Making her event debut on September 24, the indomitable Irvette van Zyl is ready to give defending champion Glenrose Xaba a go at the third annual FNB Joburg 10K Cityrun.
A mere three months after giving birth to her second child, van Zyl is excited to make her FNB Joburg 10K Cityrun debut and feels positive about her chances of winning.
“The pregnancy was good for me. I am back and hungry to race. I know that the FNB Joburg 10K Cirtyrun is a tough route, but I am happy with my shape so quickly after giving birth and I am very keen to race on September 24,” said van Zyl.
This will be an interesting head to head between the two as the last time they raced, a marshalling error saw Xaba go the wrong way in a 10km race with van Zyl crossing the line first. It is impossible to tell how the marshal error affected the outcome of the race as the results are still in question, so this means Monday will be the first real showdown between the two since van Zyl’s return to racing.
“It is not easy juggling two children, training and racing. I had to become more efficient and clever in how I manage my time. But this has in a way made my training easier as I have less time to myself, so I have to make every minute of training count.”
Van Zyl has run twice since her return from pregnancy, finishing fourth in a 10km women’s race on August 4 over a tough course where she clocked 34:56 and again on August 19 in the race that caused all the controversy. There she clocked 34:26, also on a tough course.
“By September 24, I know I will be in good shape and I am keen to see what I can do. Racing against Glenrose is always interesting. She is a fighter and you know it will be a tough race.”
Also confirmed for the race is Zimbabwean Rudo Mhonderwa who is renowned for her aggressive running.
Starting in front of FNB Bank City, runners (and walkers) will be treated to a 10km route experience that will highlight iconic landmarks and feature live performances by a host of Joburg’s leading performing arts groups.
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