By Adnaan Mohamed
In a touching tribute on Mother’s Day, Kabelo Maluadzi delivered a performance to remember, winning the 10th edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K on Sunday.
The 27-year-old from Alexandra stormed through the streets of the Mother City in a blistering 27:49, crossing the finish line on Lower Long Street to the cheers of thousands lining the route.
Running in perfect, windless conditions, Kabelo led a sold-out field of 15,000 participants who set off from Marine Drive in Milnerton. The former South African cross-country champion made his intentions clear early on, surging to the front and dictating the pace.
His closest challenger, Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho, stayed within striking distance and finished just four seconds behind in 27:53. Veteran South African distance runner Stephen Mokoka claimed third in 28:06, while national marathon record-holder Elroy Gelant, still recovering from setting a new SA record of 2:05:36 in Hamburg, took a respectable fourth in 28:08.
Kabelo, emotional at the finish, revealed the personal significance of the win.
“My mom passed away when I was still young. I was thinking about her as I crossed the line. This is the best gift I could give her,” he said.
After finishing 20th in last year’s edition due to injury, he knew this was his chance to shine. “I’m fit now, and I believed anything was possible.”
For being the first man across the line (R30 000) and breaking the 28-minute barrier (R40 000), Kabelo – the Boxer Athletics Club standout — coached by Richard Mayer — takes home a total of R70 000.
The women’s race saw Glenrose Xaba prove her dominance once again, winning in 32:00. Despite a challenging middle section between 3km and 5km, Xaba kept her composure and powered ahead of Ethiopian Selam Gebre, who finished second in 32:13. South Africa’s Lebo Phalula, at 40 years old, showed she’s still a force to be reckoned with, securing third in 32:50.
Glenrose, who also pockets R70 000 for winning the women’s race and finishing under the 32:08 incentive mark, dedicated her victory to all mothers, saying, “This is for the moms who do so much for their children. We can’t always run fast times, but I’m happy I could perform in a strong field today.”
The race, now firmly established as one of South Africa’s premier 10K events, once again showcased the continent’s elite talent in a celebration of endurance, resilience, and heartfelt moments.