DURBAN – The fourth edition of the Hollywoodbets 10km race once again lived up to all the hype and expectations by producing world class performances with over 8000 participants lining the streets of Durban in a sea of purple and yellow on Sunday morning.
Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana from the Xcel club crossed the finish line next to the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Rugby Stadium in a blistering time of 28 minutes and 6 seconds in cool windy conditions.
Ramakongoana, who finished in 7th position at the Olympic Marathon in Paris earlier this year, just managed to pip South Africa’s Elroy Gelant (28:07) by one second.
The junior Maxed Elite runner Kamohelo Mofolo (28:09) also from Lesotho was fourth followed by Boxer’s Kabelo Mulaudzi (28:11) with the veteran Stephen Mokoka (28:13) from Hollywood showing that he can still mix it with the best.
TOP THREE: Kamohelo Mofolo, Tebello Ramakongoana and Elroy Gelant Pic: Sandile Xakaza
Gelant (37) who finished 11th in the Olympic Marathon in Paris is currently enjoying the best season of his life. The Boxer athlete admitted afterwards that his goal was to go for his teammate Precious Mashele’s South African 10km record of 27:35, but the stiff breeze in the first half of the race scuppered his plans.
“We started off with a pace of 2:46 in the first kilometre, but then we got a head wind that made it a little bit more difficult and I knew the SA record would not be possible today,” Gelant said afterwards.
“The last four kilometres we had a tail wind and Tebello and I were pushing ourselves. He finished seventh at the Olympics in the marathon, so he is a quality athlete. We ran toe to toe to the finish line. It was a positive outcome for me so I am pleased with my performance today.”
Gelant said he will be rewarding himself with a well-deserved break after a brilliant season.
Elroy Gelant Pic: Sandile Xakaza
“Yes, it was a good and and also a full year in terms of competing. It started with Seville, then the Durban Marathon as well as the Olympics. So my target is now for 2025. I will maybe see if I can get into Rotterdam Marathon and go for a quality time there,” added Gelant.
Ramakongoanaa said he came to the race to test his fitness after the Olympics .
“The plan was to run sub 28, but after 2km I decided to drop the pace because it was just too windy. At the 6km mark I decided to make my move and that is where I won the race.
“I have a lot of respect for Elroy and didn’t want to wait until the last km because he would have outsprinted me. The year 2024 was a good year for me and I hope to be consistent next year,” explained Ramakongoanaa
In the women’s race Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala, a Sports Science student at the North West University in Potchefstroom, was elated with her victory especially because she had a few health issues leading up to the race.
Hollywood’s Khatala (32:25) finished first with Boxer’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:48) second and another Lesotho athlete Blandina Makatisi (33:06) from Maxed Elite third.
“I am so happy for this win. I really wanted a win this year. So this means a lot to me. I was sick three days ago struggling with toothache.
“I had to go to hospital and took antibiotics and couldn’t train for three days. I wasn’t myself, but I still had the belief that I could do it and I’m so excited for the victory.
“The pace of 3:20 was comfortable which suited me. I decided to pull away at 8km. The field was strong today. I know all the ladies. Cian Oldknow (the defending champion) is strong and she pushed the pace.
“I knew she is also training for a marathon and her legs might be tired and she could struggle a little bit. I just stuck with the ladies. It just feels amazing because I wanted this win and worked hard for it,” added Khatala.
Sea of purple Pic: Supplied
