kenyan Pauline Ontita wins Hyrox Womens Open in Joburg
Open Women's Top 5s
The Open Women's leaderboard told a story of international talent, age-group depth, and breathtakingly close margins. Just ten seconds separated first from second place.
1st Place – Pauline Ontita (Kenya)
Age Group: 25-29 (1st in AG)
Time: 1:09:19
In a surprise twist that delighted the Johannesburg crowd, Kenyan athlete Pauline Ontita – racing out of Zimbabwe – took top honours in the Open Women's division. Her time of 1:09:19 was not only the fastest among all women but also a statement of intent from the rising East African star. Known for her running pedigree (a common advantage among Kenyan athletes), Ontita proved equally adept at the functional stations, holding off a fierce late charge from the South African contingent.
2nd Place – Lana MacDonald (South Africa)
Age Group: 30-34 (1st in AG)
Time: 1:09:29 (just 10 seconds back)
The narrowest of margins – only ten seconds – separated champion from runner-up. Lana MacDonald delivered a phenomenal performance to claim both second overall and first place in the highly competitive 30-34 age group. Her near miss will undoubtedly fuel motivation for the November rematch. With a sub-1:10 finish, MacDonald announced herself as a perennial podium threat.
3rd Place – Anneke Jordaan (South Africa)
Age Group: 30-34 (2nd in AG)
Time: 1:12:03
Anneke Jordaan completed a South African two man podium within the 30-34 division, taking third overall and silver in her age group. I know from my years covering bodybuilding, she's an iFBB Elite Pro bodybuilder and I'm surprised at how competitive she is in Hyrox .Her time of 1:12:03 – just over two and a half minutes behind MacDonald – demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience across all eight stations.
4th Place – Shani De Witt (South Africa)
Age Group: 35-39 (1st in AG)
Time: 1:12:18
The 35-39 age group found its champion in Shani De Witt, who narrowly missed the overall podium by just 15 seconds. Her fourth-place finish overall and first-place age-group victory proved that experience is a formidable weapon in HYROX racing. De Witt's performance will be one to watch as she potentially moves up the leaderboard in Cape Town and November's Johannesburg return.
5th Place – Cara Du Preez (South Africa)
Age Group: 16-24 (1st in AG)
Time: 1:12:23
Rounding out the top five was the youth movement personified. Cara Du Preez, competing in the 16-24 age group, announced herself as a future star of South African fitness racing. Her time of 1:12:23 – just five seconds behind De Witt – earned her top honours in her age division and a top-five overall finish. At only 16-24 years old, Du Preez has a long and promising HYROX career ahead of her.
Open Women's Top 5 – Summary Table
| Overall Rank | Age Group Rank | Athlete | Country (Representing) | Age Group | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Pauline Ontita | Kenya (from Zimbabwe) | 25-29 | 1:09:19 |
| 2 | 1 | Lana MacDonald | South Africa | 30-34 | 1:09:29 |
| 3 | 2 | Anneke Jordaan | South Africa | 30-34 | 1:12:03 |
| 4 | 1 | Shani De Witt | South Africa | 35-39 | 1:12:18 |
| 5 | 1 | Cara Du Preez | South Africa | 16-24 | 1:12:23 |
A Record-Breaking Weekend for Women's Fitness
The 2026 Johannesburg event was more than just a competition – it was a statement. With over 8,100 athletes crossing the start line, the women's open division saw one of the largest participation numbers in South African HYROX history.
"The energy at the Johannesburg Expo Centre was electric," one participant noted on social media following the event. "From the first run to the final wall ball, the women in my heat pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed before."
The event also served as a qualifier for the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm (13–14 June 2026), meaning several Open Women finishers may have earned their tickets to compete on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
While the men's race belonged to Sheldon O'Connor's statistical dominance, the Open Women's division delivered a heart-stopping, down-to-the-wire battle that captivated the Johannesburg Expo Centre crowd. From Pauline Ontita's international victory to Cara Du Preez's youth movement statement, the women of HYROX Johannesburg proved that the future of fitness racing in South Africa is exceptionally bright.
