Top contenders, Mulaudzi and Mashele aim for podium at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Kabelo Mulaudzi established himself as the next big name in South African road running by winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2023. The 26-year-old, who also recorded his first sub-28-minute 10km time during that race, says he is eagerly looking forward to competing again at the iconic event this Sunday, 7 July.

“Last year was one of the best moments of my career—probably the best ever. Even now, as I look ahead to this year’s race, I am confident that I can go sub-28 again because I always run well in Durban,” explains Mulaudzi. He set a personal best of 27:56 to beat the likes of Stephen Mokoka and Thabang Mosiako at the last edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.

This time, however, Mulaudzi enters the race following a challenging four months. In March, the Boxer Athletic Club’s top runner was unable to complete the senior men’s race at the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia due to injury, and he could only manage a time of 29:52 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May. Nevertheless, after performing well in the Central Gauteng Athletics Cross Country League races in June, Mulaudzi is confident of delivering a better performance in eThekwini.

“My training has gone well over the past six weeks,” confirms Mulaudzi. “I generally reach peak fitness around June, so I’m hoping to set another personal best. My goal for Sunday is to run another sub-28 and secure a top-three finish. I don’t want to focus too much on being the defending champion; I just want to enjoy the race because every race is a new challenge. A win would be a bonus.”

Leading the local challenge against the East Africans alongside Mulaudzi is Precious Mashele, who won the iconic race in 2021 and is one of the most consistent podium finishers in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Mashele, who secured third place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in April with a season’s best of 28:19, has been on the podium in four of his last six races. The 10km national record holder says he’s ready for race day.

“The training has been going well. I’m ready. We’ve planned well. I’ll be happy if I finish on the podium,” says Mashele.

“We are excited to welcome back Kabelo Mulaudzi and Precious Mashele, both past winners of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, to this year’s race on Sunday, 7 July. Their presence adds incredible excitement and prestige to the event, and it’s a privilege to see these exceptional athletes in action. We know they will bring their best and inspire many with their performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

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. Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Start Venue: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (MY)
Finish Venue: Durban Beachfront (Golden Mile)
Start Time: 08:00
Entry Fee:
• Licenced Runners: R 245.00
• Temp Licence: R50.00

Standard 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
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Finisher’s Medal

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

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.

WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K will have the exciting chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. To qualify for a chance to win this incredible prize, runners need to complete three simple steps: first, register for the event and pay the entry fee; second, collect your race number during the designated race pack collection times; and finally, ensure you’re on the start line on event day.

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

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.