Ethiopian Tadu Nare defends Spar series title with win in Cape Town

Ethiopian Tadu Nare successfully defended her Spar Grand Prix 10km Women's title on Sunday as South African roadrunners continued to struggle in the series.

The 21-year-old clinched the title claiming top honours in the Cape Town leg, which was the last race in this year's series, in a time of 31 min 53 sec.

She won the race ahead of countrywoman Selam Gebre (32:18) and Namibian veteran Helalia Johannes (32:21). 

Kesa Moletsane was the first South African to cross the line in fourth place in 33:15.

Nare’s victory in the Cape saw her clinch the Grand Prix title with five victories in six races. She finished second in the race in Gqeberha, which was won by Nedbank Running Club teammate Johannes.

Nare went on to claim victories in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Mbombela and Cape Town.

The Ethiopian won the Grand Prix title that comes with a cool R195,000 pay cheque with 171 points. Gebre finished second in the Grand Prix with 170 points while former winner Johannes was third with 145 points.

“I’m very happy and excited,” Nare said through a translator.

“The plan I had was to run sub-31 but it didn’t go as planned. I’m still happy with the outcome because I still came first.”

Nare only took the lead after 8.5km as local runner Cacisile Sosibo was the early leader in Cape Town. Johannes overtook Sosibo, who ended the race in eighth place, after 5km.

The last time a South African won the series was in 2018 when Glenrose Xaba won the title despite being disqualified for the Pietermaritzburg leg.

Nare did not commit on whether she could return to defend her title for a third time in succession next year. She said it would depend on her plan for what races to enter in 2023.

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