Glenrose Xaba clinched victory Tshwane SPAR Woman 10K

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) clinched victory at the Tshwane SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge held at Supersport Park this past Saturday. Xaba crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 32:53, outpacing her competitors and leaving a significant mark on the event.

Ethiopian runner Tadu Nare, who has held the SPAR Grand Prix title since 2019, finished two minutes behind Xaba, marking her first defeat in the series in nearly four years. Nare’s time was 34:53, a commendable effort considering she wasn’t in peak condition due to stomach issues. “I am so happy for Glenrose, who has shown so much growth,” Nare commented, expressing her support for her fellow athlete.

Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) secured the third spot on the podium with a time of 35:21. Sosibo, one of the most consistent runners in the SPAR Grand Prix series, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I am also very pleased with the way I ran this race.”

The race saw fierce competition among the athletes. Double Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya (Masai) finished tenth with a time of 37:14, praising Xaba’s performance and hinting at her continued participation in future events. “I really enjoyed the race, and I think I will do more of them,” Semenya said.

Xaba’s victory was not just a testament to her speed but also her strategic racing. She and Nare ran side by side until the 7km mark, where Xaba made her decisive move. Reflecting on her race strategy, Xaba said, “I thought I would make my break at eight kilometres, but at six, I was feeling good and decided to go for it.”

The event also highlighted notable achievements beyond the podium. Janene Carey and Ronel Thomas, both Boxer athletes, celebrated their 100th SPAR Challenge race, joining the elite ranks of Sonja Laxton and Grace de Oliveira who have achieved the same milestone. “The best of the best run them, and you have to work very hard to do well,” Thomas noted, emphasizing the competitive nature of the SPAR Women’s Challenge races.

Xaba’s recent performance builds on her impressive track record. Last month in Durban, she broke Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old 10km record by one second, finishing with a time of 31:12. This victory in Pretoria signifies her determination to reclaim the SPAR Grand Prix title she won in 2018. “I am very excited to have beaten Tadu,” Xaba shared. “I was very well prepared for this race, and I was very focused.”

SPAR 10KM Challenge Results:

Open Category:

1. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) – 32:53
2. Tadu Nare (Nedbank) – 34:53
3. Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) – 35:21
4. Lebo Phalula-Mzazi (Boxer) – 35:55
5. Carmie Prinsloo (Tuks) – 36:01
6. Millicent Nyaberi (Nedbank) – 36:20
7. Malineo Mahloko (Maxed Elite) – 36:37
8. Karabo More (Masai) – 36:55
9. Faith Kiptoo (Nedbank) – 37:02
10. Caster Semenya (Masai) – 37:14

Junior Category:

1. Wiepke Schoeman (Boxer) – 38:45
2. Jackie Coertze (Boxer) – 40:56
3. Stephanie Verschoor (Boxer) – 42:45

40-49 Age Group:

1. Lebo Phalula-Mzazi (Boxer) – 35:55
2. Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli (Boxer) – 38:14
3. Jeannie Henderson – 39:38

50-59 Age Group:

1. Anne Stewart (Atlantic) – 42:11
2. Janene Carey (Boxer) – 43:26
3. Tabitha Tsatsa (Nedbank) – 44:10

60-69 Age Group:

1. Judy Bird (Boxer) – 43:37
2. Karen Brough (Boxer) – 48:49
3. Grace de Oliviera (Maxed Elite) – 52:19

70+ Age Group:

1. Winnie Koekemoer (AGN Masters) – 1:01:15
2. Lettie Coetzee (Pretoria Bobbies) – 1:05:29
3. Annatjie Greyvenstein (Irene) – 1:06:46

The Tshwane SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge not only showcased the exceptional talent of female runners but also underscored the camaraderie and sportsmanship among the athletes. Xaba’s victory sets an exciting precedent for the remaining races in the series, promising more thrilling competitions ahead.