Fiery rivalry set to reignite between Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh at Cape Town 10k

In what’s becoming one of the spiciest road running rivalries in South Africa, Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh will clash again at the Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10k on Sunday.

At the Spar Grand Prix 10km race in Cape Town in March, Kavanagh came out on top after a fierce duel between the pair.

Kavanagh crossed the line in 31:33, with Xaba just behind in 31:38.

Once both runners finished, Kavanagh approached her peer to shake hands and share an embrace, but Xaba snubbed her as she appeared visibly irritated.

Xaba Apologises Amid Rising Rivalry with Kavanagh in South African Athletics

Xaba later apologised for her reaction at the finish line, but there’s clearly a bit of niggle in their developing rivalry.

Who can blame Xaba really though? She’s the older athlete at 31 and is normally the favourite in any road race from 10km to the marathon in which she takes part in South Africa. Xaba is also the SA marathon record holder to boot.

Kavanagh, at 24 though, is rapidly rising and is already the SA 500m and 10,000m champion on the track.

Kavanagh welcomed the fierce competition with Xaba.

“Globally, women’s running is on the rise, and it’s exciting to be a part of that in South Africa,” said Kavanagh.

“It’s exciting to be in a position to run with Glenrose and challenge each other. The competition always helps raise the standards of running.

“Glenrose and I are really good friends and have a lot of respect for each other, but when we stand on the start line, we are fierce competitors.”

Xaba echoed the sentiments of Kavanagh.

“When I see Tayla on the start line, I expect a fast and competitive race because Tayla is a quality athlete,” says Xaba. “She always brings strong competition, and that pushes me to give my best. We motivate each other to run faster. It’s good for South African athletics when we can challenge the East Africans together.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport