While there is a lot of rain predicted, Saturday’s races are set to thrill. Defending champion Bennett Seloyi lines up once again as the man to beat in the men’s race. 

The Central Gauteng athlete has been in tremendous form this year, and after already bagging the national marathon title in February, he now has a chance to complete a rare national double. He’s confident, he’s sharp, and he knows these streets can bring out the very best in him. But he won’t be handed anything on a silver platter.

The field chasing him is loaded with quality. His CGA teammate Chris Mhlanga is always dangerous over 10 km, while former SA 3 000 m record holder Jerry Motsau brings both speed and experience. 

Bennett Seloyi. Photo: Cecilia van Bers

Add national steeplechase champion Ashley Smith, KwaZulu-Natal’s Cwenga Nose, Boland’s Deon-Lee Hendricks, and exciting 20-year-old Musawenkosi Mnisi, and suddenly the men’s race becomes wide open. Any slip from Seloyi, and the title could change hands very quickly.

The women’s race, meanwhile, promises just as much intrigue.

With defending champion Glenrose Xaba not featuring this year, the door swings wide open – but Tayla Kavanagh has done more than enough this season to slam it shut again. The KwaZulu-Natal star has been red hot, and her 31:41 personal best in Cape Town last month turned plenty of heads. If she strings together another performance of that calibre, she’ll be very hard to stop.

Chris Mhlanga. Photo: UJ

That said, she won’t have the luxury of taking her foot off the gas. Her KZN teammate Ntsoaki Molahloe has been building brilliantly this season, while AGN’s training partners Karabo Mailula – second at last year’s nationals – and Karabo More will be looking to spoil the party.

ASA acting president John Mathane urged runners to race hard, race fair and enjoy the moment.

“I extend my best wishes to every athlete taking to the road this weekend. This event is not just a test of speed and endurance, but also a celebration of dedication, discipline, and the true spirit of South African athletics.

“Each stride represents the countless hours of preparation and commitment that make our sport so special. Run with pride, knowing you carry the hopes of your clubs, provinces, and our nation.

Karabo Mailula. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg

“As you chase personal bests and championship titles, remember that safety and sportsmanship come first. Look after one another on and off the course, respect officials and competitors, and enjoy every moment of this experience.

“May this championship deliver great performances, lasting memories, and set the tone for an even stronger athletics season. Run well, run safe, and let excellence be your goal.”

With so much talent on the line and national titles up for grabs, Bloemfontein is ready to deliver a fast and fiery morning of road running. The ASA 10 km Championships start at 06:00 on Saturday from the OFM office in Christo Groenewald Street.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs