Ethiopia’s Gemeda wins Joburg race

Gemeda crossed the line in thirty three minutes and 49 seconds (33:49). “I feel very happy,” Gemeda said after the race. “The course was tough, but the race was very nice. “The other ladies were strong and it was nice to run against them, I did not expect that I would challenge strong runners today.”

Rene Kalmer grabbed second place in 34:31, while Rutendo Nyahora finished 69 seconds later to clinch third. The race which started and finished at the Wanderers Club took runners through the streets of Rosebank, Houghton and Melrose.

Mapaseka Makhanya, Lebo Palula, Nyahora and Kalmer were all part of a breakaway group of eight runners which formed just after the first kilometre mark of the race. Towards the 3km mark, Kalmer, Gemeda and Nyahora surged ahead to lead the runners.

Gemeda took control of the race just before the midway point, leaving a field of just under 11 thousand runners behind and went alone all the way back to the finish. “I was called to come participate in the race while I was busy with my usual training so I did not know what to expect today,” said Gemeda.

“It’s my first time in the country and I thought South Africa would be like any other African country but I’m surprised that it’s so similar to Europe. “I’m very happy with how things went today.”

Kalmer, meanwhile, said she was pleased with her second place finish, which has boosted her overall standing on the grand prix table. “It was an awesome race, for me the second place was like a win today,” said Kalmer.

“I’m really happy with my race, running injury free, the course was tough but it was a good race. “It’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to next year.”

After five races in the Women’s 10km grand prix series, Mapaseka Makhanya, who finished out of the top ten on Sunday, tops the overall log standings and is the 2013 grand prix champion.

Kalmer’s second place finish moved her up to second on the table, while her sister Christine remained third.

– Sapa