Tayla Kavanagh edges Glenrose Xaba in Cape Town thriller to win Spar 10km series opener

Reigning SA 10km champion Tayla Kavanagh stunned pre-race favourite Glenrose Xaba to claim a breakthrough victory in the Cape Town Spar Women’s 10km Challenge in Green Point on Sunday, clocking a personal best time of 31:33.

Defending champion Xaba, who is chasing a record fourth Spar Grand Prix title, had to settle for second in the series opener in 31:38, while her Boxer teammate Kyla Jacobs finished third (32:16) and Karabo More fourth (32:34). The 24-year-old Kavanagh chopped eight seconds off her previous PB of 31:41 that she set in Cape Town in October last year. She was also just 21 seconds outside Xaba's national 10km record (31:12).

Xaba was five seconds off the pace, crossing the finish line in 31:38, while her Boxer teammate Kyla Jacobs took a big step forward in her comeback to elite competition by taking third place in a career-best 32:16. 

Xaba set a strong early pace, as is her trademark, but Hollywood Athletics Club runner Kavanagh stayed within striking distance. The diminutive KwaZulu-Natal athlete then produced a decisive surge over the final 50m to snatch a dramatic first win in the 10km series.

“I had a really great race, felt really strong out there,” Kavanagh said afterwards.

“The weather was perfect for Cape Town. Usually it’s very windy out here, so I’m really happy with how the race went. I had a really honest, good fight with Glenrose out there.

"I love racing against her, and we put in a good, hard effort out there today, so all-round it was a great race. I’m really grateful and blessed to take the win – just very happy with where I’m at."

Xaba admitted she had hoped Kavanagh would help push the pace, with the eventual winner opting to sit back before putting in a surge in the chase for the line. She was pleased with the result, however, with both Kavanagh and Xaba going well under 32 minutes in a fast race, where the top seven women all dipped under 34 minutes.

"I thought Tayla would come on board and we could help each other along the way, but she didn't take the lead, so I tried my best to push the pace," Xaba said.

"If she pushed the pace with me, I think we were going to run even better times, but I'm very happy with the result and it shows the standard in South Africa is improving. Well done to Tayla. She did so well and I'm proud of her."

Jacobs took a big step forward in her comeback to elite competition by taking bronze in a career-best 32:16. She was locked in a titanic early battle with More before breaking clear in the second half.

“I went through the first kilometre quite fast and then eased slightly. Karabo and I had a nice challenge, and around 5km I could see she was getting a bit tired, so I picked up the pace and followed Tayla and Glenrose.

"I decided to push on and I’m very happy with a big PB. I know the training is going well, so I’m glad everything came together today.”

Caster Semenya was unable to replicate her Top 10 finish from last year’s race – her debut over 10km – finishing 12th in 35:44.

The next leg of the five-race series will take place in Durban on June 28.