Kabelo Mwahla confirmed he will defend his Tommy Malone Memorial Race men’s 15km title on October 19 at Boksburg City Stadium.
The Qhubeka AC athlete clocked 49:00 to win last year’s race, beating runner-up Kopano Mmuso by 39 seconds. Bright Mikolongwe finished third in 50:51.
“I’m going to defend my title like I successfully defended my 15km title at the Colgate Race in May. I’m looking forward to the race. It’s well-organised and is run on a flat and fast course,” he said.
Mwahla showed strong form with a runner-up finish in the Daveyton Street Mile men’s 10km on August 31. After leading the first half, he was reeled in and overtaken by eventual winner Mpumelelo Mokoena.
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Afterwards, he challenged the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club to enter the Tommy Malone Race to raise the level of competition.
“I encourage guys like Mpumelelo to run so that we can have a fast, competitive and entertaining race.”
After his sub-50 minutes last year, the Vila Lisa resident will target an improved time when he lines up at the Boksburg Stadium on race day.
“I’m targeting an improved time. I would be happy if I could chop a minute or seconds off the 49:00 I posted last year. Improvement is important in running,” said Mwahla.
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Reflecting on his season, the athlete is happy with all he has achieved.
“I worked very hard. I’m happy with my season so far. I achieved a personal best at the Johnson Crane Hire Marathon at the beginning of the year.
“I was in the top 20 at the Totalsports Two Oceans half-marathon. I podiumed in most of my races. I’m happy. All I have to do for the remainder of the year is to stay fit and focused.”
His last race for the year will be the Lesedi Half Marathon in Vosloorus on December 16.
