PHALABORWA – The F21 Foskor Half Marathon, this year sanctioned by Athletics South Africa (Asa) Road Running Championships, delivered excitement, records, and unforgettable moments on Saturday, July 26.

The event, hosted at the Foskor Community Centre, drew a massive crowd of enthusiastic community members who cheered on South Africa’s best athletes in a joyous atmosphere.

Thabang Mosiako and Glenrose Xaba emerged as the stars of the event, clinching national titles in the men’s and women’s half marathon races and walking away with impressive cash prizes.

Both athletes were rewarded with R50 000 from Foskor and an additional R50 000 from Asa for their victories.

M O S I A K O

Mosiako, representing Athletics Central North-West, blazed through the course in a record-breaking time of 01:02:47, finishing well ahead of his competitors.

“I am overwhelmed and excited. I want to thank everybody who supported me, including Tumisang Monatlala, my wife Thandi Mosiako, and Nedbank Running Club. Last year was very tough with multiple injuries, but now I am back with a bang. The support from the people of Phalaborwa gave me the strength to push through,” said Mosiako.

Lesotho’s Thomas Lebese followed in second place in the open category with 01:04:00, while Reghan Magwai finished third in 1:04:16, claiming the silver medal in the national championships. Ultra-distance runner Onalenna Khonkhobe took home the bronze with a time of 01:04:17.

X A B A

In the women’s race, Glenrose Xaba, running for Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), continued her dominance over the 21km distance, finishing in 01:10:03, smashing the previous course record held by former world record holder Elana Meyer.

Her performance secured her sixth national title in the half-marathon. “I am feeling very excited and happy. Last year, I had too much on my schedule and could not compete, but this year I returned because it is also part of the Asa championships. The support we receive from Foskor F21 is incredible. They believe in us, and that motivates us to keep running. The love from the community also pushes us to perform at our best,” said Xaba.

Neheng Khatala of Lesotho was second in the open race, clocking 01:13:28. Cacisile Sosibo earned silver in the national championship with a time of 01:15:14, while Samantha Coetzer rounded off the podium, taking bronze in 01:22:52.

In addition to the main 21km race, the event featured 10km, 5km, and mile races, creating a day of athletic celebration for runners of all levels.