Glenrose Xaba confirms Hong Kong half-marathon after Mangaung 10km victory

Xaba became the first runner to win the Mangaung race, crossing the finish line in 32:10 in front of a sold-out field of 5,000 runners at Kings Way. 

Kenya’s Jackline Rotich finished second in 32:15, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala took third place in 32:19 in hot conditions in the Free State.

Xaba’s season is not over yet, with a 10km race in Tshwane on 1 November before she turns her attention to the half-marathon in China.

"I think now is the preparation for the half-marathon but next week it's region five. I will go there just to show up and just to run a very easy 10km because the following week I think I will be going to Hong Kong for the half-marathons,” Xaba said. 

“I'm looking forward to having a good preparation, those two races I think prepared me very well. It's a 5km and ABSA Mangaung, I'm so glad that Michael Meyer was able to invite me, thank you. 

“This year I'm not running any marathons, it's a half-marathon, it will be my first time in China so I'm looking forward to getting a first experience and being able to run a good time."

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The 31-year-old says the challenging, hilly course tested her towards the finish, forcing her to dig deep to secure the victory. 

Xaba was delighted to finally win a race in the series this year after coming close on previous occasions.

"I am very excited to win the ABSA Mangaung, I'm glad that I was able to be the one that crosses the line. I'm very glad that I was able to run 32:19. I had a crossing challenge especially when we reached 7km where it was hilly but I'm glad that we were able to give the challenge,” she added.

“I love it because it's also challenging and that brings mental strength also. I did not expect the hills but I saw the course yesterday so I knew that I was going to be faced with a hill so I'm glad that I was able to go and check the course."