Johannes storms to victory
Helalia Johannes is having the time of her life as she continues to rake in running laurels across the world.
In-form Namibian athlete Helalia Johannes tore the rest of the field apart on Saturday morning, slamming the hammer down in the second-half of the race to secure a commanding first victory at the opening leg of the Spar Women's Grand Prix 10km series.
The 38-year old Johannes had a sensational run, breaking her own Namibian national record and clocking one of the fastest times (31 minutes and 50 seconds) ever in South Africa. Speaking to South African media after the race, Johannes said the weather was perfect.
“I ran my personal best (PB) time, so I'm very pleased. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed the course. I decided to go for it at seven kilometres, because I wanted a PB.
My previous PB was 32.38, so I'm very excited about my new time.” Ethiopian runner, 17-year-old Tadu Teshome Nare, finished second in 32.38 minutes and last year's winner Kesa Molotsane was third in a personal best time of 33.09. She was the first South African home and was one of four South Africans in the top 10.
The race was run in overcast conditions, with a gentle breeze. Three runners, Johannes, Nare and Irvette van Zyl went into the lead from the start and soon opened up a big gap between them and the following pack.
At four kilometres, Van Zyl, who finished third in the Two Oceans ultra marathon two weeks ago, dropped back and Molotsane moved into the third position.
From seven kilometres, Johannes upped her pace and left the rest to fight it out for the other positions.
Betha Chikanga of Zimbabwe moved past Van Zyl into fourth place, finishing in 33.28. Multiple Spar Grand Prix winner Van Zyl, who was obviously still feeling the effects of the Two Oceans, finished fifth in 33.39. Last year's Spar Grand Prix winner Glenrose Xaba was ninth in 34.10.
The first seven runners all finished under 34 minutes and the first six runners all earned 10 Spar Grand Prix bonus points for beating last year's time.
“This is the fastest women's 10km race South Africa has seen,” said Spar Grand Prix coordinator Ian Laxton. “It shows the depth of talent in Africa,” said Laxton. Nare said it was the first time she had run outside Ethiopia.
“I am normally a track runner and this was my first 10km on the road. I enjoyed the race and I have enjoyed being in Port Elizabeth.” Molotsane said she was very happy with her time, which was a personal best.
“I have been concentrating on cross-country running, so I was surprised at how well I ran. I am very happy to have the international runners here, they will push us and we will all improve because of them,” said Molotsane.
Nick Bester, manager of the Nedbank team, said he would continue to bring international runners to compete in the Spar Grand Prix series, which is run over six races. “Spar has provided the runners with an ideal competition to test their abilities,” he said.
NAMPA/ANA
The 38-year old Johannes had a sensational run, breaking her own Namibian national record and clocking one of the fastest times (31 minutes and 50 seconds) ever in South Africa. Speaking to South African media after the race, Johannes said the weather was perfect.
“I ran my personal best (PB) time, so I'm very pleased. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed the course. I decided to go for it at seven kilometres, because I wanted a PB.
My previous PB was 32.38, so I'm very excited about my new time.” Ethiopian runner, 17-year-old Tadu Teshome Nare, finished second in 32.38 minutes and last year's winner Kesa Molotsane was third in a personal best time of 33.09. She was the first South African home and was one of four South Africans in the top 10.
The race was run in overcast conditions, with a gentle breeze. Three runners, Johannes, Nare and Irvette van Zyl went into the lead from the start and soon opened up a big gap between them and the following pack.
At four kilometres, Van Zyl, who finished third in the Two Oceans ultra marathon two weeks ago, dropped back and Molotsane moved into the third position.
From seven kilometres, Johannes upped her pace and left the rest to fight it out for the other positions.
Betha Chikanga of Zimbabwe moved past Van Zyl into fourth place, finishing in 33.28. Multiple Spar Grand Prix winner Van Zyl, who was obviously still feeling the effects of the Two Oceans, finished fifth in 33.39. Last year's Spar Grand Prix winner Glenrose Xaba was ninth in 34.10.
The first seven runners all finished under 34 minutes and the first six runners all earned 10 Spar Grand Prix bonus points for beating last year's time.
“This is the fastest women's 10km race South Africa has seen,” said Spar Grand Prix coordinator Ian Laxton. “It shows the depth of talent in Africa,” said Laxton. Nare said it was the first time she had run outside Ethiopia.
“I am normally a track runner and this was my first 10km on the road. I enjoyed the race and I have enjoyed being in Port Elizabeth.” Molotsane said she was very happy with her time, which was a personal best.
“I have been concentrating on cross-country running, so I was surprised at how well I ran. I am very happy to have the international runners here, they will push us and we will all improve because of them,” said Molotsane.
Nick Bester, manager of the Nedbank team, said he would continue to bring international runners to compete in the Spar Grand Prix series, which is run over six races. “Spar has provided the runners with an ideal competition to test their abilities,” he said.
NAMPA/ANA
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article