Kenyan Airforce Senior Private, Daisilah Jerono, flew to a thrilling victory over her compatriot, Faith Cherono at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town in celebration of National Women’s Day.
In a last-gasp sprint to the finish line on the city’s Grand Parade, Jerono proved the stronger and she broke the tape in 31 min 29 sec – just three seconds clear of Cherono. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala claimed third in 33:23.
10 000 runners got underway from in front of the City Hall, below the statue of Nelson Mandela, apparently waving to the runners from the balcony from where he made his first speech on release from prison 36 years ago.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” said Head of Marketing at Totalsports, Nikki Crous.
“It was inspiring to see thousands of women fill the streets of the Mother City, creating an unforgettable atmosphere while supporting the important work of PinkDrive. A heartfelt thank you to every participant, volunteer, partner and supporter who helped make the day such a memorable success.”
Given the windy conditions and the hilly course through some of the historic sections of the city it was remarkable that Jerono, 23, achieved her primary aim – to finish strongly and run a personal best time. That she cut 15 seconds off her previous best of 31:44 set in Boston, USA, just two months ago, points to the emergence of another sporting great from the highlands of Kenya.
“The race was so tough,” Jerono said. “It was so hilly and the weather for the race was not good – it was so windy. But I tried my best and I’m happy for the win.
“I didn’t come with the idea of winning. I came to see where I am in my training. I was not expecting it – it’s by God’s grace. The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”
The Kenyan duo raced to the front shortly after the start and were soon clear of the field, leaving Khatala, winner of last week’s Durban leg of the three-leg Totalsports Women’s Race series, to run solo in third for the entire race.
The two were still together as they crossed Darling Street into the finish precinct on the Grand Parade, where Jerono’s 800m track speed proved decisive.
Australian-registered Olga Firsova finished 4th in 36:20 as first master (40 years) with Cape Town runner, Marie-Tinka Olivier 5th.
Born at Eldoret, 2100 metres above sea level, where she attended school, Jerono has enjoyed the benefits of being raised at altitude and looks set for higher honours on track and road. The only athlete in her family, her parents and six siblings have been following her athletics career with pride.
“I joined the Kenyan Airforce in 2021 and I work in the Moi Airbase at Nairobi as part of the security detail for the base,” Jerono continued. “I’m fortunate to be able to get time off to train at a training facility nearby.”
Jerono’s disciplined training started to pay dividends 18 months back when she dipped under 70 minutes at the Ras Al Khamah Half Marathon in the UAE, before taking third at the Istanbul Half Marathon in April last year in 68:17.
She continued to improve, winning the Santa Pola Half Marathon in Spain in January this year in 67:26 before finishing second in the Bruj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai in 66:59.
But it was her 65:21 in finishing second to Ethiopian Likina Amebaw in March which catapulted her into the top echelons of road running. Her performance, 7th fastest in the world over the half marathon in 2026, earned her a call-up to represent Kenya at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen next month.
“It will be my first time running for Kenya and its by God’s grace,” Jerono reflected. “The Cape Town race has been part of my preparation for the championship. My aim for the championships will be to go for a medal.”
Results Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
1 Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) 31:29, 2 Faith Cherono (Kenya) 31:32, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 33:23, 4 Olga Firsova (Australia) 36:20, 5 Marie-Tinka Olivier (South Africa) 37:25, 6 Nicole Van Wyk (South Africa) 37:43, 7 Deanne Laubscher (South Africa) 38:07, 8 Lauren Jonathan (South Africa) 38:18, 9 Yandiswa Shange (South Africa) 38:39, 10 Mia Steytler (South Africa) 38:49
