By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced a total of 14 athletes that will represent the country at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia between 30 September and 1 October.
A full-strength men’s team in the half-marathon features Thabang Mosiako, Precious Mashele, Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant, while the women’s team includes Glenrose Xaba, Cacisile Sosibo, Cian Oldknow and Kesa Molotsane.
With the global championships featuring shorter distance races for the first time, Nicolas Seoposengwe and Maxime Chaumeton will compete in the men’s 5km race, with Tayla Kavanagh and Kyla Jacobs competing in the women’s 5km contest.
In the street mile (1.609km), Ryan Mphahlele and Carina Viljoen will compete in the men’s and women’s events respectively.
Also, 12 ultra-distance runners have been included in the ASA team for the IAU 50km World Championships in Hyderabad, India on 5 November. The men’s team features a mix of talent and experience, including Dan Matshailwe, Nkosikhona Mhlakwana, Pule Sibeko, Gladwin Mzazi, Sikhumbuso Seme and Rufus Photo, as does the women’s squad which consists of Adele Broodryk, Jenet Mbhele, Stella Marais, Makhosazane Mhlongo, Gelaletsang Mekgoe and Deanne Loubsher.
“We’ve done our final selection according to their individual performances and believe they will don the national colours with pride. The teams are made of experienced athletes that we further believe will not be easily intimidated by the high profile athletes they will compete against. We wish them well and encourage them to remain focussed,” said ASA President, James Moloi.