.

At the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, PinkDrive will deliver a hands-on, supportive on-site experience focused on education, awareness and early detection of gender-related cancers, with medically trained nurses offering clinical breast examinations, guidance on self-examinations and referrals for further screening where needed, while also engaging participants through interactive activations and accessible information to encourage open conversations about breast health and empower women to share this knowledge within their communities.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is a truly iconic celebration of women, and we are incredibly proud to continue our longstanding partnership with PinkDrive as the official charity of the 2026 series. Across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, the event remains a powerful platform to unite women in purpose, while continuing to shine a meaningful spotlight on breast cancer awareness, education and early detection through PinkDrive’s life-changing work,” says Nikki Crous, head of marketing at Totalsports.

For more information on PinkDrive, visit www.pinkdrive.org. For more information on the Totalsports Women’s Race, visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za