Kenyan Vincent Kipkorir had an international debut of note when he emerged victorious over a class elite field at the first edition of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km which was run over a tough course on Saturday 16 November.
With the who’s who of Southern African distance running assembled in the field of over 5 000 runners, Kipkorir managed to hold on to his early lead to cross the line victorious in 29:51, holding off a fast-finishing Thabang Mosiako who was second in 29:52 and youngster Chris Mhlanga who rounded off the podium in third with a 29:52 clocking.
“I am very happy to win this race today because it is my first race outside of Kenya and I would like to thank the organizers for hosting this event,” said Kipkorir who walked away R37 500 richer for his efforts. “I hope that this victory will open more doors for me in the future and I would like to come back again to try my best to defend my title,” he added.
With the race being run at altitude and on a tough course, it was always going to be a tactical affair compared to what went down in Durban at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km where on a very windy morning, the times were blazing fast.
We have our champions! 🏆
— Hollywood Athletics Club (@HWAthleticsClub) November 16, 2024
Huge congratulations to Vincent Kipkorir(29:51) and Fridah Ndinda(33:57) on a stellar finish at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km! 💜
Your determination and speed are nothing short of inspiring. Let’s give them the applause they deserve! 👏… pic.twitter.com/0WaMttnR7u
Kipkorir took an early lead and was through halfway in 15:00, with Mosiako, Mhlanga, Kamohelo Mofolo, Elroy Gelant, Luan Munnik and Hollywood Athletics Club Purple Star Stephen Mokoka in hot pursuit as they went through the halfway mark 12 seconds adrift.
It was on the hillier section of the route where Mosiako and Mhlanga made a gallant effort for victory, and although they managed to close on the tiring Kenyan, it was not to be as Kipkorir just held on for the win.
In the women’s race, Fridah Ndinda made it a Kenyan double and just like Kipkorir, went out to the front on her own to take the win in 33:57. Hollywood’s Neheng Khatala fresh off her Soweto Marathon victory was second in 34:29 with Karabo More rounding off the podium in 34:33.
It was certainly a purple day on the streets of Johannesburg with a field of over 5 000 runners and walkers taking on the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km which was run for the first time. After a successful Hollywoodbets Durban 10km earlier this year, the Hollywoodbets Race Series looks to grow and if 2024 was anything to indicate, the events will continue to attract the best of the best athletes as they vie for the extremely good prize money as well as the masses for the entertainment and superb race organisation.
