Glenrose Xaba targets national record at Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10km

Xaba, who holds the South African 10km record of 31:12, is determined to improve on that time in the Friendly City.

The 31-year-old Boxer Running Club athlete recently represented the country at the World Cross Country Championships in Florida and followed that up with an impressive sixth-place finish in only her second marathon at the Valencia Marathon in December.

Her 2025 season was equally remarkable, winning five races on her way to clinching her third Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix series title.

The Gqeberha showdown is expected to feature a world-class field, including world No.1 Brenda Jepchirchir and world No.6 Faith Cherono.

With such elite competition on the start line, Xaba believes the conditions are perfect for a fast race that could see her rewriting the national record books.

Coached by Violet Semenya in Tshwane, Xaba says her preparations are progressing well, with her body responding positively after her international commitments.

“The body is feeling good. After the World Cross Country Championships, the focus was on proper recovery, easy mileage, strength work and physio before building up intensity again,” Xaba told SABC Sport.

“Training has been consistent, and I feel stronger and fresher each week, which is a good sign heading into the next races.”

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Nicknamed the “Super-charger,” Xaba welcomes the challenge of lining up against sub-30-minute runners from East Africa.

“Being part of such a strong field in the series is exciting and motivating. When you line up against fast Kenyan athletes and other top runners, it pushes you to perform at your best. I see it as an opportunity to challenge myself and learn from competing at a very high level,” she explained.

Last year, Xaba finished third in Gqeberha in 31:50. This time, she is aiming even higher — potentially becoming the first South African woman to dip under 31 minutes for the 10km if everything falls into place.

“I have great memories from racing in Gqeberha last year and finishing on the podium.

This time, I want to improve on that performance. My target is to run a personal best and compete for the top positions again. If I execute my race plan well, I believe a strong result is possible,” she added.

With R33 000 awaiting the first man and woman across the finish line, all eyes will be on Xaba as she looks to deliver a record-breaking performance in Nelson Mandela Bay.