Tayla Kavanagh continued her outstanding season with another commanding performance, claiming victory at the second leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series at the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday, June 28.

Also read: MSC week returns to Durban

Representing Hollywood Athletics Club, Kavanagh took control of the 10km race from the gun, quickly reducing the lead pack to just herself and Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre (Nedbank Running Club). The pair ran stride for stride for much of the race before Kavanagh made her decisive move with about 500m remaining as they approached the finish at Kings Park.

Kavanagh crossed the line in 31:32, just six seconds outside her personal best, to back up her victory in the opening Grand Prix race in Cape Town in March and extended her lead in the overall series standings.

“I had very strong competition from Selam today, and I think we really produced a good race out there,” said Kavanagh.

“We challenged each other a lot and really kept each other going, and I enjoyed the competition.

“I put together a good race and I’m really happy with the consistency I’ve been able to produce over my last couple of 10km races. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for the rest of the season, and I’m just very grateful to be feeling healthy and strong at the moment.”

Although she lost contact with Kavanagh in the closing stages, Gebre held on to secure second place in 31:45. After missing the opening race of the series because of visa issues, the Ethiopian collected valuable SPAR Grand Prix points with her runner-up finish.

“Tayla led for most of the race, and technically and physically I was not good today, but I admire how Tayla won the race. She deserved the win,” Gebre said.

Lesotho national record holder Neheng Khatala (Hollywood Athletics Club) completed the podium in 32:09, showing she has bounced back well after finishing eighth at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town in April.

“Since I came back from the ultra-marathon my training has been going very well, and my plan was to run sub-33 today, so I think I did well,” Khatala said.

Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer Athletics Club) produced another impressive performance to finish fourth in 32:16, less than 24 hours after winning the South African half-marathon title in Gqeberha.

Her Boxer Athletics Club teammate Karabo More, who claimed the national mile title at the SA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha, rounded out the top five in 32:44.

The Durban race attracted a sold-out field of 13 355 participants, highlighting the continued popularity of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Series.

As part of the event’s commitment to giving back, R5 from every entry was donated to the official race charity, iThemba Lethu from Manor Gardens. SPAR KZN marketing director Ralph Rajagopaul presented a cheque for R100 000 to the organisation’s director, Melissa Leslie.

There was also plenty to celebrate off the road, with Veloshni Naidoo of Phoenix driving away in a brand-new Hyundai EXTER, valued at R269 900, after being announced as the lucky draw winner following the race.

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