After finishing third in Cape Town on Women’s Day, Glenrose Xaba improved on her performance by winning the Joburg leg of the TotalSports Women’s Race at the weekend. | Mark Sampson Supplied
MATSHELANE MAMABOLO
GLENROSE Xaba had yet another splendid run to win the final leg of the TotalSports Women’s Race at Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, at the weekend.
The Boxer Athletics Club starlet is having a fantastic season and is leading the race for the Spar Ladies Grand Prix title with two races to go.
Xaba won Saturday’s race by the proverbial mile as she led the race from start to finish in crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 32:56 on a pretty tough course. Runner-up Diniya Kedir Abaraya of Ethiopia finished in 34:24, while Xaba’s Boxer teammate Cacisile Sosibo was last on the podium with her time of 34:59.
“I am excited to win the race again in Joburg. I love this course — it just proves that when it comes to hills, I destroy them,” Xaba said, chuckling.
“I took the lead from the start and hoped the other girls would help me, but unfortunately they stayed behind me. I just told myself that I needed to control the race until the finish. Considering the high altitude and tough course, I’m really happy with my time. It’s a good feeling to win.”
Xaba has been getting better as an athlete and her impressive showing in the Spar Challenge race in Pretoria a fortnight ago, where she beat the dominant Ethiopian Tadfu Nare for the first time, was testament to her growth.
She expressed her gratitude to those she is working with.
"I want to thank God, my supporters, my coaches Violet and Caster (Semenya), and my family who are always there for me,” Xaba said.
“I’m also grateful to the sponsors and the race organisers, Stillwater Sports, for inviting me. Racing at home means a lot to me — it shows we don’t need to go overseas to face strong competition.
“They bring top runners here so we can challenge them and perform well on home soil. I truly appreciate it.”
Next up for Xaba is the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, and given her impressive run at the weekend, there is good reason to believe she can win the race.
Top 10 (SA unless stated): 1 Glenrose Xaba 32:56; 2 Diniya Kedir Abaraya (ETH) 34:24; 3 Cacisile Sosibo 34:59; 4 Millicent Nyaberi 35:29; 5 Malineo Mahloko (LES) 36:55; 6 Lebogang Phalula 37:09; 7 Lebo Phalula 37:22; 8 Shanice Peens 40:03; 9 Gillian Farquharson 40:04; 10 Maria Shai 42:43
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