Neheng Khatala |
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“ I enjoyed my last race in South Africa and always appreciate competing with fellow women to prove my mental and physical toughness , so I am excited to once again race in South Africa , but this time at a women-only event ,” says Njoki . “ Women ’ s races are very important , as they allow women to showcase their dominance in the sport independently , and encourage others to compete at the same level . It is a great honour for female runners to compete among themselves and prove their skill . This race is a positive gesture and encouraging for young girls in society , and I want to tell all women competing that it is a new era for us to run faster , challenge ourselves , and even break new records .”
In that RUN YOUR CITY event in July , Njoki was followed over the line by Ethiopian Debash Desta in 31:00 , currently the ninth-fastest time ever run in SA , and just two seconds off her personal best of 30:58 . She has become a regular
Debash Desta
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Several more Ethiopians who have raced in SA before will be lining up in Durban on 4 August . There is Selam Fente Gebre , who finished third in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in April with a personal best 31:42 , and Diniya Kedir Abaraya , who was ninth in the recent RUN YOUR CITY event in Durban , but in last year ’ s edition of that race , she set her PB of 32:03 . Another returning runner from the recent Durban race is Haile Gebru Tsihay , who set her PB of 32:09 when she finished sixth in July .
Another international to look out for , although she is locally based and therefore a regular on the local circuit , will be Neheng Khatala of Lesotho , who clocked a national record and new personal best 32:01 in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K last month . Meanwhile , a newcomer to the local racing scene will be Kenya ’ s Marion Chepkoech , who will be making her 10km racing debut .
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Local Challengers
Amongst the South Africans to look out for in Durban will be Cacasile Sosibo , winner of the 2023 Totalsports Women ’ s Race in Durban . She set a new personal best of 33:05 earlier this year in the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix , where she finished fourth , and she finished fourth , eighth and ninth in the three Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races so far this year , so she brings consistent form into this race , and has said she will be looking to try break that 33-minute barrier this time round .
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Also running will be Tayla Kavanagh , who won the race in 2022 . Although she has been out injured for a while , she does boast a PB of 32:10 , and has the pedigree to challenge for honours here . “ I love racing in my home city . It ’ s always a wonderful way to celebrate Women ’ s Month , sharing the road with fellow female runners who all have a passion for running . It ’ s a special moment as we paint the streets of Durban pink and celebrate women ,” says Kavanagh .
“ The fact that the Totalsports Women ’ s Race is a women ’ s-only event is fantastic , as it highlights women ’ s performances and elevates the standard of women ’ s athletics . I expect a competitive morning out on the road , lining up with a strong field , and I look forward to seeing what we can all achieve on the day ,” she adds .
Cacasile Sosibo and
Tayla Kavanagh
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Images : Anthony Grote , Felix Dlanga , Action Photo , Tobias Ginsberg |
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12 Totalsports Women ’ s Race |