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Kenyan long-distance runner Fridah Ndinda has found a second home in South Africa. The 24-year-old star defended her Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km title in style on Saturday, crossing the finish line in 35:18 at the Wanderers Club in Rosebank.
The event drew 8,500 runners, with Ndinda pocketing R37,500, the biggest payday in South Africa’s 10km circuit.
Ndinda arrived in Johannesburg as the favourite, and she lived up to the billing. Despite settling for third place in Durban behind South African champion Glenrose Xaba, she dominated the Joburg race — a notoriously hilly course that many runners dread but which she calls her favourite.
South Africa’s marathon queen Gerda Steyn, using the 10km as part of her build-up to next month’s Cape Town Marathon (17 October), pushed Ndinda all the way before finishing second in 35:52.
University Sport South Africa (USSA) 10,000m champion Karabo Mailula rounded out the podium in 36:12.
After securing her second straight Joburg crown, Ndinda told SABC Sport that South Africa has become more than just a racing destination.
“South Africa is like my second home. I just love coming back. The country has been good to me, and the organizers always make me feel welcome. I would like to come back and compete in as many races as I can — and next time, I’ll bring more Kenyan runners with me. This country treats me like a queen,” she said.
Ndinda admitted the hills were punishing but said the cheers from the thousands of supporters along the route carried her through.
“The route was tougher than last year, but I enjoyed it. Since 2022, I’ve been coming here and every time I love running with the local athletes. They challenge me, and the facilities here are world-class compared to what we have in Kenya. Everything is well organized and of the highest standard,” she added.
With back-to-back Joburg victories, Ndinda has cemented her place as a crowd favourite — and she’s already looking forward to defending her title again next year.
