Glenrose does it again at SPAR Women's Challenge
Glenrose Xaba continiues to dominate the SPAR Women's Challenge Grand Prix, winning in Durban with a swift 31:54.
Already qualified for Tokyo's marathon, she's now chasing spots in the 5000m or 10 000m with her recent personal bests.
Fuelled by determination and family, she eyes Tokyo's Olympic track while leading the Grand Prix standings.
Like a cheetah gliding across the golden savannah, Glenrose Xaba is blazing her trail through South African roads with eyes fixed not only on a third SPAR Grand Prix crown but also a prized place on the track at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
The 30-year-old dynamo from Mpumalanga has already etched her name into local running folklore. But now, she's lacing up for history.
With her second consecutive victory in this year's SPAR Women's Challenge Grand Prix Series — this time in Durban on Sunday — Xaba has reaffirmed her dominance.
In the sticky seaside heat, she danced over the 10km course in a swift 31:54, leaving a trail of dust behind her and a formidable Ethiopian pack gasping in her wake.
'This is just the beginning,' Xaba said after clinching the win beside Kings Park Rugby Stadium, a grin splitting her sweat-slicked face. 'I'm still hungry for more.'
And hungry she is — not just for the SPAR series title that would make her only the third South African to win the Grand Prix three times, but for something more audacious. Though she already holds a golden ticket to Tokyo in the marathon, following her national record 2:22:22 at the Cape Town Marathon, her heart beats to the rhythm of the track.
'I want to qualify for the 10,000m or 5000m,' she said. 'I'll keep working hard. The next race, Run Your City Durban 10K on 13 July, is crucial. Winning there could improve my world ranking enough to get me on that track in Tokyo.'
Earlier this month, she scorched to a personal best 15:10.42 in the 5000m in Paris — an emphatic statement that she's no one-trick road warrior. Whether gliding over tartan or pounding asphalt, Xaba is running like a woman possessed, fuelled by family, faith, and unfinished business.
'This win was for my mother,' she smiled. 'I missed her birthday while I was in Europe racing, but I wanted to bring something back for her.'
Xaba now leads the Grand Prix standings with three races to go—Tshwane, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg. The R200,000 and Hyundai grand prize may be within reach, but it's the thrill of Tokyo's Olympic track that really sets her soul alight.
Top 10
1 Glenrose XABA 00:31:54
2 Diniya ABARAYA 00:32:09
3 Selam GEBRE 00:32:25
4 Neheng KHATALA 00:32:31
5 Tayla KAVANAGH 00:32:32
6 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:33:15
7 Karabo MAILULA 00:33:21
8 Zanthe TALJAARD 00:34:02
9 Carina SWIEGERS 00:34:49
10 Bathobile MKHIZE 00:34:57
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