Over 2 500 police officers and support personnel participated in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Leuitenamt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwamazi’s 12.5km race which took place at the Blue Lagoon Beachfront in Durban on Wednesday morning.
With Old Mutual partnering with police in KwaZulu-Natal for the 2026 race, law enforcement officers from the SAPS, SANDF, Traffic and Metro Police braved the early morning wind to test their fitness against their peers.
Sergeant Nkululeko Mtshali from Ulundi POP set the new record for males after he crossed the finish line with the time of 41:12.
Position two went to another POP member from Durban, Constable Sibonelo Nzama who clocked the time of 42:34. On third position was Investigating Officer Sergeant Siyabonga Ndlela from Umgungundlovu Task Team with a time of 42:04.
On the females race, defending champion Constable Zinhle Shabalala from Ladysmith police station retained her title with a time of 52:16, however she couldn’t match her 2025 record of 46:00.
On second place was Constable Sindi Khumalo from Estcourt police station. She crossed the finish line with the time of 53:33. Third position went to Constable Akhona Mazeka from Human Resource Development Centre in Umgungundlovu, having completed the 12.5km race.
Mkhwanazi said that he was pleased that the number of participants increased from last year.
“Over 2 500 law enforcement officers participated and this is an indication that our message of promoting fitness is reaching the intended targets. Policing demands physical and mental fitness and this race aims to keep police officers combat ready and mentally sound”, he said.
Old Mutual’s Mabuti Motau said that they understand that wellness goes beyond physical fitness. It includes financial wellbeing, mental resilience, and strong community support systems.
“Our partnership with SAPS through initiatives like this fun run reflects a shared commitment to holistic wellness ensuring that the people who serve our communities, and the communities they serve, are supported physically, financially, and socially.” Motau said.