Glenrose Haba has finally won a race in the Absa Run Your City series, taking first place in the debut Mangaung 10K on Sunday morning, finishing in 32 minutes and 10 seconds.
The participant from Boxer Athletic Club managed to overcome strong competition from Jacqueline Rotich of Kenya, who finished just five seconds behind, while Neheng Katala from Lesotho secured third place on the podium, completing the race in 32 minutes and 19 seconds.
Haba was very happy to cross the finish line first, especially after overcoming a challenging route that tested the athletes after the 7-kilometer mark.
Immediately after the race concluded in Rose Gardens in the city, she told the media: 'I am very happy to win in Absa Mangaung. I am happy that I was the one who crossed the finish line first.' She added that the course presented a challenge, particularly after 7 km due to the hill, but she is glad she could handle this challenge as it brings mental strength.
Although she did not initially expect the course to be flat and fast, Haba noted that scouting the route the day before helped her prepare for the upcoming difficulties. She said: 'I didn't expect hills, but I saw the course yesterday, so I knew I would have to face them. I am glad I could check out the route.'
Despite starting as a favorite, the holder of the South African marathon record (2:22) stated that she did not let the pressure of expectations get over her. Haba emphasized: 'Everyone competes, and everyone wants to win. In this sport, you will win and lose, but I am very happy that I was able to cross the finish line first.'
Going forward, she plans to focus on training for the half marathon in Hong Kong, which will give her another opportunity to undergo international tests. However, before the trip, Haba will participate in the Region 5 marathon in Pretoria next week, although she intends to run 10 km at a more relaxed pace to concentrate on half marathon preparation.
She noted that recent races, including the Boxer 5K and this Absa Mangaung 10K, contributed to her preparation for the next challenge. Haba also clarified that despite discussions about returning to longer distances, she will not be running a full marathon this year.
Summarizing a demanding year in which she competed both locally and internationally, Haba revealed that her competition schedule was carefully planned with her coach to gain valuable experience competing against elite international competition. She believes that competing abroad can enhance her results at home and allow her to bring this experience to road running in South Africa.
The debut Mangaung race also provided young spectators with the opportunity to see elite athletes competing in their community, and Haba believes that the presence of experienced runners can inspire local children to take up sports and realize their ambitions. She expressed enthusiastically: 'I think we will inspire the youth of Mangaung and others to participate in sports. They will gain experience and want to participate when they see us.'
The enthusiastic reception along the straight finish line made the victory even more special. 'I feel so blessed and excited because I was the one who was going to cross the finish line first, and being welcomed by the people of Mangaung was such a wonderful experience.'
In the men's race, Kenyan Felix Masai Kibet won with a time of 28 minutes and 14 seconds, beating runner Kabelo Mulaudzi of Boxer Athletic Club (28 minutes and 43 seconds) by almost 30 seconds. Third place was taken by Mulaudzi's teammate, Zenzile Feko, with a time of 28 minutes and 54 seconds.
