Glenrose Xaba bags the 5000m title at the national champs in KZN

Representing the Central Gauteng Athletics, Xaba crossed the Finish Line in a time of 15:58:44, outpacing competitor, Prudence Sekgodiso (16:02:00).

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Kyla Jacobs took the bronze medals in a time of 16:04:00

Displaying an impressive surge of speed in the final laps, Xaba secured her well-deserved triumph in a race where she was widely regarded as the frontrunner.

She was content with her performance and executed the race according to her discussion with her coach Caster Semenya.

''My race went very well. Because with my coach, we planned we're going after 2 km, definitely I did so. I stayed behind to see what pace they were going at,'' said Xaba.

Despite narrowly missing out on the Olympic qualification time of 15:10:00, Xaba remains determined, setting her sights on the upcoming 10 000m scheduled for Saturday, where she aims to achieve the coveted Olympic standard.

Following her victory, Xaba expressed joy and satisfaction with her performance winning the 5000m title for the first time in years, and overcoming the threat posed by Sekgodiso.

''I'm not a person who looks back while running, I thought I would see Prudence passing me, but I was going to challenge her,'' added Xaba.