Kesa sets sights on World Student Games
Runner now off to world student games in Taipei
Despite her dream debut in the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge, Kesa Molotsane still described her transition from track to road as a rollercoaster ride.
The 25-year-old from Bloemfontein is on the verge of being crowned the Spar Grand Prix champion, thanks to regular appearances on the podium of the competition.
“It was more like a rollercoaster ride, very challenging at first but it became easier because naturally I’m a long-distance runner,” said the reigning SA 5000m champ after clinching the Pietermaritzburg leg of the Spar 10km Challenge at the weekend.
Molotsane won the race in 34 minutes 21 seconds, a clear gap ahead of runner-up Rutendo Nyahora (34:34) and third-placed Irvette van Zyl (34:37).
Molotsane had to dash off immediately after the race on Sunday to embark on a journey to Asia for the World Student Games in Taipei, Taiwan.
The University of Free State anthropology graduate is part of Team SA at the Games that officially opened on Saturday.
Molotsane, the country’s sole representative in the 5 000m, had to seek permission to delay her trip to Taiwan.
“I could not afford to miss the Spar race because it was important to get the points so that I don’t have pressure going to the last race,” said Molotsane, whose cause was aided by Grand Prix defending champion Van Zyl’s failure to close the gap on the leaderboard in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Molotsane needs a top 10 finish in the final leg in Johannesburg on October 8 to end Van Zyl’s slimmest chances at the R173 000 grand prize.
The Johannesburg race will be launched tomorrow.