'I'll be happy with any time since it's my debut' - Xaba targets top 5 at Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

With the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon scheduled to take place this weekend, all eyes are on Glenrose Xaba to see how her much anticipated marathon debut will go. Xaba headlines a strong contingent of South African women who are aiming for top honours at the World Marathon Majors candidate event which has assembled some world class East Africans. Xaba though is not daunted by her opposition choosing instead to trust her excellent 2024 form. This year the 29-year-old managed to break Elana Meyer's long-standing national 10km record, when she ran an incredible 31:12 during Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in early July. Xaba says it's all system go for her first 42,2km race. 

"It was very hard in the beginning when I started to prepare for the marathon. But in the end, things went according to plan and I'm looking forward to make my debut. I'm a little bit nervous as I'm going to attack this new distance. I'm quite ready though and it's all up to me at the moment. The most important thing is to be strong mentally and be patient on race day. I'm looking forward to see how things will end up," she told #TheTopRunner.

Xaba takes on world class East African opposition during the Totalsports Women's Race in Cape Town in August. She will do the same during the Cape Town Marathon Sunday 20 October. Photo Credit: Mark Sampson.

The 29-year-old Boxer Athletics Club runner has downplayed the possibility of a running below the SA marathon record mark of 2:24:03 set by Gerda Steyn. Xaba says it's all in God's hands.

"I have heard the talks of SA record but the main purpose is go out there and enjoy. If I manage to run the record, it will all come from God and will also be a result of the hard work I'm putting in during training. I'll be happy with any time I'm going to achieve since it's my debut. But I've got good history when I'm running a new distance. In my first half marathon, I ran 71 minutes without proper training then on my second attempt, I ran 69 minutes. So I'm hoping for the same results," she said.

Cian Oldknow, Glenrose Xaba and Cacisile Sosibo working together during an ASA Championship race. Xaba and Oldknow headline the field of South African field elite women at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where they will once again aim to work together. Photo Credit: ASA Media.

If her 2024 form is anything to go by, then few would bet against SuperCharger (as the diminutive runner is affectionately known) beginning her marathon career with a memorable performance. Xaba has been dominating this year winning 5 000m and 10 000m titles on the track, as well as the 10km and 21km road SA titles. She says a good run in Cape Town would be the perfect way to end her season. 

"If I can be in the top five in Cape Town then I would regard this year as the best I ever had. My grandmother gave me blessing late last year saying my life shall go well," she smiled.