Kimberley Harriers celebrate women’s strength with historic all-female race

In a groundbreaking celebration of strength, sisterhood and self-belief, the Kimberley Harriers Running Club hosted the city’s first-ever women-only road race this past weekend – and it was nothing short of inspirational.

Held under the empowering banner of Movement. Motivation. Momentum: the event drew 188 women from all walks of life who lined up for either a 4.5km or 10km race. From first-time joggers and walkers to seasoned athletes, every woman who took part crossed a finish line far beyond the physical one marked by courage, community, and celebration.

“This was more than a race,” said one of the participants, “It was a movement.”

The race route may have wound through Kimberley’s streets, but the emotional journey spanned generations. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the presence of mothers and daughters running side by side, some holding hands at the start line, others crossing the finish line together with smiles and laughter. The sight of young girls matching strides with their mothers added a deeply symbolic touch to an already powerful event, underlining the message that empowerment can be passed from one generation to the next.

For many of the participants, the race wasn’t just about running; it was about reclaiming space, creating momentum, and igniting motivation. Whether they ran for fitness, fun or something deeply personal, each woman had her own reason to show up, and they did so in spectacular fashion.

“What stood out to me was how the atmosphere shifted,” said Puleng. “This wasn’t a competitive environment in the usual sense; it was nurturing, it was supportive, and it was filled with joy. There were high-fives all around, encouragement from start to finish, and a sense of unity that felt almost electric, she said.

Winners were rewarded with prize money ranging from R300 to R1,000, but the event didn’t stop there. In a bid to keep the festive spirit alive and inclusive, a series of lucky draw prizes ensured that more participants left with smiles and surprises. It was clear that this event was built around not only rewarding excellence but also embracing participation and perseverance.

The Kimberley Harriers Running Club, long a stalwart in local road running, made history with this initiative, and judging by the turnout and the feedback from runners, this will likely not be the last time the city witnesses such an empowering all-female event.

Whether running for health, healing, or heritage, the women of Kimberley reminded us that momentum is built one step at a time and that when women run together, they don’t just move forward. They move mountains.

On a very cold Saturday morning, 188 women stepped onto the road and into their power. The city may have seen its first women-only race, but it certainly won’t be its last.