Third consecutive victory for Nare in SPAR Grand Prix
The Mpumalanga leg of the SPAR Women's Challenge was a resounding success, uniting all ages.
The Mbombela leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge took to the city’s streets on Saturday July 15 and saw runners from far and wide, young and old competing for the title.
Breaking away from a strong field in the closing stages, the defending series champion, Tadu Nare, running in the colours of Nedbank, gave another sterling performance, winning the fourth leg of the SPAR Grand Prix.
In a tactical race held on an undulating course at an altitude of 700m, Nare showed some patience in the first half, before slamming down the hammer in the closing stages to draw clear of fellow Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre (Nedbank).
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Nare completed the 10km race in 32:28, slicing 15 seconds off the course record she set last year to secure her third straight SPAR Grand Prix victory.
“It was tough for me today, to be honest. It was very cold and I couldn’t keep my body warm. It was also a tough course with lots of ups and downs,” Nare said.
Gebre, who held the series lead going into the Mbombela contest, took second position for the fourth race in succession in a time of 32:51. While the two Ethiopian stars managed to drop the rest of the field in the second half, there was a tremendous battle behind them for third place.
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Ugandan athlete Docus Ajok, making her SPAR Grand Prix debut, admitted she, too, had struggled in the cold conditions, though she managed to hold on to take the last podium place in 33:25.
“After 5km, I started to struggle, because I competed in Durban last week and I haven’t recovered properly.
“The cold weather was a problem and the route was tough, so I’m grateful I managed to finish in the top three,” Ajok said.
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She edged out Blandina Makatisi (Maxed Elite) of Lesotho, who grabbed the fourth spot in 33:38, and former series champion Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) was the first South African across the line, finishing fifth in 33:34.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all at Mbombela Stadium, with local food vendors, a 360° camera and a live musical performance by Majozi.
