Neheng Khatala dominates the USSA 5000m Championships in Tshwane

University of Pretoria’s Carmie Prinsloo claimed silver in 16:52.26, with Lizandre Mulder from the University of the Free State taking bronze in 17:51.80, as all of the athletes were cheered on by a packed Workers’ Day crowd. 

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Just three weeks after placing third in the 56km Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town in 3 hours,40 minutes, and 39 seconds, Khatala used the USSA event as a fitness test and walked away with the title.

"I'm very happy to be back competing in USSA. Before, I was doubting myself because 3 weeks ago, I ran 56km and I felt like that was my max.

"I just came to this event to test my fitness because I know if I compete here, the girls are going to really challenge me," said Khatala. 

The 33-year-old professional runner for the elite Hollywood Athletics Club in South Africa told SABC Sport that winning the title was no easy feat, as the level of competition was high and the standard of university athletics in the country has significantly improved.

"I know that the lady who came second is very fast, and all of the other competitors kept me going as well," said the out-of-breath Khatala. 

In Cape Town, she tackled the gruelling 56km ultramarathon despite battling the flu and still managed an impressive third-place finish.

In contrast, she was in good health for the 5000m event, which served as part of her build-up for next week’s Absa Run Your City 10km in Cape Town, where she is set to go head-to-head with Glenrose Xaba.

"I think Glenrose is on another level. She is respected by all athletes, including myself, but that does not mean that I'm afraid to challenge her. Even though I'm not fit enough right now, in the coming months, I should be okay," asserted Khatala.