Glenrose Xaba on why she is not ready to switch to a full-time marathon

The national marathon record holder, who is preparing to run only the second marathon of her career, believes she needs at least two more years before making the permanent switch.

Xaba is currently preparing for the Valencia Marathon on 10 December, following her sensational debut at the Cape Town Marathon, where she clocked 2:22:22 to win and set both a course and national record last year. 

However, she insists that more time and experience are needed before she fully focuses on the 42.2km distance.

"I can say that my coaches Caster and Violet and Lee-Roy, they said I just need only two to three years to be a full marathon runner. So, I saw most of the athletes that I'm going to run with, they are running two marathons a year, I'm still young for running two. With my body, I'm still learning marathon, once I get it correct, I will do maybe twice a year,” Xaba said.

The 30-year-old Boxer Running Club athlete has set her sights on finishing in the top ten at her debut Valencia Marathon. 

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Xaba is also hoping to break her own national record and gain the recognition that comes with competing among the world’s best marathon runners.

"The preparations are going well so far, I can say that according to my training, I can see that the preparation is going very well. After I've done my 40KM with the time that I won't mention but with that time, it shows that I'm in good shape that I can run a good time when it comes to marathons,” she explained. 

“Maybe to run inside the SA record if the conditions allows me and my body is responding very well. I can do amazing things when it comes to Valencia, I'm looking forward to run inside top 10 and being recognised in the world."