Glenrose Xaba confirms entry for the popular Lisbon Half-Marathon
28th September 2025
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South Africa’s road running queen, Glenrose Xaba, has confirmed to SABC Sport that she will line up at the prestigious Lisbon Half-Marathon in Portugal next month.
Fresh from making history as the first black South African woman to win the Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix title after claiming the Gqeberha leg in 31:57 on Saturday, Xaba revealed her next big challenge on the international stage.
She dominated the series with four consecutive victories, securing the title with one race to spare, and pocketed R200 000 along with a brand-new car for 12 months.
Now, the national marathon record holder is shifting her focus to the half-marathon — her first international race of the year — before tackling a standard marathon later in the season.
The Lisbon Half-Marathon is one of the most prestigious events globally, and Xaba says she is honoured to be invited to compete in such a world-class field.
"I'm feeling very excited after receiving the invitation because it shows that my hard work and great results are opening doors for me. I'm also striving to run a personal best in that race."
Holding the South African records in the marathon, half-marathon, and 10km, Xaba says she is still hungry for success and would love to set another benchmark in Portugal.
"I want to hold all the South African records," she said jokingly.
The 30-year-old Boxer Running Club star told the national broadcaster that 2025 has been her best year yet — delivering seven sub-32-minute 10km performances, breaking national records, winning the SA half-marathon and cross-country titles, and successfully defending her Grand Prix crown.
