The West Rand showed up in numbers for the 12th annual Clearwater Mall Road Race, turning a community running event into a powerful display of local enthusiasm, personal ambition and the growing appeal of active lifestyles.

With 3,828 entries recorded for the 2026 edition, the race comfortably surpassed its target of 3,500 participants. That is 965 more entries than last year’s 2,863, signalling that the appetite for community-driven sporting experiences is alive and well across the West Rand.

Organised in partnership with Panorama Running Club, the event brought runners of different fitness levels together for a shared challenge, with 3,260 participants ultimately crossing the finish line.

More Than a Race: The West Rand Shows Up

Running is one of the most accessible ways to get moving. Whether chasing a personal best, preparing for a first competitive race or simply enjoying a morning outdoors, the sport creates opportunities for people to challenge themselves and connect with others.

Clearwater Mall’s annual road race taps into that spirit by offering three distances: a 21km half marathon, a 10km race and a 5km fun run. All three started and finished at the mall, creating a central meeting point for participants, supporters and the wider community.

This year’s turnout also reflects the importance of sporting events that bring people together beyond the usual entertainment and shopping experience.

For some, the finish line represents months of training. For others, it marks the first step towards a healthier routine. Either way, every completed kilometre contributes to a bigger community story.

21km: Gladwin Mzazi and Cornelia Joubert Take the Titles

The half marathon delivered strong performances in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Gladwin Mzazi claimed the men’s title in 1:08:58, finishing ahead of Andries Sesedi, who clocked 1:11:27, and Kabelo Melamu in 1:12:14.

In the women’s race, Cornelia Joubert secured victory in 1:29:38. Valencia Modiba finished second in 1:38:45, followed by Ziyanda Matsawe in 1:39:06.

The results highlighted the competitive edge of an event that welcomes both serious runners and participants pursuing their own personal milestones.

10km: Fernando Macavele Leads the Field

The 10km race brought its own share of standout performances.

Fernando Macavele won the men’s category in 33:41, with Kgalalelo Mafojane taking second in 34:53 and Bokang Mabote third in 34:59.

Chrizell Roberts led the women’s field in 43:01. Maryna Bijker followed in 46:35, while Zeenith Joseph completed the podium in 49:01.

For runners looking to balance speed with endurance, the 10km remains a popular middle ground between the shorter fun run and the demands of a half marathon.

5km: A Close Finish and New Challenges

The 5km race offered another reminder that competition is not limited to longer distances.

Tumelo Matlebe won the men’s category in 20:47, ahead of Caleb Oliver Smith in 24:23 and Xander Diedericks in 28:14.

The women’s contest was particularly close. Nkibelo Legoabe took first place in 29:44, edging Clarise Marais by just two seconds, with Marais finishing in 29:46. Xihluke Nkuna claimed third in 30:42.

That narrow margin made for one of the day’s most compelling finishes.

Building Towards 2027

According to Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Clearwater Mall, exceeding the 3,500-entry target was a reflection of the community spirit behind the event. She thanked the runners, supporters, volunteers and Panorama Running Club team who contributed to its success.

Prize money was awarded across the categories, with open-category podium prizes reaching R2,000 for the 21km, R1,500 for the 10km and R250 for the 5km.

Although no course records fell this year, the growing field has given organisers and participants a fresh benchmark to chase.

The Clearwater Mall Road Race returns in 2027, with the West Rand having made one thing clear: the challenge is no longer simply to attract more runners, but to build on a community that is already showing up.