Langat ready for round two, as Mulaudzi gears up for Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Fresh from his triumph in ‘The Friendly City’ at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K earlier this month, Kenya’s Vincent Langat is set to make a return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series on Sunday, 12 May 2024. This time, he has his sights set on the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.

“I have been well. I just went on with training without any problems,” said Langat who produced his fastest 10km clocking in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in what was his first official race outside Kenya.

But Langat has since improved on the mark he set on 7 April in Gqeberha. This past weekend, the man who claimed a top ten finish in the 10km at the 2024 Kenyan Cross Country trials, took fifth place at the Adizero Road to Records in Germany in a lightening quick 27:11.

Armed with this new lifetime best, Langat is high on confidence and optimistic about breaking the 28-minute barrier once again when he lines up in ‘The Mother City’ on Mother’s Day.

“It was very nice to cross the finish line as the first finisher (refering to his performance at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K). I hoped for a faster time, but the circumstances didn’t allow it. I want to win another race in South Africa! And try to better my PB,” confirms Langat.

When he won in the Eastern Cape, Langat saw off a strong challenge from Precious Mashele who eventually faded into third place as he was passed by a fast-finishing Elroy Gelant. In Cape Town, the East African will face a new opponent in Kabelo Mulaudzi. Although injury forced Mulaudzi out of the first race of the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, he has recovered and is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve recovered from the injury and have been training well,” said Mulaudzi. “I’m just focusing on my race because I know it’s not going to be an easy one. I’m racing against the best in the country, the likes of Precious Mashele, Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant. But for now, I’m focusing on my race. If I can get a top five or top three podium position, I would be happy. I’m looking forward to giving my best.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Vincent Langat back to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in May,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “His return adds an extra level of excitement, highlighting the competitive spirit of the Series. It’s fantastic to see South Africa’s elite athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi and Precious Mashele going head-to-head with international athletes of Langat’s caliber. We can’t wait to witness this thrilling competition at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday, May 12.”

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. Sunday 12 May 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Start Time: 09:00
Start Line: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Line: Lower Long Street opposite Absa Building
Entry Fee:
• Licensed Runners: R245.00
• Temp License: R50.00

Entry Includes:
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt
• Absa Drawstring Bag
• Absa Peak Cap
• Absa Socks
• Race Number with Timing Chip
• Amazing Sponsor Route Entertainment Points
• Lively Route Entertainment Points
• 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route
• Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service
• Pre and Post Event Entertainment
• Transport Service (to start and from finish)
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K Finisher’s Medal

3. Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
4. Sunday 25 August 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
5. Tuesday 24 September 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

PRIZE PURSE: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will boast 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

EXCITING NEWS: In 2024, each of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events will showcase unique, city-specific medals, adding a personalized touch to the participant experience reflective of the host city’s essence and character.

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 event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.

Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
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.