Elroy Gelant shifts focus to next race after Olympic marathon

Gelant, who finished 11th – in a time of 2:09:07 in Paris, considers this the pinnacle of his two-decade career, but remains eager for more action. 

His next challenge is the Absa Run Your City 10km race in Tshwane on Sunday.

“I’m happy with my Olympic performance but believe I could have improved with more training camps. I feel I ran my best marathon yet and aim to build on this momentum for the world Marathon Championships next year," Gelant told SABC Sport.

"This year has really boosted my confidence, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. For the World Championships in Japan, next year, I’m aiming for a top eight finish. 

"In the meantime, I’m focusing on the Absa race in Tshwane, where I’m hoping to secure a podium spot. Overall, it’s been a fantastic year and I’m very satisfied."

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The 37-year-old University of the North West lecturer achieved second-place finishes at both the Gqeberha and Cape Town legs, before clinching victory in the Durban leg prior to the Games. 

Having just come off his third Olympic appearance, Gelant will encounter stiff competition from Precious Mashele, Stephen Mokoka, and Kabelo Mulaudzi, who claimed victory in last year’s Tshwane leg. 

They will all be contending for the R30 000 prize in one of South Africa’s premier 10km races.

Gelant added: “The goal is to run a fast time and clock another sub-28-minute time against a strong field of local competitors."