Karabo Mailula to skip Mangaung 10km race

Mailula told SABC Sport that she needs to give her body time to rest after competing in several races this year.

The Tshwane-born runner says the Mangaung race was never part of her plans.

“I plan to run fun races and just have fun, nothing serious. Unfortunately, the Mangaung 10km race was not part of my plans, so I will give it a miss. I want to rest and give my body some time to relax. It’s been a long season,” said Mailula, who holds an honours degree in teaching.

The Boxer Athletics Club runner, who is coached by Violet and Caster Semenya, believes taking a break is important to avoid fatigue and give herself enough time to recover.

“Obviously, I will be tired, and if I don’t give my body enough time to rest, it will be hard for me. I don’t think I will be able to recover,” she added.

Mailula has enjoyed a busy season, competing in all five Absa Run Your City and Spar Women’s 10km Challenge races, as well as the World Road Running Championships and the World Cross Country Championships.

Now, the training partner of South African marathon record holder Glenrose Xaba wants to take a step back, recharge and reflect on a hectic season.

Mailula insists that she does not believe in racing too much, saying she simply enjoys running. However, she knows that even the most passionate athletes need time to rest.

“Like I said, I don’t over-race. I just love running, and there is a difference. I want to run because I love it. However, there comes a time when the body needs to rest and cool down a little bit,” she explained.

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“I race in most of the competitions on my calendar, but the Mangaung race was not part of it.”

Mailula finished fourth in this year's Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km race, where she was the first South African across the finish line. She won the race last year.

Although she will miss the Mangaung event, Mailula is expected to return to action at the Boxer 5km Super Run in Durban on 18 October, where she will represent her club colours.