Glenrose Xaba delivered another distance running masterclass at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Heritage Day.
After setting a 31:12 national record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July and winning last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 31:51, the fastest time ever run by an SA woman at altitude, Xaba claimed victory in the city of gold in her second consecutive sub-32-minute clocking at altitude.
‘SuperCharger’, as she is affectionately known, produced a course record 31:55 to claim R60 000 in incentives for breaking the 32-minute barrier.
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Such was the SA 10km and 21km champion’s dominance that she won by over two minutes from Lesotho’s Blandina Makatisi (34:03) and her training partner, Karabo Mailula (34:14).
“I’m happy I managed to win it. I aimed to win the race. In 2022, I attained second position. The race was difficult because the route was tough, and the wind was strong.
“The competition was good because we had (Makatisi), an Olympian, and Karabo Mailula, my training partner. I appreciate having all the ladies who are doing so well,” said a very happy Xaba.
In the men’s race, Gideon Kipngetich proved too strong for the local contingent. Looking to improve on the second-place finish he achieved on his SA debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in August, the Kenyan took the lead just before halfway and held on to it. Despite a spirited chase from Chris Mhlanga, Kipngetich ultimately secured a comfortable 28:51 victory, also the new course record.
“It wasn’t easy,” admitted Kipngetich. “My body took time to respond. It was cold, and there was a lot of wind. I tried my best.
“Last month, I was here to run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and finished second. So, I went back to Kenya and trained hard. I was well prepared for this race.”
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Mhlanga followed Kipngetich home to earn his maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series podium finish while also making history by becoming the first man to claim five consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series top 10 finishes in a single calendar year – a feat equalled by Elroy Gelant, who claimed fifth place.
Finishing ahead of Gelant was his Boxer Athletics Club teammate, Kabelo Mulaudzi, who took third place in 29:16 in what was his third successive 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series podium finish.
