By Adnaan Mohamed
Joshua Cheptegei’s return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has reignited memories of one of the fastest races ever staged on South African soil, while presenting Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi with another opportunity to test themselves against one of distance running’s greatest champions.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist returns to Durban on Sunday, eight years after producing a breathtaking 27:16 South African All-Comers record in the 2018 race. That performance made Cheptegei the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier in South Africa, while Julien Wanders also rewrote the European record with 27:32.
For Mokoka, who finished sixth in that memorable contest, Cheptegei’s presence remains a benchmark for how international stars can elevate local competition.
“It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.
The former South African 10km record holder believes Sunday’s race offers emerging athletes a rare chance to measure themselves against an athlete who has conquered the Olympic Games, World Championships and world records.
“It’s a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder. It also shows how far the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has come.
“If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you’re creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class.”
Mulaudzi knows the value of that opportunity.
Having finished 13th behind Cheptegei in 2018, he has since developed into one of South Africa’s leading road runners, winning six RUN YOUR CITY races and lowering his personal best to 27:41 in Durban last year.
“I am extremely grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally. My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is every bit as world-class,” he said.
The 27-year-old hopes Sunday’s showdown can inspire another breakthrough.
“I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It’s a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field.”
Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Cheptegei’s return reflects the growing international reputation of the series.
“Joshua Cheptegei’s return to Durban is a significant moment for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and for South African road running,” Meyer said.
“It speaks to the growth of the series that we are able to attract athletes of Joshua’s calibre. Athletes like Mokoka and Mulaudzi thrive on this level of competition and it raises the standard for everyone involved.
“When the best in the world line up in our races, it elevates the event, inspires the next generation and reinforces the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as a truly world-class platform.”
With Durban’s race sold out and one of the sport’s biggest names back on the start line, Sunday’s contest promises another high-quality examination of South Africa’s leading road runners against the global gold standard.
