High praise for running series

Playing a key role in the development of local women’s road running, the Spar Grand Prix 10km series was again lauded yesterday by provincial body Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) for its contribution over the last 11 years.

Launched in 2007, the series had since expanded to six races, attracting the largest fields of any road running campaign in the country, and lifting elite standards and depth.

Former series winners Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Mapaseka Makhanya, and twin sisters Lebo and Lebogang Phalula had all represented South Africa in road races at the Olympic Games or World Championships in recent years, along with the likes of Tanith Maxwell, Nolene Conrad, Jenna Challenor and Cornelia Joubert, who were all regular participants in the 10km campaign.

“The incentives offered to our women runners has taken them to greater heights, with recent Grand Prix winners dominating women’s road running,” CGA president James Moloi said.

While local runners continued to dominate the series, despite the campaign being opened to foreign runners for the first time this year, it was a hard-fought affair.

Former track specialist Kesa Molotsane (above) dominated her maiden campaign, and she was 21 points clear of Irvette van Zyl ahead of the sixth and final leg in Johannesburg on October 8.