Molotsane beats flu to win race
Flying start by Spar series queen
Kesaoleboga Molotsane shrugged off a bout of flu to power to victory in the first leg of the Spar Women’s Challenge yesterday.
The Bloemfontein based athlete simply known as “Kesa” secured the win in the 10km with a time of 34:10 at the Bellville Stadium.
The 26-yearold took the step to defending her title after winning the overall Grand Prix Series last year.
The six-race series has stops in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg, in that order.
“I woke up not feeling well. I have a sore throat, my body just decided to shut down,” said Thaba Nchu-born Molotsane, who works as an athletics administrator at the University of the Free State.
After the win, the middle distances star was not getting carried away and did not want to create high expectations of defending her crown.
“I don’t think someone [can] say they come to lose. I’m keeping positive for the rest of the series.
“I didn’t expect my season to start-off like this after some health issues.” Glenrose Xaba, 23, was the runner-up with a time of 34:39, while former two-time winner Irvette van Zyl finished third in 35:07. Despite Molotsane’s victory, Van Zyl’s podium finish really raised eyebrow as she is seven months pregnant. Van Zyl, who is expecting a baby boy, said it was not usual for her to run with a bump.
“This is my second pregnancy and it was not a problem for me. The little one accommodated me to run a nice race.
“He didn’t kick, usually he kicks a lot when I’m running. I’m 27 weeks now,” said the 30-year-old.
The versatile runner is planning to participate in the Two Oceans Half Marathon on Saturday.