South African 10km national champion Glenrose Xaba made history at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, shattering the South African national marathon record as well as the course record, all this in her marathon debut, in the Western Cape on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.
In a stunning performance, Xaba crossed the finish line in 2:22:22, obliterating Gerda Steyn’s national record of 2:24:03 set last year in Valencia and eclipsing the course record of 2:24:17. Her remarkable feat also saw her become the first South African woman to win the race in 14 years.
The marathon began with a tactical pace as the lead women’s pack, including some of the sport’s elite, passed the halfway mark in 1:12:17.
However, Xaba had a plan in motion.
With laser focus and relentless energy, the South African star ramped up the tempo, breaking away from the group as the race wore on.
In the final stages, Xaba showcased her fierce determination, surging ahead of her rivals. Former world champion Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia, who finished second in 2:22:36, and Kenya’s Pascalia Chepkogei, third in 2:22:49, could not match her intensity.
Xaba’s powerful finish left no doubt about her status as a rising marathon force, and her record-breaking performance not only cements her place in history, but will inspire future generations to greater heights.
Leading Women’s Results at the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
1. Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 2:22:22
2. Mare Dibaba Hurssa (Ethiopia) 2:22:36
3. Pascalia Chepkogei (Kenya) 2:22:49
4. Viola Chepngeno (Kenya) 2:23:23
5. Emmah Cheruto Ndiwa (Kenya) 2:25:14
6. Tsige Haileslase Abreha (Ethiopia) 2:27:07
7. Faith Chepkoech (Kenya) 2:28:00
8. Joan Jepkemoi Kipyatich (Kenya) 2:28:45
9. Alemenesh Herpha Guta (Ethiopia) 2:31:49
10. Emma Westensee (South Africa) 2:37:32
Photo Caption: South African 10km national champion Glenrose Xaba made history at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, shattering the South African national marathon record as well as the course record, all this in her marathon debut, in the Western Cape on Sunday. Photo: Screengrab from the Cape Town Marathon video on Facebook
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