Mosiako bosses Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km to signal Cape Town Marathon intentions

An emphatic victory at this morning's Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km race showed that Thabang Mosiako is back in the form that saw him become the first South African to break 28 minutes for 10km, thrice in once season. Taking control of the race just after the start on Corlett Drive in Johannesburg, The Nedbank Running Club top runner who won the national half marathon title in Phalaborwa in July, had built up a sizeable led before the halfway mark and run unchallenged as he crossed the finish line in an eye-catching 29:45 on the hilly route. Returning to the 10km winners circle for the first time in two years, a confident Mosiako admitted that today's performance bodes well for his Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut in five weeks.

All smiles for Mosiako who is back in his bets form. Photo Credit: Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km.

"It's my first time winning a 10km race since 2023, so it feels good to be back on top," he told the post-race press conference at the Wanderers Club in Illovo as he reflected on his runner-up position in the same race last year and his third place finish at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km two weeks ago. “This win has boosted my confidence but to be honest I'm a bit nervous about Cape Town because there are a lot of fast guys there. I’m worried about the 2:04 guys, so I'll only be completely sure about my shape after I do my last long run of 40km."

Mosiako earned R37500 for his victory while second place Bennet Seloyi who crossed the finish line in 30:00 took home R30 000, and the evergreen Stephen Mokoka banked a cheque of R27 500 for his 30:04 third place finish.

Ndinda defends her Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km title. Photo Credit: Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km.

In the women's race, Fridah Ndinda managed to shake off the attentions of ultra marathon queen Gerda Steyn. After running with Karabo Mailula for the first kilometre, the Kenyan pulled away from Mailula during the first climb and never looked back. Despite coming under late pressure from a fast finishing Steyn, Ndinda managed to hold on to take line honours in 35:18 and defend the title she won in 2024.

"I love racing in South Africa. Everyone is so friendly and the races are very well organised. It’s like a second home to me," said Ndinda who took third place at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km a fortnight ago. "When I went back to Kenya I did a lot of millwork because I know that Joburg is hilly. So that worked for me and I’m happy with the result."

The Smiling Assassin Gerda Steyn took a popular second place. Photo Credit: Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km.

For coming home in second place (35:52) with Mailula in third (36:12), Steyn said she was proud of her performance in what was her first race since winning a fourth Comrades Marathon title in June and thanked all 8000 runners and walkers who participated in the sold out event for supporting her.

"It's very important for me to spend time with other runners. It plays a huge part in my enjoyment of the sport as well.  I'm happy with my first Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km. I'm preparing for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon which is about a month and a half away now, so to be able to incorporate this race is always good."