South African builds world champs confidence as Cherop edges Xaba in Tshwane thriller

Kenyan runner Doreen Cherop delivered a remarkable late-race performance to defeat defending champion Glenrose Xaba by a mere three seconds at the Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K on Sunday. The victory comes as a boost for Cherop, who is gearing up for the upcoming World Athletics Road Running Championships next month. Cherop timed her strategic move flawlessly, breaking away from Xaba within the final kilometre and holding onto the lead to secure her win in 31:35.

Xaba, who matched Cherop's strides throughout the race, crossed the line in 31:38, with Kenyan Deborah Chemutai completing the podium in 31:59. Xaba acknowledged that her preparations for the world championships were heading in the right direction following the race. The South African admitted that she only realized in the final 200m that she still had enough energy to challenge Cherop, but by then, Cherop had already established a significant gap.

"I'm feeling very happy and excited. The competition was very high, but I'm glad that I was able to push and fight until the finish," Xaba said. Cherop, who has been in impressive form in 2026, expressed her happiness and excitement after the win. Her time of 31:35 was just outside the 31:33 she ran in Cape Town, making the Durban victory her standout 10km mark of the season.