Three cancer survivors \u2013 Denise Williams (uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal), Rayghanah Cassiem (Cape Town), and Loraika Pillay (Gauteng) \u2013 are proudly sharing their inspirational journeys as they prepare to participate in the Totalsports Women\u2019s Race in their respective cities in 2025. Taking place on Sunday, 3 August in Durban, Saturday, 9 August in Cape Town, and Sunday, 17 August in Johannesburg, the race proudly supports PinkDrive, the event\u2019s official charity, while celebrating the strength, resilience, and vital role of women in society.<\/p>\n
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Denise Williams has now been in remission for seven years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI tackled the battle head-on. I was determined not to let it defeat me,\u201d says Williams. \u201cMy family, friends, and colleagues stood by me every step of the way. A friend of 30 years came to stay with me every weekend during my three-month chemotherapy journey. My \u2018cancer sisters\u2019 at the oncology centre became like family \u2013 we walked that path together. I consulted a nutritionist, did DNA testing to understand the root of my cancer, changed my diet, exercised mindfully, and focused on my overall wellbeing with a positive attitude. Today, I\u2019m stronger for the journey. I thank God every day for the gift of life. I count my blessings and appreciate everything, even the smallest moments. I\u2019m living my life to the fullest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams believes in the healing power of movement and mindset: \u201cStaying active and participating in events like the Totalsports Women\u2019s Race has a truly positive impact. It keeps the mind sharp and helps you stay motivated. Set goals and aim for milestones. The vibe at this race is so uplifting, with an electric atmosphere. It\u2019s always well-organised and supports such an important cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2005, Rayghanah Cassiem was told that she only had five years to live.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was shocked \u2013 devastated doesn\u2019t even begin to describe it,\u201d says Cassiem. \u201cI had no history of cancer, breastfed four sons, never smoked or drank. I didn\u2019t accept the diagnosis. Before cancer I existed; after treatment, I truly started living. In August 2025, during the Totalsports Women\u2019s Race month, I\u2019ll mark 20 years on this journey. After five years, the cancer returned in my breastbone \u2013 Stage 4, incurable. I\u2019ve been living with Stage 4 cancer for the past 15 years. Since then, I\u2019ve faced multiple scares: liver, jaw, breast, skull, uterus, and hip. I turned to hiking, dragon boat paddling, and running to focus on quality living. I\u2019ve been on treatment for 18 years, now stopped as my body is resistant. I live by ABC: Attitude, Believe, Choice. I choose to survive and live fully. I\u2019ve completed over 50 half marathons, 100+ 10km races, and represented Africa in Dragon Boat Paddling in Canada in 2010. I am a member of CANCERVIVE, an organisation dedicated to creating cancer awareness to save lives and build a cancer-conscious society.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Totalsports Women\u2019s Race is a fantastic way to encourage women to get active,\u201d confirms Cassiem. \u201cI\u2019ve taken part so many times, I\u2019ve lost count. With PinkDrive involved, we\u2019re not just running \u2013 we\u2019re raising vital cancer awareness with the goal of saving lives. To all participants and supporters: know your body. Pay attention to any unusual changes \u2013 early detection can make all the difference. Use the services offered by PinkDrive, learn what\u2019s available, and share it with others. You could be saving a life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loraika Pillay, diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2023, began chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis.<\/p>\n
\u201cChemo was no walk in the park,\u201d says Pillay. \u201cIt was tough and complicated, stretching over several months, but I pushed through. After chemo, I underwent a double mastectomy to remove my breasts. I\u2019ll never forget when my surgeon called with incredible news \u2013 there was no evidence of the tumour at the original site. I had responded well to treatment. I was given another chance to create memories with my little girl. More days were added to my life \u2013 and I knew I needed to add life to those days. My advice to others facing the same battle is to look after your mind just as much as your body. Love yourself. Value time with your family. Live in the present. Trust your doctors, but also listen to your body. It\u2019s scary and overwhelming, but remember \u2013 it\u2019s just a phase. Take it one day and one step at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pillay made her Totalsports Women\u2019s Race debut in 2024, while in remission.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love that this event celebrates women \u2013 it\u2019s truly motivating and empowering,\u201d she says. \u201cThe sense of achievement is unmatched, and I\u2019ll definitely be back this year. The race was a turning point for me. After my diagnosis, I started walking in the evenings to watch the sunset and reconnect with nature. A colleague encouraged me to enter the race. My mom and sister walked alongside me. I\u2019d finished chemo just nine months before, and had undergone major surgery shortly after. I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d even make it halfway. The entertainment and crowd motivators lifted my spirits and helped me find the strength to keep going. And crossing that finish line\u2026 WOW. It was pure euphoria \u2013 a feeling that words simply can\u2019t capture.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDenise, Rayghanah and Loraika embody the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit that the Totalsports Women\u2019s Race stands for,\u201d says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. \u201cTheir journeys are powerful reminders of what it means to overcome adversity with courage and grace. We are truly inspired by their determination and proud to honour them \u2013 along with the many other runners, walkers, and supporters who are walking similar paths. This race is a celebration of every woman\u2019s story, and we\u2019re privileged to be part of theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n
EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Totalsports Women\u2019s Race<\/p>\n
1. Sunday, 03 August 2025 \/ Totalsports Women\u2019s Race Durban
\nStart Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade
\nFinish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade
\nStart Time:
\n\u2022 10km: 08:00
\n\u2022 5km: 08:10
\nEntry Fee:
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.00
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R200.00 \/ includes temp license
\n\u2022 5km Standard Fee: R115.00<\/p>\n
Entries Close: Monday 28 July 2025, or once capacity has been reached.<\/p>\n
2. Saturday, 9 August 2025 \/ Totalsports Women\u2019s Race Cape Town
\nStart Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town
\nFinish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town
\nStart Time:
\n\u2022 10km: 08:00
\n\u2022 5km: 08:10
\nEntry Fee:
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.00
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R210.00 \/ includes temp license
\n\u2022 5km Standard Fee: R115.00<\/p>\n
Entries Close: Monday 04 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached.<\/p>\n
3. Sunday, 17 August 2025 \/ Totalsports Women\u2019s Race Joburg
\nStart Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park
\nFinish Venue: Marks Park, Emmerentia
\nStart Time:
\n\u2022 10km: 08:00
\n\u2022 5km: 08:10
\nEntry Fee:
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Licensed Runner): R150.00
\n\u2022 10km Standard Fee (Unlicensed Runner): R210.00 \/ includes temp license
\n\u2022 5km Standard Fee: R115.00<\/p>\n
Entries Close: Monday 11 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached.<\/p>\n
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women\u2019s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org<\/p>\n
WOMEN\u2019S ONLY 10KM WORLD RECORD INCENTIVE: In a bold move to elevate women\u2019s road running, title sponsor Totalsports, in collaboration with event organiser Stillwater Sports, has announced a groundbreaking R1 million incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women\u2019s Only 10km World Record at the Totalsports Women\u2019s Race in Durban on Sunday, 03 August 2025. Read more here: https:\/\/totalsportswomensrace.co.za\/media-release\/totalsports-womens-race-announces-r1-000-000-incentive-for-world-record-performance\/<\/p>\n
Like our Facebook page: Women\u2019s Race \/ The PinkDrive
\nFollow us on Instagram: Women\u2019s Race \/ PinkDrive
\nHashtag: #Totalsports #TotalsportsWomensRace #LoveTheRun #PinkDrive
\nWhatsApp Line: 064 815 4116
\nWebsite: www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za<\/p>\n