Xaba smashes course record, Mosiako reclaims title at national half-marathon championships

Glenrose Xaba broke the course record to win the national half-marathon title at the ASA Road Running Championships in the Limpopo heat on Saturday, extending her dominance in the race. Thabang Mosiako also delivered a stunning performance to win the men’s title in the event in Namakgale, Phalaborwa, which was incorporated into the annual Foskor Half-Marathon.

Xaba earned her sixth national title over the 21km distance in the colours of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN).

She completed the race in 1:10:03, breaking former world record holder Elana Meyer’s course record and finishing more than three minutes clear of Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala, who was second in the open race in a time of 1:13:28. Cacisile Sosibo grabbed the silver medal in the national championship contest in 1:15:14, and Samantha Coetzer secured bronze in 1:22:52.

“This race is always run under hot conditions (in Phalaborwa), but it was warm today, but the conditions were not as bad as they can get here,” Xaba said.

“It motivated me to break Elana Meyer's record because I was inspired by her achievements, and I wished one day I could break her records.”

Mosiako was also superb, coasting to a comfortable victory in the men's 21km race. He stopped the clock at 1:02:47 to reclaim the SA title he won in 2023, leading an Athletics Central North West (ACNW) sweep of the podium.

Mosiako finished well clear of the rest of the field, with Thomas Lebese of Lesotho taking second place in the open race in a time of 1:04:00. Reghan Magwai was third overall in 1:04:16, taking the runner-up spot in the national championships, while ultra-distance specialist Onalenna Khonkhobe earned the bronze medal after clocking 1:04:17.

“After I won in 2023, a rough patch followed me. So, I'm happy with my comeback and I can see the way forward. I think after today I will have that confidence again,” said Mosiako.

“The conditions were not bad because I've been training in Potchefstroom where it's quite hot, so I came here ready for this race.”

In other events at the ASA Road Running Championships, Kabelo Mulaudzi won gold for Central Gauteng Athletics in the men’s five-kilometre race in 14:00. Musawenkosi Mnisi (AGN) took second place in 14:09, and Jerry Motsau (ACNW) was third in 14:17.

In the women's five-kilometre battle, Karabo More (AGN) triumphed in 16:37, with Zanthe Taljaard securing the silver medal for Athletics Vaal Triangle (AVT) in 16:56, and Busisiwe Chamane taking bronze in 17:19 in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA).

Over the mile (1.609km) distance, Boikanyo Motlhamme (CGA) charged to victory in 4:02, and Tshegofatso Pilane (AGN) earned silver in 4:03. Ryan Mphahlele (CGA), who also clocked 4:03, finished third.

Carmie Prinsloo (AGN) won the women’s mile in 4:41, with Ntsoaki Molahloe (KZNA) taking second position in 4:46, and Andrea Steynberg (ACNW) hanging on for bronze in 4:50.