Xaba and Kavanagh set to renew rivalry at Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10km

The race will start at 9am along Marine Drive in Milnerton and finish in Cape Town’s CBD, where a sold-out field is expected to deliver another thrilling contest.

Kavanagh got the better of Xaba when they last met in the Mother City two months ago, pulling off a surprise win at the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge.

That defeat served as a wake-up call for Xaba, who had dominated many of their previous encounters.

Sunday’s clash promises more than just a personal duel and it’s also a battle between Boxer Running Club and Hollywood Athletics Club, adding extra spice to the contest.

Kavanagh heads into the race in top form after claiming double gold at the national championships and a provincial title in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Her victory in Cape Town earlier this year, where she clocked a personal best of 31:33 to edge Xaba by just five seconds, remains one of her best performances.

Xaba, meanwhile, has shown her class on the international stage, finishing third at the Istanbul Half Marathon in Turkey in 1:07:03 in a performance that proved she can compete with the world’s best.

Despite the fierce rivalry, there is mutual respect between the two athletes.

“Glenrose and I are really good friends and have a lot of respect for each other, but when we stand on the start line, we are fierce competitors,” Kavanagh told SABC Sport.

The Durban-born runner, who now coaches herself, says she is staying grounded despite her strong start to the season.

“The season is still early, so I’m taking it one race at a time. I want to keep improving and see how far I can go this year. I always enjoy racing in Cape Town,” she said.

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Xaba, coached by Caster Semenya and Violet Semenya in Tshwane, echoed similar sentiments.

“When I see Tayla on the start line, I expect a fast and competitive race because she is a quality athlete,” said Xaba.

“She always brings strong competition, and that pushes me to give my best. We motivate each other to run faster, and that’s good for South African athletics."