Makhanya has one hand on car keys

IN-FORM distance runner Mapaseka Makhanya should drive home in a new car on Sunday in Johannesburg after the 2013 Spar 10km Challenge.

The 26-year-old Makhanya is leading her nearest rival, Irvette van Zyl, by 29 points points in the Challenge Grand Prix standings.

The athlete finishing first gets 20 points in the Grand Prix and an additional 10 points if they break the course record.

Makhanya is gunning for her third successive win in this event.

Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora - who does not qualify for the Grand Prix because she is a foreigner - won the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth legs of the series.

Van Zyl is going into this race fresh from winning the Petro SA half-marathon in Mossel Bay two weeks ago.

Makhanya, who is coached by Lungile Bikwani, is predicts yet another victory, which will see her being presented with car keys to drive home in Soweto.

"I know there is a remote chance that Irvette can overtake me, but I'm going all out to win the Joburg race, just to make sure that car comes to me."

Makhanya got her driver's licence earlier this year.

Bikwani - who also coaches other top runners such as Tshamano Setone, Thato Molatedi and Sam Mathabatha - expects Makhanya to win, but wants to see her running faster times.

"I want her to start running faster times to get international invites," Bikwani said.

Makhanya won an 800m event in Mauritius and finished second in Congo over the same distance.

The Transnet Athletic Club member went on to win the Gauteng Challenge marathon when she made her debut in the standard marathon (42.2km).

Two Ethiopian runners, Yeshimebet Tadesse Bifa and Alemtsehay Hailu Kakissa, have also confirmed their participation in the race.

l The Alex Butterflies will benefit from proceeds of the Nike We Run Jozi night road race taking place on October 12.

The sports apparel company's communications manager, Seruscka Naidoo, said they were expecting 10000 runners to compete in the event.

Naidoo said from each participant's entry fee, R20 will be donated to the athletics development programme for primary school children.

The entry fee is R200 in the open category and R100 for learners with a valid student card.

l The 19th Diepkloof half-marathon will take place on October 27.