Masai Kibet described South Africa as his second home after producing an impressive performance to secure his maiden series victory. And Xaba underlined her status as one of the country’s leading road-running stars with a commanding display in the women’s race.

A sold-out field of 5,000 runners turned out for the first Free State edition of the popular road-running series, bringing colour and excitement to the streets of Bloemfontein on a warm Sunday morning.

Filex Masai Kibet of Kenya led from start to finish. Photo: Morgan Piek

Starting at Grey College, the runners tackled a flat but demanding course through the city before finishing along Kings Way, between the Loch Logan Waterfront and Toyota Stadium.

Masai Kibet wasted little time in stamping his authority on the men’s race, setting the pace from the outset and maintaining his advantage all the way to the finish line.

The Kenyan crossed the line in a blistering 28:14 to secure a comfortable victory, though he fell short of the personal best of 27:19 he had hoped to challenge before the race.

5,000 runners took the streets of Bloemfontein on Sunday. Photo: Morgan Piek

Kabelo Mulaudzi was the first South African runner home, finishing second in 28:43, while compatriot Zenzile Pheko completed the podium in 28:54.

Kenyan Nicholas Losiwareng finished fourth in 29:08, followed by South Africa’s Musawenkosi Mnisi in 29:11.

Xaba lived up to expectations in the women’s race, becoming the first champion of the Mangaung leg with a winning time of 32:10.

The South African had arrived with ambitions of setting a personal best, but the warm conditions and demands of the course meant that target remained just out of reach. Nevertheless, she delivered a strong performance to secure the inaugural title

Kabelo Mulaudzi was the first South African runner to cross the finish line. Photo: Morgan Piek

Kenya’s Jackline Rotich finished a close second in 32:15, just five seconds behind Xaba, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala claimed third in 32:19. Kenyan runners Maurine Chepkorir and Naomi Chepkorir finished fourth and fifth in 32:34 and 34:36 respectively.

Reigning Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn was another major attraction on the start line. Born in Bothaville and a former student in Bloemfontein, Steyn was competing in the city for the first time.

Although the 10km distance is considerably shorter than the marathons and ultra-marathons for which she is renowned, Steyn produced a respectable sixth-place finish in 35:01.

There was plenty of gees along the route in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

True to her trademark cheerful approach to running, Steyn enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to tackle the course for a second time, sharing her smile with those lining the route.

The inaugural event proved to be a welcome addition to Bloemfontein’s sporting calendar, with thousands of participants and spectators creating an energetic atmosphere in the Free State capital.

Men (Top 10) : 1 Filex Masai Kibet (Kenya) 28:14, 2 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:43, 3 Zenzile Pheko (South Africa) 28:54, 4 Nicholas Losiwareng (Kenya) 29:08, 5 Musawenkosi Mnisi (South Africa) 29:11, 6 Precious Mashele (South Africa) 30:19, 7 Stephen Mokoka (South Africa) 30:20, 8 Shedrak Hasani (Tanzania) 30:22, 9 Elex Moyo (South Africa) 30:27, 10 Thabiso Ramaisa (Lesotho) 30:44

Women (Top 10) : 1 Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 32:10, 2 Jackline Rotich (Kenya) 32:15, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 32:19, 4 Maurine Chepkorir (Kenya) 32:34, 5 Naomi Chepkorir (Kenya) 34:36, 6 Gerda Steyn (South Africa) 35:01, 7 Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho) 35:17, 8 Ntsoaki Molahloe (South Africa) 35:30, 9 Este van Tonder (South Africa) 37:24, 10 Kirsti Bell (South Africa) 39:04

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs