Staff Reporter.
Precious Mashele broke clear in the closing stages and Tayla Kavanagh surprised a strong field as they secured the national titles at the ASA 10km Championships incorporated into Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN in Durban on Sunday.
With the championship race being hosted on a fast course, Mashele produced a late surge to drop the rest of the lead group with less than one kilometre remaining. The Central Gauteng athlete crossed the finish line in 28:11, chopping 15 seconds off his personal best set in Durban two years ago.
Stephen Mokoka, who won the ASA marathon title in Cape Town earlier this month, held on for second place in 28:15, with Gauteng North teammate Collen Mulaudzi grabbing bronze in 28:26. In a hard-fought battle, the top 14 men ran under 29:00.
“They gave me a challenge, but I just told myself I am a champion and I have to win the race,” Mashele said. “Mokoka made a move and I followed him, and when I sprinted he couldn’t react. I’m grateful to my teammates for helping with the pace today.”
Kavanagh, meanwhile, delivered a stunning performance, taking control in the early stages and securing a comfortable victory in the women’s race. The 20-year-old athlete won gold for host province KwaZulu-Natal Athletics in 32:10, ripping 41 seconds off her previous career best of 32:51.
“It was nice to be racing on home soil, and to have my family and friends along the route,” Kavanagh said. “I’m incredibly happy with the win today. It was a great day out.
Neheng Khatala of Lesotho was second in the overall contest, clocking 32:18. Free State star Kesa Molotsane earned silver in the ASA Championships race, finishing third overall in a personal best 32:51, and Glenrose Xaba grabbed bronze in 33:32, taking fourth position overall.
Precious Mashele broke clear in the closing stages and Tayla Kavanagh surprised a strong field as they secured the national titles at the ASA 10km Championships in Durban on Sunday.
With the championship race being hosted on a fast course at the Absa Durban 10k CityRun, Mashele produced a late surge to drop the rest of the lead group with less than one kilometre remaining.
The Central Gauteng athlete crossed the finish line in 28:11, chopping 15 seconds off his personal best set in Durban two years ago.
Stephen Mokoka, who won the ASA marathon title in Cape Town earlier this month, held on for second place in 28:15, with Gauteng North teammate Collen Mulaudzi grabbing bronze in 28:26. In a hard-fought battle, the top 14 men ran under 29:00.
“They gave me a challenge, but I just told myself I am a champion and I have to win the race,” Mashele said. “Mokoka made a move and I followed him, and when I sprinted he couldn’t react. I’m grateful to my teammates for helping with the pace today.”
Kavanagh, meanwhile, delivered a stunning performance, taking control in the early stages and securing a comfortable victory in the women’s race. The 20-year-old athlete won gold for host province KwaZulu-Natal Athletics in 32:10, ripping 41 seconds off her previous career best of 32:51.
“It was nice to be racing on home soil, and to have my family and friends along the route,” Kavanagh said.”I’m incredibly happy with the win today. It was a great day out.”
Neheng Khatala of Lesotho was second in the overall contest, clocking 32:18. Free State star Kesa Molotsane earned silver in the ASA Championships race, finishing third overall in a personal best 32:51, and Glenrose Xaba grabbed bronze in 33:32, taking fourth position overall.
“It’s been a very beautifull day of coastal running,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. “We have new champions and a bright future of this beautifull 10k race which forms part of the Absa Road Running Series.
“One sees road running as a celebration of an athlete’s training. In many instances when you are running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the field, or last, because there is a lot more satisfaction in saying I have finished.
“Races are won or lost at key moments. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never ever giving up, which is what we witnessed today.
“Success in athletics is about enduring suffering. It’s about willing to try your best and not giving up when you have a bad day, because in competition you win some and you lose some.
“Congralutions to the winners, Precious and Tayla! We also congratulate their coaches, their provinces and their support staff for the day’s success.
“We also take the opportunity to thank the host province KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, sponsors Absa and the rest of the organisers for a successfull outcome.”