Kavanagh dominates Durban leg of Totalsports Women's Race

Sensational young runner Tayla Kavanagh put in a scintillating performance to win the Durban Totalsports 10k women's race in a time of 33:10 at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium this morning. The race was one of three 10k races sponsored by Totalsports happening on the same day in three different cities across the country. The others were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

In cool weather conditions, Kavanagh cruised to a more than comfortable victory to win by more than a minute from second placed Jenna Chanellor (34:44) who is a Comrades Marathon gold medalist, while Nwabisa Mjoli (34:59) rounded the top three. Speaking to #TheTopRunner at the finish line, the 21-year-old Murray& Roberts Running Club athlete was delighted with her performance, especially after battling with a back injury over the past few weeks.

Kavanagh (centre), Challenor and SA Marathon Champion Janet Mbhele (left) pose for a photo before the start of the Totalsports Women's Race which took place in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town i celebration of National Women's Day. Photo Credit: Totalsports Women's Race.

"I'm so happy with the way I ran today. The weather conditions were fantastic for us as the runners to enjoy ourselves on the road," said an elated Kavanagh. "The past few weeks have been hectic for me as I battled with injury so I came here to test my fitness. I'm so happy with the time I ran today. This is a good place to celebrate my women's day because I get to meet all these wonderful women out there. Overall, I'm pleased to win the race."

Kavanagh burst onto the athletics scene during 2021 when she clocked a personal best of 32:10 on the way to winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k race last October which also incorporated with the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10km Championship. But the youngster who is coached by Andrew Booysen, announced that she won't defend her national title next weekend in Pretoria.

Kavanagh en route to winning her first SA title at the 2021 SA 10km Championships in Durban. She will not defend her title this year. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"Sadly, I won't be able to run the SA 10km Championships so I won't be able to defend my title. I think coming from the injury I have to take things easy for now. Other national champs will come in the future as age is still on my side. I'm looking to participate in other 10km races this year," she concluded.