November 12, 2024

Mosiako humbles classy field in Joburg

Johannesburg – Thabang Mosiako claimed the biggest win of his fledgling career when he humbled a classy field to win the second annual FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN in chilly and windy weather conditions on Sunday.

Close to 14 000 runners lined up in Simmonds Street in downtown Johannesburg to tackle the hilly 10km route through the streets of Jozi.

Mosiako from the Nedbank Athletic Club blitzed the 10km in 29 minutes and 51 seconds. The 22-year old managed to hold off the challenge of Stephen Mokoka (30:15).

Mokoka, the South African 10km record holder was touted as one of the pre-race favourites. Gladwin Mzazi (30:35) was hot on Mokoka’s heels finished third.

Precious Mashele, the SA Cross Country Champion who was also deemed one of the favourites. However, he seemed to have left his race face at home as he never featured. Instead it was David Manja who took on the role of pace setter in the first 3km which was passed in 8:32. At that stage a big bunch of 20 runners were going at it hammer and tongs.

Just before the 4km mark on the steep decent past Ellis Park, Thabang Mosiako surged to the front. On the long climb towards Constitution Hill, Stephen Mokoka and Lucky Mohale joined Mosiako and proceeded to push the pace.

The rest of the field dropped off rapidly. The trio went through the halfway mark in 14:49. It was then that Mohale started to struggle, Mokoka started to push the pace, opening a gap of around 20m over Mosiako.

The plucky Mosiako fought his way back to Mokoka by the 7km mark which came and went in 20:57. As they hit the top of Constitution Hill, Mosiako surged and left Mokoka reeling.

The final 2km was a steep descent down to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. Although Mokoka tried to close Mosiako down, the gap was too big and Mosiako claimed the biggest win of his career, crossing the line in 29:51, with Mokoka some 25seconds behind and Gladwin Mzazi rounding out the top three.

“I am very happy with today. This is a good win for me, especially beating Stephen (Mokoka). Breaking 30 minutes on this course is really good,” said Mosiako.

“Now I am focusing on the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN. I want to break my PB and run under 29 minutes.”

Glenrose Xaba came into the race as the form athlete and did not disappoint. The diminutive 22-year-old broke away on the climb and was never headed. Xaba crossed the line in 35:39. Nolene Conrad had a solid race to finish in second (36:12) with Rudo Mhonderwa finishing third (36:40).

Pic: David Tarpey

“This was a tough race, but I knew after winning the Cross Country Titles (Xaba is both the 10km and 4km National Champion) that I was strong and that I could deal with the hills,” said Xaba.

The second annual FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN started at FNB Bank City Johannesburg and finished at Mary Fitzgerald Square Newtown.

In celebration of Heritage Day, iconic landmarks featured on route included: the Nelson Mandela Bridge, FNB Bank City, Constitution Hill, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Wits University, Neighbourgoods Market and Ellis Park Stadium to mention just a few.

RESULTS:  2017 FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN

Elite Men: 1 Thabang Mosiako 00:29:51, 2 Stephen Mokoka 00:30:15, 3 Gladwin Mzazi 00:30:35, 4 Mbongeni Nxazozo 00:30:37, 5 Precious Mashele 00:30:41, 6 Xolisa Tyali 00:30:46, 7 Lebenya Nkoka 00:30:49, 8 Lucky Mohale 00:30:52, 9 David Manja 00:30:54, 10 Joel Mmone 00:31:10

Elite Women: Glenrose Xaba 00:35:39, 2 Nolene Conrad 00:36:12, 3 Rudo Mhonderwa 00:36:40, 4 Rutendo Nyahora 00:36:56, 5 Mapaseka Makhaya 00:37:16, 6 Christine Kalmer 00:37:34m 7 Maria Shai 00:37:41, 8 Lebogang Phalula 00:37:52, 9 Marelise Retief 00:37:57, 10 Rachel Leistra 00:38:20

#J10krun  Joburg-10K

 

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