University of Johannesburg runner Sibusiso Msibi outsprinted Lucky Mohale in the closing stages to win the men’s 10km at the Daveyton Street Mile at Sinaba Stadium on August 30, while Zanele Maisa successfully defended her women’s title.

Msibi launched a devastating kick just before the entrance to Sinaba Stadium on Mocke Street, powering to victory in 30:16 – the fastest time in the race since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The runner controlled the race from the gun, with Lefa Kwanele, Mpho Chaba of Ivory Park AC and Nedbank’s Mohale forming the leading pack, with a strong chasing group that included Waterfall AC’s Tharollo Maja, Sphiwe Jona and defending champion Mpumelelo Mokoena of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club.

Around 11 minutes into the race, the lead group had been reduced to Msibi, Mohale and Kwanele. The trio ran stride for stride until Kwanele, clutching his lower back and seemingly struggling with a suspected side stitch, was dropped at the 8km-mark.

The battle for victory was far from over, however, as Msibi and Mohale increased the pace over the final 2km. It was always likely to come down to a sprint finish, and the 22-year-old Msibi proved too quick for 41-year-old Mohale.

Msibi crossed the line unchallenged in 30:16, becoming the first man to break 31 minutes in the race since Thabo Masina clocked 30:59 in 2024.

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Mohale, the 2023 winner, finished 15 seconds adrift in 30:30, while Kwanele held on for third in 30:45 as the top three all dipped under 31 minutes.

“I was a bit fatigued because yesterday I ran an 8km at UJ. I felt it today. But I told myself to run and finish the race. The guys pushed but they should have upped the pace if they wanted to beat me because I’m a speed guy,” said Msibi.

Maisa, meanwhile, dominated the women’s race to retain her title in 36:50 – the fastest women’s time recorded on the course.

She led from the start and was never challenged, improving on her 37:24 winning time from last year. Boxer AC’s Maria Shai finished second in 38:53, with Melissa Janse van Vuuren one second behind in third for the second consecutive year.

“The race was a little bit challenging. This was sort of a time trial after my injury from the Absa Run Your City Durban 10k. My target was a sub-35. I managed to clock 36:50. It wasn’t bad because it’s a comeback race after my injury,” said Maisa.

Joy Modiselle won the men’s 5km in 17:53, while Makoma Batjie clocked 24:11 for the women’s title.

Selected mile results

Nando Mafuyeka won the elite men’s mile in 04:29, while Banele Mogotsi took the junior men’s title in 05:29.

Mamepe Striders’ Bohang Qhoaisa won the U15 boys’ mile in 04:41, with Thabiso Jiyane taking the U13 title in 05:01.

Palesa Ramatladi of Tsakane AC won the elite women’s mile in 05:42, while Mabontle Mogale (06:51) and Mpumelelo Malinga won the U15 and U13 girls’ titles respectively.

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