Glenrose Xaba targets a podium finish at the ASA 10km championships

This prestigious event is part of the Motsepe Foundation Race to Equality, encompassing both 10km and 21.1km half-marathon races, scheduled to be held at Marks Park Sports Centre in Johannesburg on 10 March.

With an impressive track record of five national championship victories under her belt, Xaba enters the competition as the frontrunner poised to defend her title. The stakes are high, with a purse of R20 000 awaiting the victor of the 10km race, while the top male and female in the half-marathon stand to claim R42 000 each.

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"I'm looking forward to be in the top three, [a] bonus is to defend the title. I can be happy to defend my title for the fifth time. It will also show me how far [I am] with my preparation when it comes to the World Cross Country because now the focus is World Cup Country, to do good after that it's to focus on track and field," Xaba said.

After participating in the 10km national championships, Xaba will redirect her attention to the upcoming Absa Run Your City Gqeberha leg next month.

She aims to achieve a sub-32 minute time, competing against elite athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia for their prowess in long-distance running.

"And we have Gqeberha ABSA [ABSA Run Your City 10km] after we land from the World Cross Country, I'm looking forward to achieving a good time. If the recovery goes well, [It will depend on], how my body will feel that day, I'm looking forward to achieving the best time. Maybe to run sub-32 in Gqeberha.”