Course Records for Xaba and Mofolo as Thousands Celebrate ABSA Run Your City Tshwane 10K

South African 10km sensation Glenrose Xaba delivered a career-defining performance this morning (Sunday 25 August 2024) at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, blazing through the course in a remarkable 31:51. This marks her third sub-32-minute finish this year, solidifying her status as one of the country’s best elite women of all times.

The 29-year-old, who set a new SA 10km record of 31:12 when she took fourth place at last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, lived up to her pre-race favourite tag as she surged away from Neheng Khatala at the 7km mark to a memorable victory that was the fastest by a South African woman at altitude.

“I’m very happy about today’s win. I have faced so many ups and downs throughout my career, but I have managed to rise above it all. This year, God has blessed me so much and I’m very thankful for that,” explained Xaba.

For running the second fastest 10km time of her life, the Boxer Athletics Club top runner was rewarded with a new course record which is a 23 second improvement on the mark set by the 2023 champion Debash Desta of Ethiopia. Lesotho’s Blandina Makatisi was good value for her second-place finish (32:58) two weeks after completing the Olympic Marathon, while her countrywoman Khathala earned the last podium position in 33:35.

Having won the 5000m, 10 000m, 10km and 21km titles this year, Xaba says today’s victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her training.

“I always pray and I’m grateful with what I have achieved so far,” says Xaba. “So to win one of the Absa races is a dream come true. I think it’s because I focus a lot. I don’t skip training even when I’m tired. I just go easy and get the recovery all the time. I’m glad that I have a good system (Power2Health) that supports me and keeps me very well in order to stay injury free.”

The men’s race also saw a new course record as Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo stopped the clock in 28:40 to win the race on debut and shatter the course record of 29:12 set by Kabelo Mulaudzi last year. Mofolo clawed back a nine second deficit held by early leader Gideon Kipgnetich of Kenya who followed him home two seconds later with the defending champion Mulaudzi finishing third in 28:52. In what was his first major triumph on South African soil, the Maxed Elite runner who took tenth place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a personal best 28:33 said his challenging training routes in The Mountain Kingdom prepared him for victory.

“The course worked in my favour because I train on hilly routes in Lesotho,” confirms Mofolo. “So my body is used to going up and down which is why I could run well. I didn’t struggle at all.”

“What an amazing day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! Huge congratulations to Kamohelo Mofolo and Glenrose Xaba for their incredible achievements today – you really brought your A-game,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “A special shoutout also goes to the thousands of casual runners who embraced the spirit of the event, turning it into a true celebration of fitness and community. And of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, whose commitment helped make the day unforgettable. Together, we showcased the best of Tshwane. Up next is the grand finale of the series—the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day. We invite all runners to join us for an unforgettable season closer!”

“We applaud all participants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K for their dedication in contributing to our cause of pledging R1 for every kilometre covered by a Team Absa member on Strava. A big congratulations to the deserving winners for their outstanding commitment and resilience. Witnessing individuals from various walks of life reaching personal milestones has been incredibly inspiring,” remarked Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Brand, and Marketing. “The heartfelt stories shared have not only touched us deeply but have also sparked a new level of motivation within our team. We express our profound gratitude to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organizers for their unwavering support, which has yet again made this event truly exceptional.”

EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

1. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 April 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 28:01
Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:15

2. COMPLETED / Sunday 12 May 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 27:52
Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:47

3. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Men’s Winner: Elroy Gelant (RSA) 27:47
Women’s Winner: Christine Njoki (KEN) 30:37

4. COMPLETED / Sunday 25 August 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
Men’s Winner: Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 28:40
Women’s Winner: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:51

5. NEXT UP: Tuesday 24 September 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K stood a chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. Bubbles Sandi Maqoqa was the lucky runner that drove this fantastic prize home on the day.

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has welcomed the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events in 2024. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.

PRIZE PURSE: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series boasts an impressive, combined Prize Purse of R 1,560,000.00 in 2024. Each of the five events will feature a total prize purse of R312,000. Within this allocation, R252,000 will be earmarked for the Open Category, with R126,000 dedicated to the Top 10 Open Men and R126,000 to the Top 10 Open Women. Additionally, R60,000 will be designated for Age Categories. The top male and female finishers in each city will be awarded R30,000 each, with R25,000 going to the second-place finishers and R20,000 to the third-place finishers. The Age Category Prize Purse will be distributed among the top three finishers in each of the Junior, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, and 70+ Age Categories. To view the complete Prize Purse Breakdown visit: www.runyourcityseries.com

Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.