Njoki shatters continental 10km record

KENYA'S Christine Njoki stormed to the fastest 10km time on the continent by any woman as she defended her Totalsports Women’s Race Durban title in a jaw-dropping time of 30:14 in perfect, sunny conditions yesterday.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The record was under threat early when the diminutive runner, who led from start to finish at the Suncoast Casino, went through the 5km mark in 14:45 - world record pace.

She never let up in the second half on the fast, flat course, opening up a 300m gap to the chasing group as she smashed the all-comers record of 30:37.

“I feel so happy to defend my title. The race was good. I enjoy running here in South Africa and I’m so happy to run here again. And I ran my PB (personal best),” she told Independent Media after the race.

“I said earlier I want to chase my PB here, so I had to run faster, because if I go with other people I know I couldn't run my PB. So I had to chase my PB alone. From start to finish, I was alone.”