Ethiopians snatch victory from Xaba in thrilling Cape Town Spar women’s challenge

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa: Ethiopian Hiyane Lama (Nedbank) stormed to victory in her maiden 10km road race, winning the 30th Cape Town SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Greenpoint in 33:42 on a wet and chilly morning. She pipped fellow Ethiopian Selam Gebre by two seconds in a dramatic sprint for the finish.

Former SPAR Grand prix winner, Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) was third, in 34.05. Xaba led for the first eight kilometres, until the Ethiopian pair surged past her.

Kesa Molotsane (Murray & Roberts) was fourth in 34:07, followed closely by Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) in 34:09.

Lama, who is normally a cross country runner, specialising in 3000 metres, said she had found the weather challenging.

“I had planned to run sub 32:00, but the weather had a big impact on my performance,” she said.

Lama said Gebre, who ran all six SPAR races last year, had been very supportive during the race, encouraging her and advising her when to kick on.

Gebre said she was not totally satisfied with her performance but was happy to have come second.

“I want to keep challenging myself and improving,” she said.

Xaba said her legs were very tired after running a fast 5000m at the middle-distance track meeting at the Greenpoint Stadium last Monday.

“I was feeling very good for the first 8kms, but when the Ethiopians came past, my legs just wouldn’t respond,” said Xaba.

She said the incentives offered to South African runners in the SPAR Grand Prix series, where the first South African to cross the finish line receives an additional R10 000 and the second an additional R5000 would inspire local runners.

Molotsane, also a former SPAR Grand Prix winner, thanked the sponsors for the additional incentives for South African runners.

“I have long advocated for incentives for local runners – now that they are in place, it’s time for South African runners to respond by closing the gap,” she said.

“South African runners need more support from their clubs and sponsors. It is our livelihood, and we need that support.”

The race was started by South African middle-distance legend, Elana Meyer, winner of the first Cape Town SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 1993. Meyer was the special guest of the sponsors who this year celebrated 30 years of the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Womens Challenge.

“It was an awesome experience to see thousands of women from all over the Western Cape turn out for the race, despite the wet weather,” she said.

“SPAR introduced a new era in women’s sport with the first SPAR Womens Challenge races all those years ago. It gave women an opportunity to get involved in running and for many it changed their lives.

“Today was a celebration of women and of women runners.”

Defending SPAR Grand Prix Champion, Tadu Nare of Ethiopia missed the Cape Town race due to her competing in the London Marathon where she finished 8th. Nare confirmed she would be participating at the second SPAR Grand Prix 10km race in Gqeberha on the 27th of May 2023.