Ethiopian star Tadu Nare extended her dominance with another spectacular performance, wrapping up her third successive Spar Grand Prix series title with a race to spare at the fifth leg of South Africa's top women's road running campaign in Tshwane on Saturday.
Nare broke away in the colours of Nedbank Running Club, as she has become accustomed on South African soil over the last few years, and held on to win the penultimate race in the six-leg Spar Grand Prix series in 32:57.
With this victory, she took an unassailable lead in the annual series ahead of the sixth and final leg to be held in Johannesburg.
Despite dealing with the challenges associated with a climb in altitude, Nare coasted over the undulating course, crossing the line nearly a minute clear of her nearest opponent in 32:57.
"My plan was to push the pace from the start, but from the first few kilometres you have to push up the hills on this course, so I tried to do my best but it was a difficult race," Nare said.
"I'm very thrilled and delighted to have won the series, but it's not over yet."
Her compatriot, Selam Gebre (Nedbank), took second place for the fifth Spar Grand Prix race in a row in 33:50.
Showcasing the talent of Southern African athletes, Blandina Makatisi of Lesotho (Maxed Elite) was third in 34:15.
Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) was the first South African woman home in 34:17, finishing fourth overall, and former series winner Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) was fifth in 34:38.
"The race was tough and I never thought I would make the top three, so I'm happy to have achieved my result," said Makatisi, who earned her first Spar Grand Prix podium finish.
The sixth and final leg of the Spar Grand Prix series will be held at Marks Park Sports Club on 1 March 2023.