Glenrose Xaba eyes hometown 10km victory

The race is scheduled for Saturday at 8 am, and Xaba is determined to make it a memorable occasion.

Throughout the year, Xaba has consistently achieved outstanding results in the 10km event, securing three personal bests of 31:55, 32:23, and 34:05.

Her remarkable performance has established her as the fastest South African participant in the series, despite finishing in third place behind Ethiopian duo Tadu Nare and Gabre Salem on three occasions.

While Nare is considered the frontrunner after securing consecutive victories in Gqeberha and Durban, Xaba remains optimistic. With the advantage of competing on her home ground in Mpumalanga, she aims to leverage familiar surroundings and enthusiastic support to propel herself towards a favourable outcome.

Xaba told SABC Sport, “While my father hails from Durban, I proudly consider myself a product of Mpumalanga. I was born here. I am immensely grateful to Spar for bringing the race to my hometown. This opportunity alone provides me with ample motivation to strive and earn a coveted spot on the podium. The local community yearns for success stories of their own, and I am determined to make them proud. Anticipating another exhilarating run, and I hope to achieve another personal best and create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved,”

The race will include a remarkable line-up of talented runners, including Cacisile Socibo, Kesa Molotsane, Phalula twins Lebo and Lebogang, Irvette van Zyl, and Taylor Kavanagh. As the series progresses into its fourth leg, following three coastal races in Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Durban, the South African participants face their greatest challenge yet to disrupt the overwhelming dominance exhibited by Ethiopian runners Nare and Salem.