Stephen Mokoka wants to reclaim national half-marathon title in Gqeberha

The half-marathon, which incorporates the Athletics SA (ASA) half-marathon championship crown, will start at Pollock Beach, Summerstrand in Gqeberha on Saturday morning (07h00).

Mokoka, a highly acclaimed figure in South African road running, is confident he can cross the finish line first and reclaim his title of four years ago against a quality field consisting of Lucky Mohale, hometown favourite Melikhaya Frans, Elroy Gelant, and Precious Mashele.

"I am ready for the national half-marathon championships and prepared for it by running a local marathon [Hayward Marathon] and a 10km race [Absa Run Your City 10km] to work on my speed," Mokoka told SABC Sport. 

"I ran a 2:15 marathon, and I am happy with my performance. My personal best in a 42.2km marathon is 2:12, and I am in the best possible condition. 

"My preparations are getting better, and I am going there to try and see if the legs can give me something special. I would love to reclaim my national title."

In 2019, he also showed dominance by crossing the finish line first and securing the 21km championship title, clocking an impressive time of 1:00:57 while representing Athletics Gauteng North.

Mokoka then became the first man to dip under the hour mark when he broke the SA half-marathon record in 59:61 at the Buenos Aires half-marathon championships that same year.

"I expect a fast race in Gqeberha because our runners are doing well. Precious Mashele won the 21km title in 2021, Melikhaya Frans in 2022, and Lucky Mohale is doing well. We have great runners locally and we can push each other to run fast times,” added Mokoka.  

In the women’s field, defending champion Glenrose Xaba is the favourite to reclaim her title, and told SABC Sport she would not give up her title without a fight after she finished third (32:12) at the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge in Gqeberha last week.

“I love running in Gqeberha and hope the weather will not be as cold as last week. I am confident of defending my title, and I am ready for the race,” said Xaba.

Kesa Molotsane, Cacisile Sosibo, Cian Oldknow, and Annie Bothma will be looking to challenge Xaba for the highest place on the podium.