Neheng Khatala describes back-to-back 10km wins as special

Khatala won the Durban 10km in August before completing the double at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km race at Nasrec on Sunday, which attracted a sold-out field of 12 000 runners.

The Lesotho 10km record holder returned to a route where she won the Soweto Marathon two years ago and enjoyed another memorable performance.

Khatala crossed the finish line in 33:40 to claim the R40 000 first prize in South Africa’s richest 10km race. 

Emma Brown of Peak Running Club finished second in 35:40, while evergreen Irvette van Zyl of Hollywood Athletics Club took third place in 35:17, completing a memorable day for the Purple Team.

The 2024 Olympian says the victory made an already special week even better, especially as the race is organised by her own running club.

"Oh! It 's very special, I can't lie. Even winning in club colors is always amazing. You know when you are running for the club, there's no pressure anywhere, but having to show up for your own club is so amazing. Everyone is looking up to us, and we did it. Thank you so much, I am so happy," said Khatala

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The North-West University sports science student says she never underestimated her competitors, despite entering the race as one of the favourites.

Khatala knew that victory was not guaranteed and made sure she respected every elite runner in the field.

Khatala says she knew little about the route before the race but soon realised that it was similar to the course she tackled when winning the Soweto Marathon two years ago.

The hilly route brought back familiar memories, and she enjoyed the challenge as she raced towards another victory.

The 34-year-old is now turning her attention to the Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10km race on Sunday, where she hopes to enjoy strong support from fellow Basotho.

With Maseru relatively close to Bloemfontein, Khatala is encouraging more people from Lesotho to come out and cheer her on in the City of Roses.

The long-distance star even joked that she would hire a bus to bring her supporters to the race if she had the money.