By Adnaan Mohamed
Tayla Kavanagh heads into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in the kind of form that turns heads, yet the 24-year-old remains firmly grounded as she prepares for Sunday’s race in the Mother City.
The Hollywood Athletics Club runner has lit up the past three weeks with personal bests over 3000m, 5000m and 10km, building momentum like a runner finding a smooth downhill rhythm. Still, her focus stays on execution rather than expectation.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Kavanagh. “I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the route and the competition. With this being my second 10km race of the season, I’m looking forward to putting together a strong run.”
Her recent 3000m victory in Stellenbosch, where she clocked 8:46.86, underlined her sharpness, coming soon after her 31:33 win at the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix where she beat Glenrose Xaba.
Kavanagh believes her decision to spend more time on the track this season is paying off.
“It was a good decision,” she said. “As someone without a track background, it is so good to add track to the mix this year. I think it’s assisting me to be faster on the road. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the track season, but the road is where my full passion lies. I’m looking forward to being back on the road and seeing what we can do in the 10km distances.”
Cape Town also marks a meaningful point in her resurgence after injury setbacks in 2023 and 2024. Her fifth-place finish here last year signalled a return to form.
“I feel that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K last year is where I started to pick up my form again. That means it’s kind of a special race for me. I don’t have too many expectations. I’ve been enjoying the process of running. That’s when I perform at my best.”
Series founder Michael Meyer believes Kavanagh’s current trajectory makes her one to watch.
“Tayla has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few weeks, and her recent string of personal bests across multiple distances is a clear indication that she’s in outstanding form,” he said. “If her current trajectory is anything to go by, we can expect a truly special performance in Cape Town.”
The race starts at 09:00 on Sunday, 10 May, from Marine Drive in Milnerton and finishes in the Cape Town CBD.
EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
Elite Men’s Winner: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:47
Elite Women’s Winner: Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) 30:15
Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD
- Sunday 12 July 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
- Sunday 23 August 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
- Thursday 24 September 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
