FILE PICTURE: The top 3 finishers (L-R) Nolene Conrad (3rd), the winner Diana Lebo Phalula and Hunduma Gemede (2nd) during the SPAR Women's 10km Challenge from Greenpoint on April 04, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images.
“This is a great event for us, and I hope to end in the top three this year,” Conrad said after the first race of the series in Cape Town on Sunday.
“I struggled with health problems last year and didn’t do well, but this year I know I’m ready to challenge.
“This is a great race. It really motivated us and gives us a reason to train hard throughout the year. It’s really nice to have a unique series for us ladies.”
Conrad finished third on Sunday in 33 minutes and 28 seconds, 25 seconds behind race winner Lebo Phalula. Ethiopia’s Hunduma Gemeda finished second.
She finished overall eighth in last year’s Grand Prix with 56 points. Mapaseka Makhanya won the series with 105 points.
Conrad, a full-time Johannesburg-based teacher, said she used the race to prepare for her debut in the marathon event later this month.
“I knew I was in good shape for the race. I’ve been training really hard over the last few months.
“I used the race to prepare for my first marathon, the Hanover Marathon in Germany, where I hope to do well, so I can qualify for the Commonwealth Games.”
After the marathon she would concentrate on the 10km series, she said. “I’ll work to make sure I finish in the top three.”
The overall winner of the annual Grand Prix is the runner who accumulates the most points in the five 10km Challenge races, held at venues around the country.
The next race takes place in Port Elizabeth on May 3.
– Sapa
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