Glenrose Xaba sets sights on marathon record after Grand Prix hat-trick

HER 10km targets for the season achieved after she captured a third SPAR Grand Prix Series title in spectacular fashion by winning all five races, Glenrose Xaba has now set her sights on running a standard marathon personal best — a feat that could set the national record.

The Boxer Athletic Club starlet stormed to victory in the final race in Johannesburg on Sunday morning, immediately revealing that she will compete in the Valencia Marathon at the end of the year.

“I would rate my season 8 out of 10 but it is not finished yet. I still have more goals that I need to achieve. I want to run very fast in the half marathon and achieve the national record in the marathon. I want to run under 2:20,” Xaba said, having cantered to victory in 33:07, beating second-placed Diniya Abaraya by 35 seconds. Irvette Van Zyl was third in 34:35.

“The marathon I am preparing for now is Valencia. It will be good for me because they are running fast times there.

"I will be happy to get that fast time but it will depend on the day because you can be fit enough to run the time you want and if the body does not respond you cannot force it. And it also depends on the weather. I am expecting to be healthy on the day and that the weather will be perfect.”

Xaba, who ran 2:22:22 in her standard marathon debut at last year’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to dethrone Gerda Steyn as the national queen, says she welcomes Steyn challenging her record, as it will inspire her for Valencia.

“I am not worried about the SA record. Gerda can challenge the record because records are made to be broken. It can be nice if she breaks it so that I can have that mentality of going for it when I race Valencia.”

Known for her fearless approach, Xaba was in imperious form on Sunday, taking the lead early after Van Zyl had set the pace for the first four kilometres.

“I am very excited with the way I raced. The course was very challenging but I am happy. Irvette pushed the pace until the fourth kilometre, thanks Irvette,” she said, looking at Van Zyl.

“I started focusing on the splits and readings after the six-kilometre mark and when we approached the eight-kilometre point I knew the race was won. I am very happy to have won all the races.”

Xaba earned a total of R425 000 for her efforts — R200 000 for winning the Grand Prix, R150 000 for all five victories, and R75 000 for being the number one South African in the Series.

“I am going to invest the money so I can buy a big house,” she added.