"It’s been a good year for me" -Khatala bags maiden Totalsports Women's Race title

Having never claimed top honours despite a number of top ten and podium finishes, Neheng Khatala celebrated her maiden victory at the Totalsports Women's Race in Durban yesterday. Lesotho's fastest 10km female athlete of all time produced an eye-catching 32:06 to dispatch a quality field including former Two Oceans Half Marathon champion Emma Pallant-Browne who took second in 32:45 and Kenya's Fridah Ndinda who rounded out the podium in 33:15.

“I’m so excited to be part of the race today,” said a very happy Khatala. “It’s been a good year for me. The race was great and the route is fast. We tried to push the pace, but unfortunately the wind made it difficult. The ladies were very strong, so we maintained the pace together. At around the 5km mark, I knew I was going to win the race," said Khatala who recently joined American coach James McKirdy's stable.

Neheng Khatala claims gold at the Totalsports Women's Race Durban. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote.

"I’m very grateful, and I’m also happy for the other ladies. Winning is always on my mind. As an athlete, you always have to aim to win. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, but you need to stay mentally strong and always strive for the win or the best possible position," she smiled.

Yesterday's performance was the second time this season that the Hollywood Athletics Club top runner ran under 32:10 after she clocked 32:08 to take third place at the Durban leg of the SPAR Women's Grand Prix on 28 June. The woman who represented The Mountain Kingdom over the marathon at #Tokyo2020 says she always runs well eThekwini.

The leading women’s elite field in action (from left to right) Emma Pallant-Browne, Agnes Mwaghui, Fridah Ndinda and Neheng Khatala. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote.

“Crossing the finish line first today means a lot to me,” she added. “Durban is where I set my national record. I missed it today, but I think if it hadn’t been for the wind, I would have run faster. I love this race. The organisers take great care of us, the event is exceptionally well organised, and everything is just perfect.”

After opening the women's only 10km series in Durban on 2 August, the Totalsports Women's Race next visits Cape Town on National Women's Day on 9 August.