LESOTHO ATHLETES DOMINATE IN DURBAN
Athletes from Lesotho outclassed quality line-ups on Sunday to win the men’s and women’s events at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km road race.
Tebello Ramakongoana, who finished seventh in the marathon at the Paris Olympics last month, overcame windy conditions to take the men’s title in a respectable time of 28:06 after pushing the pace in the second half.
Local favourite Elroy Gelant was the first South African home, taking second position in 28:07. Another runner from Lesotho, Kamohelo Mofolo, was third in 28:09.
While the strong wind eliminated any possibility of a South African record (with the organisers having put up a R50 000 bonus), the top 13 men all ran under 29 minutes.
“I came here to test my body after the tough competition at the Olympics, and see whether I was good to compete again,” Ramakongoana said.
“My plan was to run sub-28 but it was too windy. At six kilometres I decided to go and I managed to hold on for the win.”
Women’s race
In the women’s race, Neheng Khatala took no prisoners, charging over the finish line in 32:25 to ensure a double for Lesotho.
Behind her, Cacisile Sosibo set a personal best of 32:48 to take the runner-up spot as the first SA woman, while Khatala’s compatriot Blandina Makatisi grabbed third spot in 33:06.
“I’m so happy with the win today. It means a lot because I was sick a few days ago and went to hospital, so I missed three days of training,” Khatala said.
“I wasn’t myself, but I had belief and I thought ‘let me just go there and do it’ and I managed to win the race, so I’m very happy.”
Results, Hollywoodbets Durban 10km
Men: 1 Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) 28:06, 2 Elroy Gelant (RSA) 28:07, Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 28:09, 4 Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 28:11, 5 Stephen Mokoka (RSA) 28:13, 6 Siyabonga Ndlovu (RSA) 28:28, 7 Thabang Mosiako (RSA) 28:28, 8 Khoarahlane Seutloali (LES) 28:36, 9 Namakoe Nkhasi (LES) 28:40, 10 Chris Mhlanga (RSA) 28:44
Women: 1 Neheng Khatala (LES) 32:25, 2 Cacisile Sosibo (RSA) 32:48, 3 Blandina Makatisi (LES) 33:06, 4 Karabo Mailula (RSA) 33:09, 5 Cian Oldknow (RSA) 33:10, 6 Btaw Atagaud (ETH) 33:53, 7 Tayla Kavanagh (RSA) 34:06, 8 Jenet Mbhele (RSA) 35:23, 9 Rutendo Nyahora (ZIM) 35:36, 10 Andisiwe Njunguza (RSA) 35:55
