Start of Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in Milnerton by www.kapstadt.de
The 37-year-old from Pacaltsdorp near George finished second behind Kenyan Vincent Langat but achieved a personal best time of 27:55. Besides winning R25 000 for his effort, he was rewarded with R60 000 for dipping under 28 minutes for the first time on the road.
Gelant led from the start at Woodbridge Island in Milnerton, but the Kenyan passed him in the final kilometre to cross the finish line in 27:52. Langat’s compatriot Francis Abongo (28:16) was third. Langat was rewarded with R30 000 in prize money, with Koumwa earning R20 000.
Langat was also the winner in the first race in the series which was held last month in Gqeberha. The South Africans Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Stephen Mokoka, who were touted as pre-race favourites, could not make the top ten.
“This is my best win so far as Elroy is a fast guy,” an elated Langat said afterwards.
“He is a top athlete. He tested me to the limit today, and after 3km I was nervous that he could beat me. In the last kilometer I decided to break away and go for the win.
“I’m going back home now to try to get a qualifying time for the Olympics in the 10,000 m. I hope to return for the Durban race in July to record my third win of the series.”
Leading Men at Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K by Mark Sampson
With three personal bests over 10km, 21km and 42 km over the past nine months, the 37-year-old Gelant says he feels more confident than ever. That is why he wanted to surpass Precious Mashele’s national record of 27:35.
“I had to instil a lot of discipline in my training routine to become this new positive and confident Elroy. I just told myself, like a skipper on a boat, when the wind is blowing you must just change the sails and that is what I did,” explained Gelant.
“I just had to change my angle of running. I set my watch to the SA record estimated time of 27:30. My attitude going into the race was to go fast and I was running for that time. This is my fastest ever time in a road race. On the track I ran 27:41.
“I focused on my own race and didn’t worry about any of the other runners. I obviously knew the wind was going to be a factor, but my mind was set on sticking to my plan. I didn’t get there because of the wind factor, but it was a PB, and I am happy with that.
“Winning the SA Marathon Championships in Durban two weeks ago was a confidence booster, but my legs were still a bit tired. The wind was a factor, but if I am a little bit fresher, I can probably get closer to the SA record.
“Today (Sunday) is the announcement of the SA Olympic team. If I am not in the team, I will continue with my structured training and try to get close to that 2:06 mark.
“I would like to dedicate this run to my mom Yvonne Gelant in Pacaltsdorp as well as my girlfriend Tamzin Thomas and all the mothers in South Africa,” he added.
In the women’s race, Kenyan Diana Chepkorir was delighted with another win after also winning in Gqberha.
Diana Chepkorir by Mark Sampson
Lesotho’s Neheng Khathala (32:16) was the runner-up, while Ethiopian Getenesh Sase Agafew (32:48) was third. Cacisile Sosibo (34:00) was the first SA woman to finish in fourth place. The Phalula twins Lebo and Lebogang were sixth and eighth, respectively.
“It was a fast race, and I knew that if I went out hard, I could win the race. I came here with a solid plan and was going to attack from the start. I plan to come back and win again.” Chepkorir said.
Almost 14,000 participants painted the Cape streets red in the colours of the sponsor, Absa. The next race in the series is on July 7 in Durban.
TOP 10 RESULTS: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
TOP 10 MEN
1 Vincent Langat (Kenya) 27:52, 2 Elroy Gelant (South Africa) 27:55, 3 Francis Abong Koumwa (Kenya) 28:16, 4 Maxon Kipngetich (Kenya) 28:31, 5 Bongelani Mkhwanazi (South Africa) 28:36, 6 Kamohelo Mofolo (Lesotho) 28:41, 7 George Kusche (South Africa) 28:51, 8 Lloyd Bosman (South Africa) 28:56, 9 Chris Mhlangu (South Africa) 29:00, 10 Desmond Mokgobu (South Africa) 29:00
Sea of Red by David Sullivan
TOP 10 WOMEN
1 Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:47, 2 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 32:16, 3 Getenesh Sase Agafew (Ethiopia) 32:48, 4 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 34:00, 5 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 34:07, 6 Lebo Phalula (South Africa) 34:35, 7 Malineo Mahloko (Lesotho) 34:50, 8 Lebogang Phalula (Lesotho) 34:50, 9 Lara Rossouw (South Africa) 36:26, 10 Wiepke Schoeman (South Africa) 36:35
Sea of Red by David Sullivan
