SA runner clocks 32:10 to conclude stellar year as Masai wins men’s race

Glenrose Xaba lived up to her promise of winning the inaugural Absa Mangaung 10km on Sunday, coming home in just over 32 minutes to become the first South African woman this year to claim victory in the six-series event.

Having seen the series which began in Gqeberha in March dominated by Kenyans, Xaba ended their dominance to win in 32:10 in a race that started at the famed Grey College and went through central Bloemfontein, as Mangaung got a first taste of a premium road running event featuring elite athletes.

The stocky Xaba had missed out on first position in her last appearance in this series in August in Tshwane, but there was no stopping her this time, though admittedly she was aided by the absence of two Kenyans — Deborah Chemutai and Doreen Cherop — who are winners of the Tshwane and Joburg legs this year.

“I’m excited to have run 32 minutes here,” beamed Xaba at the finish line. “The route was great although there was one challenging hill, but I was not under any pressure.”

It was not the most comfortable victory for the 32-year-old as she was followed closely by another Kenyan, Jackline Rotich (32:15) and Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (32:19).

Xaba said she would now switch focus to the Hong Kong half marathon, taking place in January, and will look to conclude what has been a great year for her on a high.

“It will be my first half marathon there (Hong Kong) and I hope it will help me in establishing myself as an international athlete,” she said. “I’ve planned these international events with my coach so they can help me become better.”

In the men’s field, Kenyan Filex Masai won in 28:14, a bit off his pre-race promise of dipping under his personal best which stands at 27:24. He was followed by South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi (28:43) and Zenzele Pheko (28:42). “I felt good because I didn’t have any competition from the start to the finish. I enjoyed the race,” boasted Masai.