From the early stages, it was clear the race would be fast and fiercely competitive. The tempo lifted almost immediately, and by the 1km mark, Xaba surged to the front in a decisive move to test the field. Only one athlete could go with her, and that was Kavanagh. The pair broke away quickly, settling into a strong rhythm at the front while the rest of the field struggled to respond. Representing Hollywood Athletics Club, Kavanagh once again demonstrated why she is one of the club’s premier Elite Purple Stars. Calm under pressure and tactically sharp, she stayed patient throughout the race, matching Xaba stride for stride.
“My race this past weekend went really well,” Kavanagh said. “I am super happy with how I executed it from start to finish. Kyla took the race out for us and by 1km, me and Glenrose were together in the front and found some good rhythm. It was neck and neck the entire race.”
True to her race plan, Kavanagh relied on her finishing speed. Having committed to sitting and kicking late, she waited for the perfect moment, and with 300 metres to go, she struck. “Coming into the final turn of the race I felt I still had another gear and managed to create a gap as we came into the finish line,” she explained.
Kavanagh crossed the line in a blistering 31:33, continuing her impressive run of consistently fast times over the distance. Fellow Purple Star Elite athlete Irvette van Zyl finished a brilliant 7th, running 33:42 and signalling that she is ready for a great race next weekend as the multiple Two Oceans Marathon podium finisher gets ready to tackle yet another 56km adventure.
Kavanagh’s progression in recent months has been notable, with growing confidence playing a key role. “Last season I managed to achieve some good performances which helped build my confidence, so going into this year I’ve been looking for consistency from where I left off last year,” she said.
With her focus firmly on the 10km this season, questions naturally arise about bigger goals, perhaps even a national record. However, Kavanagh remains grounded in her approach. “I’m always looking to improve and grow as an athlete, so an SA record would be fantastic. But that’s not my main focus right now. If I can produce consistent good results, it might then be possible.”
Uniquely, Kavanagh operates as a self-coached athlete, often training on her own, something that requires a high level of discipline and internal motivation. “I have always been a dedicated and disciplined athlete and my motivation comes from myself wanting to improve. I enjoy training on my own and have had no problem in motivating myself to my own goals,” she added.
At the heart of her success is the strong backing she receives from Hollywood Athletics Club, where she proudly represents the Elite Purple Stars. “I really enjoy running for Hollywood Athletics Club. The team is super supportive and I am fortunate to be backed by the purple team helping me to achieve my goals.”
Kavanagh’s victory in Cape Town not only highlights her exceptional form but also reinforces the strength and depth within Hollywood Athletics Club. As one of the club’s Elite Purple Stars, she continues to raise the bar, both for herself and for South African road running.
Tayla Kavanagh produced a standout performance at this past weekend’s SPAR Ladies 10km in Cape Town, claiming a superb victory over defending series champion Glenrose Xaba in a thrilling head-to-head contest.
The 2026 Hollywoodbets 10km has officially launched, promising increased prize money, enhanced runner experience, and a major digital upgrade set
If 2025 proved anything, it is that our Purple Team isn’t just growing, we are thriving and showing South Africa what teamwork, commitment and passion look like on the road.
