Top Contenders Gear Up for ASA Road Running Championships

Posted : 24 July 2025

A stellar lineup of South Africa’s top distance runners will take to the streets of Namakgale, Phalaborwa this Saturday as the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Road Running Championships brings national titles into play across various distances. The event, hosted in the Limpopo province, promises high-stakes competition at altitude and serves as a major fixture in the national athletics calendar.

In the half-marathon category—integrated with the F21 Half-Marathon—Elroy Gelant and Glenrose Xaba will line up as the athletes to beat. Gelant, representing Athletics Central North West (ACNW), returns to defend the men's 21.1km national crown he won last year under tough conditions in Gqeberha. Joining him will be his teammate and fellow former national champion Thabang Mosiako, as well as the in-form Bennet Seloyi from Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), adding further depth to an already competitive field.

In the women’s half-marathon, Glenrose Xaba is chasing her sixth national title over the distance. Representing Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), she will face strong competition from CGA’s Cacisile Sosibo, who has also clocked sub-70-minute performances over 21.1km.

The 5km events are equally loaded with talent. On the men’s side, Jerry Motsau—formerly South Africa’s 3,000m track record holder—will represent ACNW. He’ll go up against seasoned athletes like former national 10,000m champion Andries Sesedi and his CGA teammate Chris Mhlanga. Western Province Athletics (WPA) will also be in contention, boasting strong runners such as Bruce-Lynn Damons and Ashley Smith.

Among the women, the 5km race promises to be tightly contested. AGN’s Karabo More and Simonay Weitsz will be aiming to lead their team to victory, but will need to fend off Zanthe Taljaard of Athletics Vaal Triangle, a known threat over middle distances.

The men’s mile (1.609km) is headlined by national record holder Ryan Mphahlele, representing CGA, who enters the race as the overwhelming favourite. In the women’s division of the same event, AGN is expected to dominate, with Carmie Prinsloo and Carina Swiegers leading their squad.

Reflecting on the significance of the championships, ASA President James Moloi noted the value of returning focus to domestic competition following a triumphant outing at the CAA African U18 and U20 Championships in Nigeria, where South Africa emerged as continental champions.

"We are pleased to take our championships to other provinces," said Moloi. "Hosting the event at high altitude offers a welcome challenge, and we extend our appreciation to Limpopo Athletics and the organisers of the F21 race for their role in bringing this together."

With strong provincial teams, seasoned champions, and rising stars all in action, the 2025 ASA Road Running Championships is set to deliver an exciting day of elite competition in Limpopo.

Top Contenders Gear Up for ASA Road Running Championships

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