Glenrose Xaba, the Boxer Athletic Club star held off a strong challenge from Kenya’s Jackline Rotich to win the inaugural Mangaung 10k.

Image: Tobias Ginsberg

BLOEMFONTEIN — GLENROSE XABA finally secured an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series victory this year, winning the inaugural Mangaung 10K on Sunday morning in 32:10.

The Boxer Athletic Club star held off a strong challenge from Kenya’s Jackline Rotich, who finished just five seconds behind her, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala completed the podium in 32:19.

Xaba was delighted to cross the finish line first, particularly after negotiating a challenging course that tested the athletes after the 7km mark.

“I am very excited to win the Absa Mangaung. I am glad that I was the one crossing the finish line (first),” she told the media immediately after completing the race at the city’s Rose Garden.

“The course was challenging, especially after you reach 7km because there is that hill. But I am glad that I was able to take on the challenge. I love it because it is also challenging, and that brings mental strength.”

Although she had not initially expected it to be a flat and fast course, Xaba said inspecting the route the day before the race helped her prepare for what lay ahead.

“I did not expect the hills, but I saw the course yesterday, so I knew that I was going to face them. I am glad that I was able to go and check the course.”

Superstar Glenrose Xaba, 'Supercharging' on her way to win the Mangaung 10k on Sunday.

Image: Tobias Ginsberg

Despite going into the race as the favourite, the South African marathon record holder (2:22) said she did not allow the pressure of expectations to get the better of her.

“Everyone is competitive and everyone wants to win. In this sport, you will win and lose, but I am very glad that I was able to cross the finish line first,” Xaba said.

She will now turn her attention to preparing for a half-marathon in Hong Kong, which will offer another opportunity to test herself internationally.

However, before she travels, Xaba will compete at the Region 5 Marathon in Pretoria next week, although she plans to run the 10km at an easier pace as she focuses on her half-marathon preparation.

She credited her recent races, including the Boxer 5K and this Absa Mangaung 10K, with helping her prepare for the next challenge.

Xaba also clarified that, despite discussions about her return to longer distances, she will not be running a full marathon this year.

Reflecting on a demanding year that has seen her compete both locally and internationally, Xaba said her racing schedule had been carefully planned with her coach to help her gain valuable experience against elite international competition.

She believes that competing abroad can strengthen her performances at home, while also allowing her to bring that experience back to South African road racing.

The inaugural Mangaung race also gave young spectators an opportunity to see elite athletes competing in their own community and Xaba believes the presence of established runners can inspire local children to take up the sport and pursue their own ambitions.

“I think we are going to inspire the young people of Mangaung and others to take part in sport. They will get experience, and they will want to participate when they see us,” she beamed.

The enthusiastic reception along the home straight made the victory even more special.

“I  feel so blessed and excited because I was the one who was going to cross the finish line first, and to be welcomed by the people of Mangaung was such a great experience.”

In the men’s race, Kenyan Felix Masai Kibet reigned victorious in a time of 28:14, nearly 30 seconds ahead of runner-up Kabelo Mulaudzi (28:43) of Boxer Athletic Club. Mulauudzi’s teammate Zenzile Pheko was third in 28:54.