Xaba Triumphs in Hard-Fought SPAR Grand Prix Opener 2025

(The Post News)– Glenrose Xaba kicked off her SPAR Grand Prix title defence with a determined victory in Cape Town on Sunday, holding off Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre in a thrilling 10km race at Greenpoint.

Despite overnight rain, the Mother City offered near-perfect conditions, save for some wind. Xaba (Boxer Athletics Club) set a blistering pace from the start, taking Gebre and fellow Ethiopian Meseret Fita (Nedbank Running Club) with her. However, veteran runner Lebo Phalula (Boxer) launched a fierce mid-race surge, pulling a chasing pack closer to the front.

As the race unfolded, fatigue took its toll, and one by one, the contenders fell back, leaving only Gebre on Xaba’s heels. With less than a kilometre to go, Xaba unleashed a final kick, creating the decisive gap to secure victory in 33:13. Gebre followed five seconds later, while Karabo Mailula (Tuks Athletics) claimed her first Grand Prix podium in 33:35.

Xaba acknowledged that the delayed start affected her performance, making her muscles stiff, but she was pleased with her mental resilience. Gebre, still recovering from the Rome Marathon, was satisfied with her result despite the challenging wind.

Phalula placed fifth overall, winning the Over-40 category, while Caster Semenya, in her second official 10km race, finished 14th. The event, which saw 16,000 participants, concluded with Capetonian Lindsey Pettit winning a Hyundai Exter worth R269,900.