Surprise Grand Prix leader Sosibo praying for a miracle in Joburg

Sosibo heads into the final race at Markspark Sports Complex as the surprise leader on 99 points, 10 points ahead of three-time series champion Glenrose Xaba, who has 89 points.

The winner will pocket R203 000 and earn the bragging rights of being crowned the 2026 Grand Prix champion.

Sosibo has finished fourth, fifth and seventh in the four races held in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Gqeberha, while Xaba finished second in Cape Town before winning back-to-back races in Tshwane and Gqeberha.

Xaba missed the Durban race because of an international competition in the United States.

Xaba was impressive in Gqeberha, winning in 31:17 and missing her national record by just five seconds.

Sosibo, meanwhile, struggled to seventh in 33:24 and both athletes competed at the World Road Running Championships in Denmark before returning to South Africa just four days before the Gqeberha race.

Sosibo says the tough schedule took a toll on her, but she is now dreaming of a surprise Grand Prix triumph.

“I am happy that I am at the top of the points tally and I am praying that I can win the series next week. I have never experienced the feeling of winning the series. I wish I can be the winner and surprise everyone. I felt that pain in the Spar race.”

Sosibo admits she is surprised to be leading the series despite failing to finish on the podium this season.

“I am surprised and happy and I hope I can lead until the end of the final race. Denmark drained me and I am happy that I managed 1:14 just to finish the race. I am praying for a top three in the Joburg 10km race despite too many hills there. I will fight with everything and try to recover and go to the physio.”