Lebogang storms to race, Grand Prix victories
LEBOGANG Phalula secured the Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix series title after winning the final leg of the event in a time of 35:08 at the Wanderers stadium in Johanneburg yesterday.
Following her twin sister’s Grand Prix win last year, Lebogang has always said it was her objective to win the title this year.
“Thank God,” Lebogang said with a huge smile. “I have always said this is my year after my sister won the series last year. I have been working very hard throughout the year preparing for all the races. And I’m glad to see that my hard work has eventually paid off.
“This race means a lot to me and my family, and I look forward to it every year.”
Phalula went on to talk about going through difficult times in her career, when she was banned for substance abuse in 2011 and says that helped her to improve and come back to the sport as a better athlete.
“That was the most difficult time of my career, but I don’t want to look back anymore. Whenever you google my name, there is always those stories of me about doping. But I have decided to focus on the future and become a better person and athlete.”
With the Spar Grand Prix done, Phalula says she will now focus on the upcoming Soweto Marathon.
“My last event for the year will be the Soweto Marathon and next year I will be focusing on qualifying for the Olympics. It has been a great year for me.”
Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora said she was happy with her second place effort.
“I have had a very good year, and I am very proud that I finished in the top three in all the Spar races this year.”
Diana-Lebo Phalula, who was the first South African home in the Cape Town Marathon three weeks ago, said her main ambition yesterday was a podium finish.
Former Grand Prix winner Irvette van Zyl, who gave birth five weeks ago, surprised everyone, including herself, by finishing in 11th place. “I only started running again this past week, so I am very proud of myself,” she said. “But next year I’ll be going all out to start winning the Challenge races again, and I also want to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 10 000m,” she said.
There was a record entry yesterday of 13 358 runners for the 10km Challenge and the 5km Fun Run.