Mohale, Van Blerk win SA 10km champs
SA half-marathon champion Lucky Mohale led from start to finish in the South African 10km Championships to claim the title in Germiston on Sunday.
Mohale opened up a gap between himself and the rest of the pack at the outset, and did not relinquish his lead at any point in the race.
Defending champion Stephen Mokoka only picked up the pace at the halfway mark after he had a nasty fall. Mokoka broke away from the main pack and left the likes of Kgosi Tsosane, Xolisa Tyali, Richard Mavusa and Elroy Galant in his dust in an attempt to chase down Mohale.
It was, however, not enough to threaten Mohale who for most of the race enjoyed a lead of approximately 25 metres.
Mokoka finished in second place with Tsosane in third.
The 25-year-old Mohale said he trained hard for this race and knew he would take national honours if he led from the start.
"Last week I led from start to finish at the RAC 10km race in Randburg and felt prepared for the champs," said Mohale.
He said he also knew Mokoka would have a good go at defending his title and needed to nullify Mokoka's strong kick.
Irvette van Blerk dominated for most of the race to successfully defend her senior women's title.
She had to catch up to Lebo and Lebogang Phalula, who started at a fast pace.
Van Blerk, however, caught up with the twins at the 1km mark and took the lead a kilometre later. She held on to her lead to win the race comfortably.
"It was much easier than last year's champs when I had to kick at the end to win the race," said Van Blerk.
Lebo finished in second place with Lebogang in third.
OPEN MEN
1 Lucky Mohale (CGA) 29.00
2 Stephen Mokoka (NGA) 29.16
3 Kgosi Tsosane (AGN) 29.20
4 Xolisa Tyali (AGN) 29.20
5 Richard Mavuso (AGN) 29.25
6 Elroy Galan (ACNW) 29.26
7 Lindikhaya Mthangayi (WPA) 29.44
8 Sibusisi Nzima (CGA) 29.49
9 Lungisa Mdedelwa (ATRA) 29.52
10 Gladwin Mzazi (AGN) 29.59
OPEN WOMEN
1 Irvette van Blerk (CGA) 34.03
2 Lebo Phalula (CGA) 35.01
3 Lebogang (CGA) 35.07
4 Louisa Leballo (AGN) 35.10
5 Zintle Xiniwe (WPA) 35.38
6 Christine Kalmer (CGA) 35.52
7 Nolene Conrad (CGA) 35.55
8 Ntombesintu Mfunzi (EPA) 36.01
9 Maxine Heine Wacker (CGA) 36.06
10 Charne Bosman (AGN) 36.38