Glenrose Xaba is considering the idea of participating in a marathon

Glenrose Xaba is considering the idea of participating in a marathon

South African middle-distance athlete Glenrose Xaba is contemplating a new challenge - tackling a marathon.

With a remarkable track record as the South Africa half-marathon and 10km national record title holder, Xaba clocked a personal best of 69 minutes over the 21.1km distance.

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There’s a growing consensus that the time has come for her to venture into the full marathon, a 42.2km feat.

Xaba herself sees this as an opportunity to explore new horizons and push her limits to see what she can accomplish in the long-distance event.

''As my coach said, I'm going to upgrade to longer distance, and I think I will do well,'' said Xaba.

Xaba’s schedule is filled to the brim, commencing with the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia this Saturday.

She will tackle the Absa Run Your City race in Gqeberha, before heading to Pietermaritzburg for the Athletics South Africa Nationals.

There, she aims to secure qualification for the Olympic Games in the 5000m or 10 0000m events.

Additionally, she will run in the Spar Women’s 10km challenge, among several other upcoming races on her agenda.

''Now the focus will be on the Absa race. I want to try my best and qualify but I won't put pressure on myself about qualifying, but I do believe I can do better,'' added Xaba.

Upon returning from Serbia, Xaba will partake in the Run Your City event in Gqeberha.

Since the onset of the New Year, she has participated in races nearly weekly.