Kingsmead Stadium in the bustling coastal city of Durban was painted yellow and purple, with runners across the country and abroad vying for the ultimate gold medal yesterday.
Lesotho international Kamohelo Mofolo and South African Glenrose Xaba produced course records in the men’s and women’s races, respectively.
Despite falling short in beating his own national record of 27:47, Mofolo managed to cross the finish line by clocking a 27:58 record course time.
Kabelo Mulaudzi and Thabang Mosiako finished second and third, respectively.
“This is my first win here, and I am happy,” Mofolo said. “At the beginning it was tough, but I acclimatised. I didn’t run the time I wanted because of the wind after 6km.”
Veteran Stephen Mokoka was also in the mix, but fell short, as he finished in position seven with a time of 28:16.
Xaba also produced a commanding win in style, when she smashed a record time of 31:34.
“I enjoyed the course because I ran my seasonal best, but I missed out on the SA record. I think I missed out on it in the last metres because my legs could not carry me anymore.
Behind Xaba was another Lesotho international, Neheng Khatala, with a time of 31:44, while Fridah Ndinda of Kenya was third with 33:05.
The Hollywoodbets 10km race now heads to Johannesburg on September 13, where the likes of Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans winner Greda Steyn, four-time Soweto Marathon champion Irvette van Zyl, and Two Oceans champion Joseph Seutloali are expected to grace the occasion.
