Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Lebohang Phalula might not know much about Solomon Mahlangu except for what she read, but she is excited to have won a road race named after this liberation hero.

Running in the colours of University of Johannesburg (UJ), Phalula, 25, covered the 10km event in 34min and 31sec in Mamelodi yesterday.

"It's such a great feeling to have won the race named after one of our heroes who fought for the liberation of this country," said Phalula.

Finishing 29th in Jordan by Lebogang Phalula was the fourth best ever finish by a South African woman in the championships.

Phalula's twin sister, Lebo who is also running for UJ, finished second in 34:42 with Zimbabwean Varaidza Shindi of Mr Price coming third in 35:04.

In the men's section, Zimbabwean Wirimai Juwawi was the first to cross the finish line in 29:31, with compatriot Mike Fokoroni coming home 10 seconds later.

South African Joseph McKenzie of ADT finished third in 29:51. The race was part of the anniversary of the execution of Solomon Mahlangu, an Umkhonto We Sizwe soldier who went to the gallows for the liberation of South Africa 30 years ago today.

Molatelo Malehopo, Athletics South Africa (ASA), said: "We appreciate the support by Road Accident Fund in sponsoring the event.

"ASA, Athletics Gauteng North and Zwakala Athletics Club want to see the race growing in leaps and bounds."