Tayla Kavanagh stuns SA elite to win 10km title

South Africa’s latest distance running sensation, Tayla Kavanagh, stole the show on Sunday, storming to a spectacular victory at the Absa Durban 10k City Run.

Having ripped a chunk off her 10km personal best when she clocked 32:51 at the Spar Grand Prix race in Gqeberha three weeks earlier, 20-year-old Kavanagh went even quicker at the weekend, crossing the line in 32:10.

Her stunning effort was enough to secure the biggest win of her career and her first SA senior title.

“I planned to just go with the first bunch, and then I ended up in front, so I thought ‘let me just keep pushing’,” Kavanagh said.

“I’m very happy with the result. I love running, and I think the most important thing is to be consistent in training.”

Behind Kavanagh, Neheng Khatala of Lesotho finished second in 32:18, and Kesa Molotsane displayed superb form to take third place in 32:51, slicing five seconds off her four-year-old career best.

Meanwhile, in a lightning fast men’s race, Precious Mashele launched a late kick to take the win.

After Mashele’s training partner, Maxime Chaumeton, had done much of the hard work, surging in a persistent attempt to break up the lead group, Stephen Mokoka produced a late surge and strung out the pack.

Mashele was having none of it, however, slamming it down with a late sprint to secure victory in 28:11 – another personal best – and retain his national 10km title.

Just two weeks after winning the SA marathon title in Cape Town, Mokoka held on for an impressive second place in 28:15, with Collen Mulaudzi grabbing bronze in 28:26.

“Maxime made sure the pace was fast and that Mokoka didn’t feel comfortable,” Mashele said.

“He gave me a challenge but I told myself I’m a champion and I have to win this race. I’m grateful to my teammates for helping with the pace.”