Kyla Jacobs to miss another Spar Women’s 10km race

The Boxer Athletics Club runner confirmed to SABC Sport that she will not compete in the Gqeberha race on 26 September, after also missing the Durban leg in June.

Jacobs has already made her mark in this year’s series, finishing third in both Cape Town and Tshwane.

However, her plans for Gqeberha have been disrupted by her brother’s upcoming wedding.

“I missed the Durban leg because I had an opportunity with some sponsorship to run in Europe.

I had a successful track season, running close to my personal best in the 3000m and 5000m and getting a PB in the 1500m. It was a great experience for me,” Jacobs said.

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“It’s always sad for me to miss the Spar Ladies’ races. Unfortunately, I will miss out on the Gqeberha race as well as my brother is getting married, but I will be back for the Joburg race next month. I know it’s always tough to race at altitude.” 

The 32-year-old has also had to adapt to life as a new mother while continuing to chase her running ambitions.

Jacobs says the support of her family and training group has helped her manage the demands of motherhood and elite sport.

“I have a one-year-old baby who does not like sleeping, but as an athlete I have to adapt. There are always going to be changes in life, and I am adapting to both roles of being a parent and being an athlete,” she said.

 “It is a privilege to be a mother, and you run for your little one, even though the balance can sometimes be difficult. I have a supportive training group and two grandmothers who assist me with babysitting duties.”

Jacobs is enjoying her return to competitive running and remains focused on improving her times on both the track and the road.

With her Olympic dream still in sight, she has set herself clear targets for next year.

“The plan is to run faster times in the 10km, track, and half-marathon next year,” she said.

She also encouraged young runners to remain patient, believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams.