Gelant & Mailula defend 10km titles as Choba & More win sold out Thembisa Mile

After a disappointing showing at the World Championships and the cancelation of last week’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Elroy Gelant returned to winning ways with a confidence-boosting performance at the Thembisa Mile 10km yesterday (Sunday 26 October). The 3-time Olympian and SA Marathon record holder survived a stiff challenge laid down by Kenya’s Erick Ngeno in the first half to defend his title in a lightening quick 29:13.

"I have to thank Donald Mathipa and his organising committee for organising such a great race, especially because it's a community event - it's not easy," said the Boxer AC top runner after smashing the course record of 29:36 set by Namakoe Nkhasi in 2017. 

Gelant leads the men's 10km race with Ngeno, Mhlanga and Msawenkosi Mnisi for company. Photo Credit: Tumi Kekana.

"It was quite hard, but being the defending champ motivated me to go for the win again this year. It's a great feeling because after the World Championships I was struggling a bit with form, but slowly but surely it’s coming back. I can feel the rhythm is starting to come."

Behind Gelant, Ngeno held on for second (29:18) as Chris Mhlanga took third in 29:32 to be crowned Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) champion at the event which doubled as the provincial 10km championships and was sponsored by the Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital.

The women’s 10km race also saw the triumph of the race’s defending champion. Karabo Mailula crossed the finish line in a commanding 34:05 to win by over two minutes from Elizabeth Hutamo (36:13) as Ziphora Kingori of Kenya rounded out the podium eight seconds later. The University of Pretoria athlete who hails from Soshanguve says the sense of community she enjoys from taking part in township races is what keeps her coming back year after year.

Mailula dominated the women's 10km race. Photo Credit: Tumi Kekana.

"I'm so happy that I won The Thembisa Mile for the second time. I want to support this local race. I love to run local races, whether it's Thembisa Mile or the Soshanguve Run, just to be part of it. I just enjoy running them," said the 23-year-old honours student whose training partner Karabo More won the much anticipated Senior Women’s mile race.

More clocked 4:31 on the undulating course which hugged the perimeter of the Olifantsfonetin Sports Grounds to get the better of 800m specialist Naum Bopape (4:46) and Phanatane AC’s Ntsoaki Molahloe (4:51), who had travelled from KwaZulu-Natal to take part in an event whose list of former winners include such global stars as Caster Semenya and Prudence Sekgodišo.

3000 10km runners and walkers and 500 mile participants enjoyed the 2025 Thembisa Mile presented by Lenmed Zamokuhle Hospital. Photo Credit: Tumi Kekana.

Bringing the curtain down on the day’s proceedings which included U14, U16, U19 and Walking Mile races, was the Senior Men’s mile. In absence of 2024 victor Luan Munnik, his Potch Track Club teammate Keanu Domingo carried the flag of the training group which is coached by Jean Verster. After giving it everything, Domingo was forced to yield to Abednico Choba who prevailed in a sprint finish as the two men were given the same time (4:03), while reigning SA 4km cross country champion Sibusiso Msibi claimed third position (4:08).

Reflecting on the success of the sold out event, Mathipa thanked the 3500 participants and sponsors for making the 13th edition of the #RunningParty memorable. "The event was very impactful and we are happy with the turnout. Thanks to all the sponsors for making this event possible. There are still a lot of things that we still need to do. All we need is the support of the coaches, parents and athletes themselves and we will make it."