2026 Akani Simbini Shoot Out: Speed and Rising Stars Take Centre Stage
Pilditch Stadium, Tshwane — 13 & 14 February 2026
Olympian’s brain child at premier school event
The Akani Simbini Shoot Out series has once again electrified South African track and field in 2026, cementing its reputation as a key early-season showcase. Named after Olympic sprinter Akani Simbine, the event continues to showcase South Africa’s top school and junior talent in explosive head-to-head races.
The second leg of the 14th edition of the Shout-out was held in Pretoria as part of the Curro Podium Grand Finale athletics festival at Pilditch Stadium, 13 & 14 February. The series brings together established sprinters and middle distance runners with exciting newcomers for high-speed action over rarely run distances.
Star performances from world class athletes and rising stars
This edition of the Akani Simbine Classic Shoot-out saw racing distances of 60 m 150 m, 300 m and 600 m jam-packed with South Africa’s best talent. The women’s 300 m race was tight with Jade van Staden (TUKS) edging victory over 18 year old Rume Burger coming in second. Burger set a new u20 South African record in the process over the distance.
World u20 champion Udeme Okon’s (UJ) cruising style made clinching the 300 m men’s race look easy, clocking 32.16 ahead of Bertie Cruywagen (Kovsies) 32.36. In the 600 m mens’s Shout-out, Renier de Villiers (1:16.51) stormed to victory ahead of his two Potchefstroom rivals Werner Gouws (1:16.65) and Christopher Swart (1:16.96).
In the 150 m Simbine Shoot-out the two TUKS athletes, Charne Wansbury (17.57) and Slayden van Staden (15.46) took care of the honours.
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Bridging the gap
More than a race series, the Akani Simbini Shoot Out has become a movement within South African school athletics — promoting excellence, opportunity and a culture of speed. This unique series bridges the gap between upcoming high school talent and elite stars.
Photo by Lulu Sport Pics.
