Zenzile Feko, an athlete who recently won the national cross-country championship title, is aiming for another podium finish in the Absa Run Your City series during the Heritage Day race in Johannesburg.
Last month, Zenzile Feko showed impressive time of 28:55 at the Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K, securing second place. His rapid progress became noticeable after recovering from a back injury, which allowed him to win his first podium in the Absa series and subsequently win his first adult national cross-country championship title.
Feko demonstrated his best performance in the Absa series in Tshwane on August 23rd, finishing second with a time of 28:55, ahead of Kenyan Salem Kibeta. This success was a significant breakthrough after placing fifth in his debut in Gqeberha and finishing 21st in Durban, as his preparation was seriously disrupted by back problems.
Feko noted: 'It was a big moment for me. It was the first time I was on the podium in the Absa Run Your City series. Before that, my best performance was fifth place in my debut in Gqeberha earlier this year, and then 21st in Durban. I was so happy in Pretoria because it was something I had never achieved before.'
His reaction to the early season disappointment was decisive. Feko showed a return to form for the first time by running 5km at a pace of 13:52 at altitude during the Zet Sinqe series in Vosloorus. He then confirmed his progress at the ASA Cross-Country Championship in Curro Hazeldean on Saturday, achieving a dominant victory in the men's 10km race with a time of 30:33. Feko beat his teammate from Central Gauteng, Chris Mkhlangu, by more than 30 seconds (31:04), and Tsanga Molopi took third place with a time of 31:17.
This victory was even more impressive considering the depth of the field, which included marathon national record holder Elroy Gelant. This gold medal provides ideal momentum before the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K, which will take place on September 24th at Mary Fitzgerald Square. Although he faces a strong team from East Africa, the young athlete accepts this challenge.
Feko stated: 'I know that in the Absa Run Your City series I will always face a strong challenge. This victory has increased my confidence before Heritage Day. I am not afraid of Kenyans. I expect them to give their full effort, but I am ready for it.'
His main goal is clear: 'I expect to finish in the top 10, but I will fight for the podium.'
The only minor obstacle before race day is a slight cold, but he remains confident in his recovery. Having turned an injury that could have derailed the season into a series podium and a national title in just a few weeks, Feko is now heading to Newtown, striving to prove that his breakthrough in Tshwane was just the beginning.