HELALIA Johannes returned to the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge series in a spectacular performance. She won the first leg in Gqeberha on Sat., setting an unofficial world record for veterans.
Johannes won the South African series for her first time since 2019, and showed that she is still one of the best at 41.
“The Namibian, who was so dominant in 2019 when she won all the races of the popular series in record time returned to the event after missing the 2021 edition and proved her superiority over a quality field. The series did not take place in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” iol.co.za reported, adding:
“In her absence last year, Tadu Nare dominated and won all the races and many were of the view that the Ethiopian could have run even quicker had she had stiffer competition.
“But on a cool morning in Gqeberha, it was the veteran Johannes who stole the show in a fantastic time of 31 minutes 53 seconds as the Nedbank Running Club’s international runners filled up the podium.”
Johannes, now 41, showed no signs she was ageing as her hard race left her younger competitors in her wake.
The race began at the three-kilometre mark, with Johannes, Nare, and Salem Gabre engaging in an interesting three-way battle for supremacy.
Gabre, a young debutant, was first to fall. This left the two former champions to try each other out.
Nare seemed content just to keep Johannes on her shoulder, the Ethiopian seeming confident and ready for action. Johannes broke free at 8km. Once she opened the gap, Nare could only hold on to the second place.
As they came into the Nelson Mandela University for the finish, it was Johannes all the way as the Namibian crossed the line to bag the R30 000 winner’s prize. She was also first veteran home.
Nare came in second at 32:11, Gabre was third at 33:23.
The Sunday Times reported that Johannes’ time was now a world record for veterans. However, it remains to be confirmed by them.
“On what was largely a flat course under good weather conditions, Johannes ran what turned out to be an unofficial world record for veterans, but it is yet to be confirmed by World Athletics (WA).
The current record is 32:14 but there is a complex process that needs to happen over the coming weeks before the 41-year is confirmed as the new record holder,” it said.
Johannes shared her surprise that she had run such a fast race after the race.
“Because of my preparation for this event, I am not surprised at the time that I ran because it was what I planned to run. When I reached the 8km mark, I realised that I was a bit late so I just went according to the time that I was expected to run.”
“I like to have Tadu and for me to run with her is very good because she is a fast runner. Because I know that I can run faster times, I’m always happy when I race with Tadu. Any position that I will take this season I will be happy for that.”
Nare said that she also enjoys the possibility of running against Johannes this season.
“It is very important to have someone challenging or better than you in order to push yourself. I used to walk with her for approximately four to five kilometers, but she disappeared. I now push to the 8-kilometre mark.
“So, it is encouraging to have someone challenging you and it is important for my own development and I welcome her presence here.”
Source: namibian
