'My wish is to run 2:19' - Xaba grabs podium at Lisbon Half to signal as she plans to attack SA Record at Valencia Marathon

Having declared her intentions to race her first Abbott World Marathon Major race in 2026, Glenrose Xaba underlined her credentials by delivering a podium finish at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday. Xaba clocked an impressive 1:08:37 which was the second fastest 21km of her career as she came within just 18 seconds of her lifetime best to grab third position behind Kenya’s Cynthia Chpekwony (1:07:20) and Ethiopia’s Chaltu Dida Diriba (1:08:12).

Reflecting on a season that has seen her defend her SPAR Grand Prix title while winning Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K race in Cape Town and Tshwane and the national 10km cross country and half marathon titles, Xaba might be forgiven for popping the champagne. But having confirmed her participation in the Valencia Marathon on 7 December, the 30-year-old says it’s too early to celebrate her 2025 accomplishments because the year is not over yet.

Xaba celebrates victory in her debut marathon - the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. She will compete in only her second marathon, the Valencia Marathon on December 7, where she is aiming to become the first South African woman to break 2:20. Photo Credit: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon media.

"I can rate my 2025 performance as eight out of 10 because I have not yet finished my season. I still have more goals that I need to get. My goal is to run very fast and achieve the national record in the 42km. My aim is to run under 2:20. My wish is to run 2:19," said Xaba who set the SA record of 2:22:22 with a memorable victory on her marathon debut at the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

Xaba reveals that the Lisbon Half Marathon and the Valencia Marathon are all stepping stones toward the 2026 season when she will tackle her first World Marathon Major race, while targeting Elana Meyer's 1:06:44 national half marathon record.

"I won't do as many 10km's as I did this year because I will be focusing on half marathons ahead of the World Half Marathon Champs next year, while also looking towards major marathons because I need to start taking part in major marathons. I'm looking forward to give my best and return with a personal best around 68 or 67 minutes. 66 minutes would be a bonus for me. My wish is to break the SA Record so I can have all the records set by my role model Elana Meyer."