Gerda Steyn shines at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k, finishing second to Frida Ndinda

GERDA Steyn once again illustrated her versatility as a runner when she finished as runner-up to Kenya’s Frida Ndinda at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k race this morning.

An ultra marathon specialist, the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons record holder often moves down to the shorter distances to improve her speed and usually surprises the regulars.

She was at it again at the Wanderers Club Saturday when she ran the 24-year-old Ndinda close, the Kenyan winning in a time of 35:18 to make up for the runner-up berth from Hollywoodbets Durban 10K a fortnight ago and Steyn following shortly thereafter in 35:52.

Steyn beat young Karabo Mailula into third place, the Tuks athlete clocking 36:12 as Dikeledi Majara (36:3) and Cacisile Sosibo (37:07) rounded up the top five.

The Comrades queen who is hard in training preparing herself for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon said she had fun.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the run though coming into the race I was not 100 percent sure what to expect. In terms of the course I knew it would be challenging and I also knew the competition would be strong.

"But from a personal point of view I was not sure how my body would react because I am training hard at the moment, but still I wanted to put on a performance I am proud of.

"I wanted to make sure I ran strongly and that I could compete well just to put myself on the start line again and also focus on the sharp end of my speed work, It was a wonderful experience and I am very very pleased with the result today.”

In the men’s race, Thabang Mosiako continued with his fantastic form as he builds up for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, his second race in the 42.195km distance.

The South African half marathon champion had finished second behind Kamohelo Mofolo in Durban two weeks ago but took advantage of the Lesotho athlete’s absence by storming to victory in 29:45.

National marathon king Bennet Seloyi was second behind him in half an hour flat while the legendary Stephen Mokoka completed the podium four seconds thereafter.

Mosiako expressed delight at having won: “I feel so good, I am really happy and excited with my comeback. It’s been a while since I obtained number one. The confidence and the shape is coming back.”

Mosiako led from the gun and revealed that was the plan.

“I told myself I am gonna go from the start because I know that Stephen and Seloyi ae both preparing for Cape Town (Marathon in October) so if I can go first I know they can’t catch me. But I kept looking back because I know Stephen, this madala who does not want to get old, can give me problems.”

The Nedbank Running Club athlete said he was pleasantly surprised to clock the time he did.

“It was a shock for me running sub 30 because this course was hard last year. But this time we did not have that killer hill so the course was not that hard and I hope next year will be the same.”