The top three runners in the SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race, Tadu Nare, Kesa Molotsane and Irvette van Zyl were in good spirits at a press conference held shortly after the race.
Each woman, spoke about her race goals, and their experiences. Tadu Nare, who has to fly back to her home country of Ethiopia after every race due to Visa restrictions, has won every race in the series thus far.
The SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race was a booming success this morning, October 3, with a record 221 runners taking part, the highest number of participents in the series so far this year.
Tadu Nare came in first, with an unofficial time of 33.21 followed by Kesa Molotsane and Irvette van Zyl in third place.
In the veterans category, Janie Grundling came in first place, followed by Jeannie Henderson and Enie Manzini.
The first finisher in the Juniors category was Naledi Makgatha.
Irvette Van Zyl told reporter Nicholas Zaal that she was happy with her race.
First place in the veterans category, Janie Grundling told reporter Nicholas Zaal that it was a tough race, and towards the end, she really had to dig deep.
One of the front-runners in the overall series, Fortunate Chidzavo crossed the line in a top 10 position, but collapsed as she finished. She has been stabalised by the medical team and taken to hospital. An update on her condition will be provided later in the day.
Covid-19 protocols meant that the Spar Grand Prix was much smaller this year, but the top runners all receive generous cash prizes.
The series will take place over six races in six cities, with prize money of a handsome R100 000 for each race. The ultimate winner will receive R185 000. The runner who comes second will win R75 000 and the third-placed runner will receive R45 000.
The total prize money this year, for the six races and the Spar Grand Prix, is more than R1-million. After the Joburg race, only one remains, in Gqeberha on October 9.
