‘It was hilly but it needs someone who is disciplined. mature enough and has the strength’

Thabang Mosiako and Neheng Khatala emerged victorious in their respective categories of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km race at Nasrec on Sunday morning.

Mosiako romped home in 30 min 43 sec in the men’s section. Hot on his heels were veteran Edward Mothibi (30:51) and Rebaone Obotseng (30:51) to complete the podium places.

In the women’s section, Lesotho international Khatala was the first on the finish line in 33:40, closely followed by Emma Brown (35:04) and Irvette van Zyl (35:17).

Mosiako, who completed a double in Johannesburg, said the course was tough but he used his experience to negotiate through the hilly areas of Soweto and Nasrec.

“For about 3km, I felt a bit tired,” he said after the race.

“I went with the flow and on my mind I said it would be good if the defending champion finishes in the top 10. I made a surge at about 5km but I realised everyone was still fresh.

“So I stopped and went back to the bunch and waited for the last 2km where they said it was going to be easy to pull away.

“It was hilly but it needs someone who is disciplined. mature enough and has the strength.”

Khatala agreed the course was tough but said that also was what she expected.

“I ran this course before when I won the Soweto Marathon. In the first half I saw it was the same route as the Soweto Marathon and I knew the last part was going to be tough.

“I knew I did not have to go too fast, but just manage my speed and balance the pace so I got to the finish because I did not want to be slaughtered at the end.”