Glenrose Xaba delivered another distance running masterclass at the at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km on National Heritage Day.
After setting a 31:12 national record at the Durban leg of the five race 10km series in July and winning last month’s race in Tshwane in 31:51 which was the fastest time ever run by a South African woman at altitude, Xaba claimed victory in the City of Gold in her second consecutive sub-32-minute clocking at altitude.
Glenrose Xaba Pic: Tobias Ginsberg
SuperCharger, as she is affectionately known, produced a course record 31:55 to claim R60 000 in incentives for breaking the 32-minute barrier.
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 very happy that I managed to win it. My aim was to win the race. In 2022, I obtained second position. The race was so difficult because the route was tough, and the wind was so very strong.
“The competition was very good because we had (Makatisi) who is an Olympian and Karabo Mailula, my training partner. I appreciate having all the ladies who are doing so well,” said an elated 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 South African debut at the Pretoria race on 25 August, the Kenyan took the lead just before halfway and held on to it.
Gideon Kipngetich Pic: Tobias Ginseng
Despite a spirited chase from Chris Mhlanga, Kipngetich ultimately secured a comfortable 28:51 victory, which was also the new course record.
“It wasn’t easy,” admits 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 Tshwane race and I finished second. So, I went back to Kenya and trained hard and was well prepared for this race.”
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 ever claim five consecutive top ten finishes in the series in a single calendar year – a feat equaled 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.
Sea of Red at the Absa RYC Joburg 10K Pic: Tobias Ginsberg
