'I have been working with Power 2 Health' - Xaba shares recovery protocol that keeps her winning week after week

When she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 25 August, Glenrose Xaba will be tackling her fourth race of the month. The reigning 5000m and 10 000m SA champion has been in scintillating form over the last two months setting a new SA 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 7 July, and then grabbing three consecutive podium finishes in as many weeks during Women’s Month. For her successes during August in particular, Xaba says her entire team must take the credit for ensuring that she recovers quickly between races.

"I have been working with Power 2 Health. They help athletes to recover using various methods such as ice baths, oxygen and ozone. I started working with them in 2020 when I had a knee problem. Now they understand my body because I have been attending their sessions consistently. I usually attend three recovery sessions a week when I am busy racing. It helps me a lot," she explained.

Her quick recovery between intense efforts means that the woman who won both the TSHWANE SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE on 3 August and the Johannesburg leg of Totalsports Women’s Race on 17 August, will once again be expected to take the fight to the East Africans at the fourth Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event of 2024. Run on a hilly course at altitude, the women affectionately known as SuperCharger takes on Lesotho 10km record holder Neheng Khatala, Olympian Blandina Makatisi also of Lesotho, perennial podium finisher Cacisile Sosibo and Ethiopia’s Ebste Atagoud Btaw.

"When it comes to hills, I destroy them," said Xaba jokingly after wining the Johannesburg leg of the Totalsports Women’s race (32:56) by over a minute from runner-up Diniya Abaraya of Ethiopia. "I’m very happy. It shows that if you believe in yourself, work hard, dedicate yourself and listen to what your coach says and follow the programme you’ll do much better."

In the men's race defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi will face-off against last year’s runner-up and SA 10km record holder (27:35) Precious Mashele, perennial sub 28 minute 10km performer Thabang Mosiako as well as Olympian Elroy Gelant who has dominated the 2024 Absa RYC. Mulaudzi who produced the second sub 28-minute 10km clocking of his career (27:53), when he took second place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July, wrapped up his Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K preparations with a dominant victory in the men's 4km race at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Cross Country Championships in Kagiso on Saturday 17 August and is ready for action.

"My training has gone well after my run at the Absa DURBAN 10K. I have been running the Central Gauteng Athletics Cross Country League races, so my fitness is still at the same level. The Absa TSHWANE 10K course is actually not so tough for me. Last year, I ran well there, so I think the route is okay. I actually find the Absa JOBURG 10K course to be the toughest of the series."

"We are excited to host the fourth event of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, on Sunday, 25 August," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "This race will bring together top local and international talent, including Glenrose Xaba, Neheng Khatala, Kabelo Mulaudzi, Precious Mashele, Elroy Gelant and Thabang Mosiako. Their participation underscores the event's status as a premier competition in South African athletics. Strong competition like this pushes the boundaries of what's possible and inspires everyone involved, from elite athletes to everyday runners, to strive for their personal best. We can't wait to see these incredible athletes in action and to witness the thrilling race that will unfold on the streets of Tshwane."