Kenya’s Christine Njoki smashes African all-comers record at Totalsports Women’s Race Durban
Athletics
Kenya's Christine Njoki crosses the finish line first at the Totalsports Women's Race Durban on Sunday in a record time of 30:13.
Image: Anthony Grote
Kenya’s Christine Njoki stormed to the fastest 10km time on the continent by any woman as she defended her Totalsports Women’s Race Durban title in a jaw-dropping time of 30:14 in perfect, sunny conditions on Sunday morning.
The record was under threat early when the diminutive runner, who led from start to finish at the Suncoast Casino, went through the 5km mark in 14:45 — world record pace. She never let up in the second half on the fast, flat course, opening up a 300m gap to the chasing group as she smashed the all-comers record of 30:37.
“I feel so happy to defend my title. The race was good. I enjoy running here in South Africa and I’m so happy to run here again. And I ran my PB (personal best),” she told Independent Media after the race.
Lesotho's Neheng Katala (left) beat her national 10km record at the Totalsports Women's Race Durban on Sunday, while her Hollywood Athletics club teammate Tayla Kavanagh also ran a PB at home.
Image: Anthony Grote
“I said earlier I want to chase my PB here, so I had to run faster, because if I go with other people I know I couldn’t run my PB. So I had to chase my PB alone. From start to finish, I was alone.”
Njoki was asked what it meant to hold the all-comers record. “Today I made history because I could see that you can run a record on our own soil. There’s no need to go to Europe to run a record — even here, you can run a record,” she said.
There was a R1 million bonus on offer for anyone who could beat the women’s-only 10km world record of 29:27 on the day, but that mark remains intact.
Clare Ndiwa came in second in 31:37, while Jane Chacha finished third in 31:51, completing a clean podium sweep for the Kenyans.
Lesotho’s 10km national record holder, Neheng Khatala, delivered a superb performance to set a new national best of 31:53, securing an impressive fourth place overall.
The first South African runner home was Khatala’s Hollywood Athletics Club teammate, Tayla Kavanagh, who also set a new PB of 31:53 to finish fifth.
“The race was absolutely perfect, the weather was absolutely perfect,” said an elated Khatala. “I could see on my watch that I was running at a comfortable pace. I didn’t know I was on national record pace. I was just pushing with Tayla. We were communicating. From halfway, we just pushed a little more.
“It wasn’t about the position — it was about us pushing through the time. We were very focused. I am so excited. I’ve been trying to run sub-32 for so many years.”
Home favourite Kavanagh also dipped below 32 minutes for the first time in a 10km race, ensuring that South Africa featured in the top five.
Last year, Njoki claimed back-to-back Totalsports Women’s Race titles in Durban and Cape Town, and is confident of repeating the feat. The next race in the women-only series is on Saturday in the Mother City.
“Next week I’ll run the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town. If the weather is the same as today, I know I will run another PB there,” said Njoki, issuing a clear warning to her rivals.
Considering her form on Sunday, that is no idle threat.
Top 10 Elite Women
Christine Njoki (Kenya) – 30:14
Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) – 31:37
Jane Chacha (Kenya) – 31:51
Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) – 31:53 (NR)
Tayla Kavanagh (South Africa) – 31:53 (PB)
Shewaye Tolosa (Ethiopia) – 32:14
Silenat Ejigu (Ethiopia) – 33:01
Daisy Kimeli (Kenya) – 33:02
Getenesh Agafaw (Ethiopia) – 33:05
Monica Jeptarus (Kenya) – 33:09