Xaba in pole position at challenge

GLENROSE Xaba ran a superb race to clinch her first SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge title on August 4 when she won the Pretoria race at Supersport Park in a sterling time of 33.56 minutes.

Rutendo Nyahora was second in 34.24 minutes and defending Grand Prix title holder, Kesa Molotsane was third, in a time of 34.47.

Three times Grand Prix winner Irvette van Zyl stunned everyone by finishing fourth in 34.56 minutes, exactly eight weeks after the birth of her second son.

A group of six runners, including Xaba, Nyahora, Molotsane, van Zyl, Susy Chemaimak and Rudo Mhonderwa, ran in a bunch for the first six kilometres before Xaba and Molotsane broke away and ran side by side for the next two kilometres.

Xaba took the lead at eight kilometres, putting some distance between herself and the rest of the pack. Van Zyl was in third position for much of the race but gradually fell back, while Nyahora steamed past Molotsane.

Xaba finished second in the first three races in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban, and was thrilled to achieve her first SPAR Challenge win.

“I came into the race with a lot of confidence after winning the Totalsports 10km last month,” said Xaba.

“I decided I was going to run my own race and run it fast. I wasn’t too worried about Kesa (Molotsane) because I knew I was faster on the hills than she is, and this is quite a hilly course.”

Nyahora said she had a good race and was pleased to be running well again after a hamstring injury.

“Deep down, I really wanted to win. I have won this race twice. It’s a tough course, but I like it because I am a tough athlete.”

She said she was also very happy that her teammate, van Zyl, was back in action.

“Irvette is a great competitor and it was wonderful to have her back in the leading pack.”

Molotsane said she was happy with her top three finish.

“I haven’t been very well recently, so I am very pleased to be back,” she said.

‘I tried very hard to stay with Glenrose, but she was just too strong today. I am very happy for her because winning will do a lot for her career. I will do my best in the last two races to earn enough points to defend my Grand Prix title.”

“I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t finish in the top three because it’s always tough to finish fourth,” said van Zyl.

“But I am very happy to be running competitively again. I was very fit before the baby arrived. I was planning to run a 10km race the day he was born, but then my waters broke. I had a caesar, so I only started running again three weeks ago, but I am very hungry to win. It felt good to be back today, especially 10kg lighter.”

A whopping figure of 25 740 runners took part in the 10km race and the 5km fun run, which was run in warm and windy conditions.

Also Read:

Big money up for grabs at CITYRUN

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.