Spectators will be treated to a masterclass in road running, with fast times on the cards when South Africa's top long-distance runners return to Gqeberha on Saturday 1 June 2024 for the annual ASA Half-Marathon Championships incorporated into Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon.

In the men's race, three of the athletes who formed part of the SA team who earned bronze in the team competition at last year's World Road Running Championships in Latvia - Thabang Mosiako, Precious Mashele and Elroy Gelant - will spearhead the line-up.

Mosiako will turn out in the colours of hosts Eastern Province Athletics (EPA) in defence of the national 21.1km title he won in Gqeberha last year.

Gelant, who recently won the national marathon title in Durban, will lead the Athletics Central North West (ACNW) team, and SA 10km record holder Mashele will represent Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).

Other contenders include the likes of in-form athlete Mathews Leeto (ACNW) and former winner Melikhaya Frans (EPA).

The women's race will be equally competitive, with Glenrose Xaba of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) targeting her fifth successive national half-marathon title. She will have to find top gear, however, against a strong field which also includes fellow sub-70 minute runner Cacisile Sosibo (CGA) and Olympic-bound marathon runner, Irvette van Zyl (AGN).

Other athletes to watch include experienced campaigner Kesa Molotsane of Athletics Free State (AFS) and twin sisters Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli and Lebo Phalula-Mzazi, both representing CGA.

"We are looking forward to this race which is long-awaited. 
In this year's edition we are also expecting nothing less than a quality contest and tight security. We thank you for the financial incentives on offer in the open race athletess this brings out the best out of the ," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 
 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS