Glenrose Xaba targets SA half-marathon record in Hong Kong

Xaba, who holds the South African 21.1km record of 1:10:03, set in 2025, believes she has what it takes to go even faster.

Fresh from winning the Spar Women’s Grand Prix series title and pocketing R320 000 on Tuesday, Xaba flew to Hong Kong on Wednesday to prepare for the race. She says favourable weather conditions, strong competition and the right pace could help her lower her national mark. 

"I am going to Hong Kong, the race is on Sunday and I'm looking forward to running a good time. If I can run a PB (personal best) it will be a bonus for me, to run a seasonal best also will be great because it will give me a goal when it comes to World Champs half-marathon and marathon," Xaba said.

"I think everyone believes that I can break an SA record when it comes to the half marathon, it will depend on the weather conditions in Hong Kong and how I adapt to the weather and the environment and also how I'm feeling that day. 

“Also, how the pace will be on the pace makers because I saw the starting list. There are three women that are faster than me, I think they have 65 and 66 very early."

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Xaba also has a message for fellow South African runners, saying there is no need to always travel abroad in search of quality competition and prize money.

The 31-year-old believes local races also offer great competition and good financial rewards, making them an important part of an athlete’s development.

"I think to perform outside the country, like internationally, is the one that gives you more courage but we are also having the good races like ABSA, Spar, where we can show our talent,” she added.

“I don't see the difference between going overseas and performing because we also have the competition here at home that they're trying their best, ABSA and Spar, especially when it comes to ABSA because they are giving more athletes who perform better than us to challenge us to perform very well."