THE FUSE

Rumé Burger sprints to a world-leading 150m as the 2026 Simbine Classic Shootout kicks off in Pretoria, showcasing talent in South Africa and beyond.

Pretoria, South Africa (11 February 2026) – South African athletics fans were treated to an electric early-season showcase as the 14th edition of the USN Simbine Classic Shootout delivered fast times, breakout performances and serious excitement at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria on Friday, 6 February.

The exhibition meeting once again proved why it has become a key marker on the local athletics calendar, bringing together top sprinters and middle-distance runners from South Africa, Botswana and beyond to test their speed and sharpen their form ahead of the season.

One of the standout performances came from 16-year-old Tiisetso Malungane, who continues to announce himself as one of the country’s most exciting middle-distance prospects. Representing Curro Hazeldean, Tiisetso stormed to victory in the boys’ 800m in 1:48.26, finishing just 0.59 seconds outside the long-standing South African U18 record of 1:47.67.

Speed was also the order of the day in the sprints, with Oranjé’s Rumé Burger producing a moment to remember in the 150m. Competing just a day before her 18th birthday, Rumè powered home in 16.95 seconds, setting a leading time for 2026 and establishing a new South African record for the distance.

There were also strong showings across other distances, including a commanding 1000m victory in 2:39.72 by Karabo More, adding to the growing list of impressive performances from the meeting.

And the action is far from over. This weekend, the spotlight shifts to the Simbine Curro Classic Shootout: Curro Podium Grand Finale, a two-day spectacle that is expected to build on the momentum created in Pretoria.

See the full results from the USN Simbine Classic Shootout at Hoërskool Menlo Park here.

Sources: Linked Above

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