All eyes will be on Glenrose Xaba, who lines up as the firm favourite for the gold medal in the women's race of the ASA 10 000m Championships, which is incorporated into the Cape Milers Club ASA Grand Prix meeting at Green Point Athletics Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night.

Xaba, who holds the national 10km and marathon records on the roads, has been tipped to give Elana Meyer's long-standing 10 000m record (30:52.51) a shake, provided weather conditions are suitable.

Given the opportunity to compete at sea level and chase fast times, some of South Africa's top distance runners will go for broke in this widely expected rat race.

Xaba is unlikely to be challenged at the front of the field, but there could be a tight battle for the remaining medals, led by Xaba's training partners and Athletics Gauteng North teammates Karabo Mailula and Karabo Motsoeneng. Cacisile Sosibo, representing Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), will also fancy her chances of stepping on the podium.

The men's 10 000m race will be wide open, and it should be a closely contested affair. The field includes the likes of Kabelo Melamu (CGA), Tumisang Monnatlala (Athletics Central North West) and Tumelo Motlagale (KwaZulu-Natal Athletics). Defending champion Nadeel Wildschutt will line up as the pre-race favourite for Boland Athletics and will be racing to keep the national title.

Meanwhile, the Cape Milers Club ASA Grand Prix (a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger meeting) is expected to be highlighted by the men's 1 500m race, which should produce fireworks. The field features national short track record holder Tshepo Tshite, as well as Ryan Mphahlele, Maxime Chaumeton and Olympic finalist Tshepiso Masalela of Botswana.

In other events, former SA record holder Jerry Motsau lines up in the men's 3 000m race, while Botswana's Ketlhobogile Haingura and Tumo Nkape go in the men's 800m race, and their compatriot Oratile Nowe is the favourite for the women's 800m contest.

"This is going to be an exciting middle distance offering, where fast times are the main attraction. It's our inaugural national championship and we are looking forward to a successfull evening. 

"We thank our partnership with the Cape Milers Club and our hosts Western Province Athletics. We wish all athletes a great and safe contest," 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.

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