Long-distance runner Rene Kalmer pays tribute to Tadu Nare

The final race will take place at Marks Sports Centre on Sunday, October 1. At just 22 years of age, this Ethiopian athlete, representing the Nedbank Running Club, will claim the coveted title and substantial prize of R200 000 as the overall series champion.

Nare secured her victory by triumphing in the series held in Gqeberha, Durban, Mbombela and Tshwane, following her absence in the initial race, which was won by her compatriot Hayena Lama in Cape Town. Kalmer, who held the record alongside Van Zyl, shared her thoughts on the impressive achievements of this talented East African runner for the first time since she equalled her record.

"Records are there to be broken and I think she really deserves it. She really performed throughout the series. I think it's a well-deserved record that's been broken," Kalmer said.

Kalmer anticipates that the finishing order will remain unchanged, with Nare securing the top spot and her compatriot Salem Gebre closely in second place.

However, the race for the third-place finish remains wide open due to Glenrose Xaba and Kesa Molotsane’s absence from the final leg due to international commitments. Worth noting is that Xaba claimed the third-place position on three separate occasions.

"I think it's going to be tough because like you say all our top ladies are representing the country at the World Road Running Championships. Maybe there's a surprise out there, I suppose we'll have to wait and see," she added.