Ethiopian runner Hiyane Lama wins the Women’s 10km on debut

The 21-year-old beat a competitive field in cold and wet conditions stopping the clock at 33:42. 

 She overtook Glenrose Xaba after 8km to snatch the victory. Lama was followed home by her compatriot Selam Gebre in 33:44, with Xaba becoming the first South African to cross the Finish Line in third place in 34:05. Kesa Molotsane finished in fourth place in 34:07. The 2022 champion Tadu Nare missed the race due to her participation in the London Marathon. Speaking through an interpreter, Lama said she did not expect to win the race. 

"All in all it was good, even though the weather was not what I had expected. It was a bit tough for me but I just decided to do the best that I could and luckily it came out well. I'm very happy," she said.

Lama is a cross-country runner specializing in the 3000m, and it was the first time she ran a 10km road race producing a fast time against seasoned runners like Glenrose Xaba and Keso Molotsane.

Belay Alemayehu, an Ethiopian athletics manager, invited Lama to try her luck in the series, and she exceeded expectations.

"It wasn't sub-32. I'm happy even though it's not what I expected considering the weather, I think it's good. We had no plans, it was just a way to warm myself up and be more reserved until I got towards the end then I sprinted," she added.

Glenrose Xaba collected R10 000 for being the first South African to Cross the Finish Line.

Xaba was in control of the race until she got tired, allowing Lama to pass her in the last 2km.

"When we approached eight kilometres, I was starting to feel those races I was racing. So, my legs were feeling a bit tired. I'm hoping next time, I will do much better" Xaba said.