Everyday Heroes Shine at 10K Run in Durban

Run Durban Defibrillators differently-abled leukaemia Marathon Runners take steps to end malnutrition! Raising enough money to feed an entire Primary School for 7 years.

Photo Credit: On File

From record-breaking finishes to colourful characters on the course, the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km was all about community, creativity, and the joy of running.

Durban, South Africa (02 September 2025) – While the winners of the Hollywoodbets Durban 10-kilometre race set the pace, the likes of Lesotho international Kamohelo Mofolo and South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba dominated the race, setting new course records in the men’s and women’s races, respectively.

It was the unsung heroes who stole the show for many spectators. The men and women who crossed the finish line first may have grabbed the headlines, but the real magic was found in the everyday runners. The ones here to challenge themselves, have fun, and simply celebrate being part of the race.

Michelle Rosewall, a spirited competitor, is one of those runners. In a wheelchair since a car accident at 19, she’s been participating in races for the past two years and credits the social side of running for keeping her motivated.

“The run was great, just very fun… for me, the route is great, because it was flat the entire time,” she said.

When asked why she keeps going back to run and to the extent of joining a club, she mentioned it’s a great way to socialise with other runners. Alongside her supportive team from Run Walk for Life, Michelle conquered the streets, proving that community spirit matters just as much as finishing times.

Not far behind, another participant caught everyone’s attention. Vuyani Mthembu running with the South African flag draped across his back and a tyre in hand. Using the race as a training opportunity for the Cape Town and Soweto marathons, he turned heads and sparked curiosity along the route. Much like the “bus drivers” who pace runners to specific finish times, he sees himself as helping people push through mentally. Only, his approach is far more eye-catching. If you see someone running with a tyre, you are certainly going to ask questions. And that is exactly the point. To grab attention, inspire curiosity, and remind fellow runners that finishing the race is about mindset.

Adding to the colourful spectacle, many runners embraced fun costumes, from tutus to quirky accessories, turning the streets into a festival of energy and joy.

Events like this highlight that races are about more than medals or personal bests. They are about community, creativity, and celebrating the courage to show up. Whether it is the wheelchair racers, the tyre runner, or the costumed participants and every stride counted.