By
Middle-distance sensation Glenrose Xaba steps into the spotlight as the clear favourite for the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10km championships.
This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Motsepe Foundation and the City of Johannesburg, takes place within the framework of the Race to Gender Equality at Marks Park Sports Centre in Johannesburg this Sunday.
Winners of the 10km race, both male and female, will be rewarded with R20 000 each, while the 21.1km half-marathon champions will claim R42 000.
Under the guidance of legendary Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya in Tshwane, Xaba aims to clinch her fifth title.
“I aim to kick off my season on a high note by clinching another national title. This achievement will establish the foundation for a successful season ahead. Emphasizing the importance of striving for victory, my coach and I have extensively discussed this during training sessions. My primary focus this year resolves around competing in the 10km, 21.1km, 5000m, and 10 000m events with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympic Games. However, my immediate objective is to secure a podium finish this weekend,” Xaba disclosed to SABC Sport.
The half-marathon will kick off with the starter’s gun at 7 am, followed by the commencement of the 10km championships at 7:30 am.
At 7:45 am, the 5km fun walk and run will begin. Participants vying for the 10km championship title must be registered under their respective province to quality.
Xaba informed the national broadcaster of her intention to incorporate the race into her training regime for the forthcoming Absa Run Your City Gqeberha leg scheduled for April 7th.
Participating in the Marks Park event will afford her the chance to assess her preparedness for the Friendly City competition, aiming for a sub-32-minute finish.
“At the national championships, the paramount objective isn’t about achieving fast times; rather, it’s about securing the title. My immediate aim is to defend my title, and I’ll reserve concerns about setting fast times for the Absa and Spar Ladies 10km races later this year. Presently, my main priority is to maintain my championship status,” explained Xaba.
