Glenrose Xaba smashes Cape Town Marathon and SA Marathon records on debut

She finished the race in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 22 seconds, breaking both the course record and the national record, earning herself a prize of half a million rand. 

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Xaba eclipsed the previous national record of 2:24:03 set by Gerda Steyn at the Valencia Marathon in 2023. Demonstrating her exceptional form, she also surpassed the Cape Town Marathon course record of 2:24:02, previously held by Meseret Meleka in 2022. 

Pre-race favourite Mare Dibaba Hurssa of Ethiopia claimed second place with a time of 2:22:36, while Kenya's Pascalia Chepngeno finished third, clocking 2:22:49. 

This victory capped off a remarkable year for Xaba, who had also claimed the Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix series title for the first time since 2018 just two weeks ago.

''I am very excited with my debut, at 33 I see I run more than how I used to run. I am happy that my pace maker was there to encourage me. I would see people pass me during the race but I didn't worry because I know my strengths,'' she said Xaba.

A plane flew low to pay tribute to the remarkable Glenrose Xaba, who has enjoyed an outstanding year in her running career, winning eight 10km races and claiming the national half-marathon title. 

She noted that the race felt manageable, despite it being her first time completing a distance longer than 21.1km. By the time she reached the 33km mark, she was confident she had secured victory.

''It was not bad, because I used to run sub 310, all the way in 10km - then in 21km I used to run. So we start with sub 25, the sub 30,'' added Xaba.

With the national 10km, half-marathon, and the Grand Prix titles in the bag, Xaba exceeded her expectations and now she wants to be consistent next season and maintain her focus to inspire the young athletes that look up to her. 

She produced the best marathon debut in South Africa being the only local runner to secure a top 10 finish ahead of renowned Ethiopians and Kenyans runners.

''Now I have to focus, to be consistent in my running. So the young ones can stay motivated,'' she expressed.

Xaba told the national broadcaster that her incredible achievement of winning a major marathon on debut would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her family, sponsors, and coaches, Caster Semenya and Violet Semenya, who proudly watched her cross the finish line.

Glenrose Xaba is set to compete in the Boxer Running 5km series in Tshwane next month, fulfilling her contractual commitments before taking a well-earned break to reflect on her remarkable achievements this year.