Long-distance runner Precious Mashele broke the South African 10km record on Sunday, taking second place against a strong field at the Absa Run Your City race in Gqeberha.
Taking advantage of the fast, flat course, Mashele completed the race in 27:35, just 12 seconds behind pre-race favourite Daniel Ebenyo who clocked 27:23.
Mashele took three seconds off the national record (27:38) which had been set by Stephen Mokoka in Manchester in 2015.
Thabang Mosiako also did well to finish third on Sunday in a personal best of 27:52.
It was the first time two SA athletes dipped under 28 minutes in the same race.
Ethiopian athlete Bekelech Teku Wariyo won the women’s race in 31:36 and Glenrose Xaba was the first South African home, finishing fourth overall in 32:23.
“Excellent running by Mashele!,” said James Moloi, President of Athletics South Africa.
“If there was one athlete to break the 10km record at this point, it was him and we congratulate him, his coach and teammates for this achievement. But our athletes have to work harder to dominate all competitions where there are international athletes involved especially here on home soil.
“Mashele’s national record is now the new target for our athletes when we converge for the ASA 10km Championships in Mpumalanga. It should also inspire our women runners to do the same.”