Local athletes are looking to run impressive times at the fourth leg of the women’s only 2025 10km SPAR Grand Prix Series taking place at Pollok Beach in Summerstrand.
Gqeberha’s Kelly van Vliet of Nedbank Running Club, who recently finished second in the Gelvandale 10km run, said she was aiming for a top 15 finish in Saturday’s sold-out women’s race.
“I’m going to give it my all,” Van Vliet said.
“Fitness is definitely coming along.
“Endurance is easier for me, speed strength is what I’m working on.
“Mike Mbambani is coaching me now, so we’ve got a whole new approach and goal.
“It’s exciting to find that love for running again and be so excited for sets and training sessions.
“Sometimes you need a change to renew your outlook.
“I am excited to see the ladies come down to Gqeberha, the best of the best is always an honour to be among.
“Most excited to see Glenrose [Xaba] and Tayla Kavanagh.
“I’ll try for a top 15 finish, but in a completely sold-out race, the main aim is to enjoy the vibes and the flat course as opposed to the 6km of climbing last weekend.
“The SPAR Ladies’ Race is always such a jol. You always find good competition.
“The PE [Gqeberha] ladies always find each other to compete with but also work together with.”
Defending champion Xaba of Boxer Athletics Club will be looking to stamp her authority on the race.
Xaba has won the first three races in the SPAR Grand Prix Series, notching up a five-point lead on the table.
She is aiming to become the third South African, after Rene Kalmer and Irvette can Zyl, to win the series three times.
Kavanagh, who won the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Pietermaritzburg in August, is another contender to look out for.
The Hollywood Athletics Club runner is in fine form and recently ran a personal best of 31min 53sec in the Total Sports 10km in Durban.
“I am hoping to execute a good race on Saturday.
“I always enjoy the challenge of running in a competitive race.
“My preparations have gone well, and I am looking forward to racing on Saturday,” Kavanagh said.
Saturday’s race starts and finishes at Pollok Beach.
The Herald
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