While competing at the World Road Running Championships, Tayla Kavanagh set a national and provincial record for South Africa, during the Women’s 5km.
Riga, Latvia (03 October 2023) – The South African team at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, have been making us proud! Tayla Kavanagh, competing against some of the world’s best, managed to set a new national and provincial record for the women’s 5km (15:50). Only one second behind her was fellow South African Kyla Jacobs (15:51).
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe declared Riga the World Road Running Capital for 2023 and athletes and supporters flocked to the historic city to take part in this year’s championship. The event ran from the 29th of September to the 1st of October 2023.
Tayla Kavanagh placed 15th in her race and while doing so, set a new record time for South African women and KwaZulu-Natal women.
Tayla brings home the new record time and the men’s team brought home a Bronze for the Half Marathon, securing the first medal in 24 years at the championship. A few additional records and personal bests were set, as shared by Athletics South Africa.
“There were also SA records in both the mile (1.6km) races – the newest distance to be officially recognised by World Athletics for record purposes.
Ryan Mphahlele rocketed over the line in sixth position, stopping the clock at 3:57.35. He finished just 0.92 shy of a medal.
Carina Viljoen took 15th position in the women’s mile in a new national mark of 4:39.01.” – Athletics South Africa
The team was made up by some truly amazing South Africans!
Women’s
- Kyla Jacobs
- Tayla Kavanagh
- Kesa Molotsane
- Cian Oldknow
- Cacisile Sosibo
- Carina Viljoen
- Glenrose Xaba
Men’s
- Maxime Chaumeton
- Elroy Gelant
- Precious Lesiba Mashele
- Stephen Mokoka
- Thabang Mosiako
- Ryan Mphahlele
- Nicholas Seoposengwe
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