ROAD RUNNING
Women ’ s winner Bekelech Teku Wariyo
Xaba Back to Her Best
The women ’ s race in Gqeberha was expected to be dominated by Kenya ’ s Diana Chesang , who clocked 31:55 to finish second at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2022 , but a niggly knee reduced her speed , leaving her countrywoman Fridah Ndinda to set the pace from the front . Ndinda went through 5km in 15:09 , with Bekelech Teku Wariyo of Ethiopia and Docus Ajok of Uganda trailing 30 seconds behind her , closely followed by South Africa ’ s Glenrose Xaba and Lesotho ’ s Neheng Khatala .
Ndinda ’ s early pace cost her in the second half as she was passed by Wariyo in the final kilometre , with the Ethiopian winning in 31:36 . Ndinda had to settle for second in 31:41 , with Ajok rounding out the podium in 32:15 .
Fourth over the line was Xaba , smashing her personal best 2019 personal best of 32:45 by 22 seconds as she came home in 32:23 . “ I am so happy ,” said Xaba . “ I am back in 2018 shape now ,” she added , talking about her breakthrough season in 2018 , when she was seemed unbeatable . She has battled with injury and form for the last few years , but looks to be back to her best again .
TOP 10 WOMEN
1 Bekelech Teku Wariyo ( Ethiopia ) 31:36 2 Fridah Ndinda ( Kenya ) 31:41 3 Docus Ajok ( Uganda ) 32:15 4 Glenrose Xaba ( South Africa ) 32:23 5 Neheng Khatala ( Lesotho ) 32:43 6 Cacisile Sosibo ( South Africa ) 33:25 7 Diana Chesang ( Kenya ) 33:38 8 Lebo Phalula ( South Africa ) 33:43 9 Fortunate Chidzivo ( Zimbabwe ) 34:14 10 Rutendo Nyahora ( Zimbabwe ) 34:41
Running Their City
Close to 2500 runners and walkers started this inaugural edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K race , immediately making it one of the biggest running events in the Eastern Cape . While the elites were chasing national records and prize incentives , for many the focus was on enjoying the incredible vibe created all along the route by local bands , DJs and performing artists .
“ Gqeberha residents had a first-hand experience of how world class achievements and fun for all participants go hand in hand at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series . We were treated to a fantastic start to the series ,” said Michael Meyer , Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series . “ Congratulations to Daniel Ebenyo and Bekelech Teku Wariyo for putting on world class performances . They have set the bar for the remaining four cities in the series .”
Nothing beats a great morning run !
More Fun on the Run to Come
Glenrose Xaba on her way to a massive PB
Mark these dates in your calendar if you want to be part of the rest of the enlarged 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series .
Sunday 14 May |
Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K |
Sunday 9 July |
Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K |
Sunday 27 August |
Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K |
Sunday 24 September |
Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K |
More info and entries at www . runyourcityseries . com .
24 ISSUE 158 | www . modernathlete . co . za