Having produced the best season of his career, long-distance runner Elroy Gelant admits he needs some rest as he prepares for his last race of the year.
Gelant, who is in the elite field for the Hollywoodbets 10km race in Joburg on Saturday, will close what has been a superb campaign for the 38-year-old athlete.
After setting a marathon personal best of 2:08:56 in Seville in February, Gelant went on to win the national 21km and 42km titles.
He also set a 10km personal best of 27:47 to win the Absa Run Your City race in Durban in July, and he finished 11th in the Olympic marathon in Paris in August.
‘A long season’
With a lot of racing in his legs this year, Gelant said he would take his foot off the pedal at the Hollywoodbets race.
“I’m going to take it easy tomorrow (Saturday). I’ve had a long season,” Gelant said on Friday.
“To be honest, my body is tired. Not even a horse can run week after week like I did this year, so I’m just going to enjoy the scenery and the race.
“Sometimes it’s not just about winning. It’s also about engaging with the social runners and young kids.”
Other entrants
Aside from Gelant, the elite field on Saturday also includes the likes of Stephen Mokoka, Thabang Mosiako and Dutch ultra-marathon star Piet Wiersma.
The women’s race features Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula, and Lesotho athletes Neheng Khatala and Blandina Makatisi.
* Featured image of Elroy Gelant by Richard Pearce Photography/NMB Half-Marathon
