Tayla Kavanagh edges Glenrose Xaba in Cape Town thriller to win Spar 10km series opener

Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood AC) leads second-placed Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) at the 8km mark, near the iconic Greenpoint Lighthouse, in Sunday’s highly competitive Cape Town Spar Women’s 10km Challenge10km race. Kavanagh won the 10km race in 31.33. Reigning SA 10km championTayla Kavanaghstunned pre-race favouriteGlenrose Xabato claim a breakthrough victory in theCape Town Spar Women’s 10km Challengein Green Point on Sunday, clocking a personal best time of 31:33.

Defending champion Xaba, who is chasing a record fourth Spar Grand Prix title, had to settle for second in the series opener in 31:38, while her Boxer teammateKyla Jacobsfinished third (32:16) andKarabo Morefourth (32:34). The 24-year-old Kavanagh chopped eight seconds off her previous PB of 31:41 that she set in Cape Town in October last year. She was also just 21 seconds outside Xaba’s national 10km record (31:12).

Xaba was five seconds off the pace, crossing the finish line in 31:38, while her Boxer teammate Kyla Jacobs took a big step forward in her comeback to elite competition by taking third place in a career-best 32:16. The top three finishers of the Cape Town Spar Women’s 10km Challnge in Greenpoint on Sunday 29 March 2026 are (from left) second- placed Glenrose Xaba (Boxer), winner Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood AC) and third-placed Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) with her 1-year-old baby girl. Xaba set a strong early pace, as is her trademark, but Hollywood Athletics Club runner Kavanagh stayed within striking distance.

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The diminutive KwaZulu-Natal athlete then produced a decisive surge over the final 50m to snatch a dramatic first win in the 10km series. “I had a really great race, felt really strong out there,” Kavanagh said afterwards. “The weather was perfect for Cape Town.

Usually it’s very windy out here, so I’m really happy with how the race went. I had a really honest, good fight with Glenrose out there. “I love racing against her, and we put in a good, hard effort out there today, so all-round it was a great race.I’m really grateful and blessed to take the win – just very happy with where I’m at.” “I love racing against her, and we put in a good, hard effort out there today, so all-round it was a great race.

Xaba admitted she had hoped Kavanagh would help push the pace, with the eventual winner opting to sit back before putting in a surge in the chase for the line. She was pleased with the result, however, with both Kavanagh and Xaba going well under 32 minutes ina fast race, where the top seven women all dipped under 34 minutes. a fast race, where the top seven women all dipped under 34 minutes

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