Joshua Cheptegeiwill return to theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10Kon Sunday, the race that launched his rise to international stardom, with another slice of history firmly in his sights.
The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion is aiming to become the first athlete to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil, adding another milestone to an already glittering career.
The 29-year-old Ugandan first claimed victory in Durban in 2017 before producing a South African All-Comers record of 27:16 a year later. Since then, he has cemented his place among the greatest distance runners of his generation, winning Olympic gold, three World Championship titles over 10,000m and setting world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.
Armed with a personal best of 26:38, Cheptegei believes the historic barrier can fall, provided the leading contenders work together.
“Running is the same as football these days, it has become a team sport. If the organisers want us to run sub-27 minutes all of us must come together then something good can happen,” said Cheptegei.
Standing in his way will be defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, former South African 10km record holder Stephen Mokoka and Kenyan speedster Gilbert Kiprotich, all capable of setting a relentless pace from the gun.
Mulaudzi, a two-time Durban champion, is eager to continue his impressive record in the coastal city.
“I have done well in Durban in the past and I want to continue with that record. I think I’m in good shape, although I struggled with race fitness at the Great Manchester 10K Run on 31 May. I don’t want to put myself under pressure, but my goal remains the same. I always want to finish on the podium,” said Mulaudzi.
Kiprotich, who recorded a blistering 27:01 10km split during this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon, believes Cheptegei’s presence could inspire the entire field to faster times.
“The reason I decided to come to Durban is because I wanted to get a personal best time. Cheptegei is here and I know we are going to push. When a strong and a good athlete comes to race it means we are going to help each other to push the pace,” said Kiprotich.
Elite Women Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Dawn Oosthuis
The women’s race promises its own historic storyline. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest entrant with a personal best of 29:25, is chasing the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km ever run on African soil.
“If the weather is good and the body responds, I’ll push,” said Jepchirchir.
South Africa’sTayla Kavanagh, winner of the 2021 edition when the race doubled as the SA 10km Championships, is hoping home support will inspire another memorable performance.
“It’s special to have hometown support and I’m looking forward to Sunday. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is special to me because I won the race in 2021 when it doubled as the SA 10km Championships. I’m excited to see what we can produce on Sunday,” said Kavanagh.
The race starts at 07:00 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue alongside Moses Mabhida Stadium and finishes at the Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.
TheTotalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD has rewritten its entry playbook. Discovery’s new partnership introduces the event’s first-ever preferential entry window, rewarding qualifying Discovery Bank clients with an early shot at the coveted start line.
Discovery has been announced as the Official Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, introducing a range of benefits designed to support runners from registration through to the finish line.
The headline announcement is a historic first for the event. Qualifying Discovery Bank clients will enjoy an exclusive preferential entry window from 10:00 on 28 July until 09:59 on 31 July 2026. A limited allocation of entries will be available on a first come, first served basis before the public ballot opens on 5 August.
For one of South Africa’s most oversubscribed races, that early access offers runners greater certainty as they prepare for one of the country’s most iconic endurance experiences.
Seen at the official launch on Thursday 09 July 2026 (from left to right): Wade Bromfield (Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Firoze Bhorat (CMO, Discovery), Gerda Steyn (South African marathon and ultramarathon athlete, and seven-time winner of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Celeste Williams (Head of marketing for Vitality and Sponsorships) and Dinesh Govender (CEO of Vitality).
Discovery Chief Marketing Officer Firoze Bhorat said the partnership builds on the bank’s commitment to rewarding healthy lifestyles with meaningful experiences.
“This first-ever early access opportunity for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD is a natural extension of that promise, giving qualifying clients a genuine head start on securing a place at one of the country’s most sought-after races,” he said.
The rewards continue well beyond registration. Discovery Vitality members who complete race week events, including the Night Run, Trail Runs, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon, will earn Vitality points, with Ultra Marathon finishers receiving 3,000 Vitality points plus a 500-point bonus.
Participants can also benefit from discounts on official race merchandise through Vitality Active Gear, reduced gym membership offers, travel savings and wellness rewards designed to support every stage of their preparation.
“We are proud to partner with Discovery, a brand that shares our passion for encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Event Director Wade Bromfield. “The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is about more than race day. It inspires people to set ambitious goals, prepare with purpose and celebrate their achievements.”
Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt added that Discovery’s long-standing commitment to health and wellbeing makes it a natural partner for an event that celebrates perseverance, achievement and the joy of running.
The partnership arrives during an exciting period of growth for the event. Both the 56km Ultra Marathon and the 21.1km Half Marathon will accommodate 21,000 runners in 2027, creating opportunities for thousands more participants to experience the spectacular Cape Peninsula route.
From its humble beginnings in 1970 with only 26 runners, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has grown into one of the world’s premier road running events, welcoming athletes from almost 100 countries while making a significant contribution to the Western Cape economy.
As South Africa’s running community continues to flourish, the collaboration between Discovery and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon reflects a shared vision of making healthy living more accessible, more rewarding and more enjoyable. For runners chasing a personal best, a first finish or a lifelong dream, every step towards April 2027 now comes with even greater support.
There are few better storytellers than rugby. Eight years after making his first Springbok start against Scotland on a wet Murrayfield evening, Embrose Papier is preparing to face the same opponents again. This time, the stage is Loftus Versfeld. The jersey still carries the same weight. The man wearing it has changed completely.
The Clanwilliam-born scrumhalf returns to the Springbok starting line-up carrying far more than seven Test caps. He brings eight seasons of perseverance, frustration and relentless self-belief after watching South Africa conquer the rugby world from the outside.
When Papier burst onto the international scene in 2018 as a fearless 21-year-old, he appeared destined to become the Boks’ long-term No 9. Rugby, however, had other ideas.
A conveyor belt of elite scrumhalves, including Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach and Jaden Hendrikse, kept the Bulls playmaker waiting while the Springboks collected back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.
Instead of fading into the background, Papier rebuilt his game.
His outstanding United Rugby Championship campaign left Rassie Erasmus with little choice. Twelve tries, six assists, 15 clean breaks, 27 defenders beaten and more than 500 metres gained transformed him from an outside contender into an irresistible selection.
The timing could hardly be more fitting.
Papier will reunite with Handre Pollard, his halfback partner on that memorable Murrayfield night when South Africa defeated Scotland 26-20.
Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier will start for the Boks against Scotland again on Saturday at Loftus after eight years. Photo: Springboks
“I think there are always nerves before a Test match, but I’m super excited for the opportunity,” Papier said this week.
“We all know Handre has a lot of experience. We’ve spent a lot of time together on the pitch and I’m excited to go into this game with him.
“We need to pitch up on the day and give it everything.”
His familiarity with Scotland stretches beyond international rugby.
After five United Rugby Championship seasons with the Bulls, Papier knows many of Scotland’s players through bruising encounters with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh. He even crossed for a crucial try against Glasgow in last season’s URC semi-final.
For Erasmus, the recall is built on form rather than sentiment.
“Firstly, I thought he played really well this season,” the Springbok coach said.
“Sometimes it’s not because the player is not playing well enough or is not Springbok class. There are other players performing really well.
“He gathered form and now gets the opportunity at home with Handre, where they’ve played a lot of rugby.”
Paper occasionally writes the perfect ending.
Papier still has to do that himself.
Saturday offers more than another Test appearance. It is an opportunity to show that careers are rarely defined by the doors that close, but by the courage to keep knocking until one opens again.
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.”
Stephen Mokoka in action during the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. PHOTO CREDITS: Action Photo
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.
It has become a familiar script in one of rugby’s richest rivalries. England ask difficult questions, the Springboks absorb the pressure and somehow emerge with the answer that matters most.
Saturday’s opening Nations Championship Test at Ellis Park offers Steve Borthwick’s side another opportunity to prove they have bridged that stubborn gap. They could hardly have picked a sterner examination.
Johannesburg does not welcome visitors with open arms. The altitude drains lungs, the crowd feeds every collision and the Springboks have turned Ellis Park into one of world rugby’s least hospitable addresses.
Rassie Erasmus’ side arrive riding a nine-match winning streak and carrying the confidence of back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. Momentum has become their travelling companion and complacency remains unwelcome.
“The goal is to win,” Erasmus said this week.
Simple words. Typical Springboks.
His selection reflects a squad built for every occasion. Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe celebrate their 50th Tests in a backline packed with proven match winners. Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende remain one of international rugby’s most reliable midfield pairings, while Manie Libbok gets another chance to orchestrate an attack that can shift from controlled to chaotic in a heartbeat.
Up front, the Springboks possess enough muscle to move mountains.
Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit anchor a front row that thrives on confrontation, with Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese providing the relentless edge that has become South Africa’s trademark.
Then comes the Bomb Squad.
Fresh legs. Fresh power. Fresh problems.
England know exactly what awaits.
Ready to go 💪
Steve Borthwick has named his team for our Nations Championship opener against South Africa on Saturday, July 4 at 16:40 BST.@O2 | #WearTheRose
George Martin has welcomed the physical battle after returning from injury, while Fin Smith shoulders the responsibility of steering England around one of rugby’s toughest venues. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s return offers genuine attacking spark, Tommy Freeman arrives in outstanding form and Henry Pollock is expected to inject his trademark energy from the bench after already making himself public enemy number one among many South African supporters.
Borthwick believes his squad is ready.
“Playing South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the great Tests in world rugby,” he said.
He is right.
England have enough quality to ask questions of the world champions. Their backline carries pace, their forwards have embraced the challenge and their confidence has steadily grown despite an underwhelming Six Nations campaign.
The problem is that Ellis Park rarely rewards promise.
The Springboks know exactly how they want to play. Dominate the set piece. Win the gain line. Squeeze territory. Turn pressure into points.
It is an approach forged through experience and sharpened by success.
England may remain within touching distance for long stretches, much like they have in recent meetings. History suggests that when the contest reaches its defining moments, South Africa usually discover another level.
Prediction: Springboks by 12.
Teams:
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph Du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas Du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Andre Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie.
England: 15 George Furbank, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 George Martin, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (captain), 1 Ellis Genge. Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie,17 Beno Obano, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith.
Date: Saturday, July 4 Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg Kick-off: 17.40 Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand) Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Pierre Brousset (France) TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo by Tobias Ginsberg
For an event that has spent recent years rebuilding its reputation, the accolade is more than another trophy for the cabinet. It is a global vote of confidence that places the Cape Town spectacle back among the sport’s benchmark races.
TheIAU Golden Labelis reserved for events that satisfy stringent international standards covering race organisation, athlete safety, elite competition, prize structures and governance.
It also reflects the transformation behind the scenes, where the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and event partner Stillwater Sports have worked to restore the shine to one of the country’s most recognisable sporting brands.
“Earning the IAU Golden Label Certificate confirms that we meet the highest international standards across every aspect of the race, from organisation and athlete experience to elite competition, prize money and regulatory compliance.”
“This achievement is incredibly special for our team. After months of hard work behind the scenes, receiving the IAU Golden Label Certificate is a deeply rewarding moment for everyone involved.
“It’s a testament to the passion, commitment and attention to detail that has gone into delivering this iconic event.”
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo by Mark Sampson
The timing is significant.
Entries for the 2027 festival open from July and August, with organisers preparing for another bumper weekend of racing that includes the Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon, Trail Runs, Night Run and International Friendship Run.
Both the 56km Ultra and the 21.1km Half Marathon will accommodate up to 21,000 runners, reinforcing the race’s standing as one of the biggest participation events on the African calendar.
The Golden Label may be the latest finish-line ribbon for Two Oceans to break, although it also raises the bar. World-class status demands world-class delivery every year.
For now, the Cape classic has earned the right to wear gold.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo credit Chris Hitchcock
Wednesday 31 March 2027
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / Night Run Capacity: 5000 Distance: 8km Entry Fee: R320.00 Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Thursday 01 April 2027
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / International Friendship Run Capacity: 1500 Distance: 4.5km Entry Fee: R 250.00 Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Friday 02 April 2027
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / Trail Run Capacity: 1500 Start & Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields Distance & Entry Fee: 24km / R 950.0016km / R750.00 Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Saturday 03 April 2027
Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON powered by BYD Capacity: 21 000 Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields Distance: 21,1km Entry Fees: Licensed SA Athletes: R450.00Unlicensed SA Athletes: R450.00 plus temp license Entries Open: Blue Number Club (BNC): Wednesday 15 – Wednesday 22 July 2026 Ballot: Wednesday 05 August 2026
Sunday 04 April 2027
Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD Capacity: 21 000 Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields Distance: 56km Entry Fees: Licensed SA Athletes: R840.00 Entries Open: Blue Number Club (BNC): Wednesday 15 – Wednesday 22 July 2026 Ballot: Wednesday 05 August 2026
For years, African road running has waited for two stubborn barriers to fall. On 12 July, the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10Kcould become the stage where both finally surrender.
The prospect of the first men’s sub-27-minute 10km and the first women’s sub-30-minute performance on African soil has transformed the Durban race from another elite road event into a genuine date with history.
At the centre of the men’s assault stands Ugandan superstar Joshua Cheptegei. The Olympic champion and world record holder over 5 000m and 10 000m owns a personal best of 26:38, making him the obvious favourite to shatter the long-standing continental milestone.
Yet the stopwatch will not be chasing Cheptegei alone.
Kenya’s Felix Masai, who claimed victory at this year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, brings a 27:24 lifetime best, while Gilbert Kiprotich believes he has already crossed the psychological finish line.
After producing a blistering 27:01 split during the Lisbon Half Marathon, Kiprotich is convinced Durban’s flat course and fast pace can carry him into the exclusive sub-27 club.
Gilbert Kiprotich Photo Supplied
“I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban,” said Kiprotich.
“We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day.”
Cheptegei is refusing to become consumed by the numbers, even though they continue to follow him like a determined shadow.
“It would be an honour for the record to be broken on African soil,” he said.
“I think that would be great for African athletics.”
The women’s race carries an equally compelling storyline.
Brenda Jepchirchirreturns to South Africa with unfinished business after strong winds denied her a realistic opportunity of breaking 30 minutes in Gqeberha earlier this year. Since then, the Kenyan has reinforced her credentials by clocking 29:25, making her the second fastest woman in the world in 2026 and the joint fourth fastest in history.
“If the conditions are favourable and the race unfolds well, I would love to run under 30 minutes,” Jepchirchir said.
“It would be a significant milestone in my career, and I believe it is possible.”
Beatrice Chepkoech by GSC Media House
Standing alongside her is world steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, whose presence deepens an already formidable field. Although the Kenyan is continuing her return after giving birth, the 2019 world champion believes Durban offers the perfect setting to be part of something memorable.
“This is what every athlete dreams of, building a legacy that will endure in the world of athletics,” said Chepkoech.
Stillwater Sports founder Michael Meyer believes the stars have aligned.
“The prospect of witnessing the first sub-27-minute men’s 10km and the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km on African soil at a single event is incredibly exciting,” Meyer said.
Elite athletes, favourable winter conditions and one of the continent’s quickest road courses have combined to create a rare opportunity.
Records rarely wave a white flag willingly. The DURBAN 10K now has the chance to force their surrender, twice, in the space of one unforgettable morning.
TheTotalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYDis preparing to stretch its stride in 2027, unveiling a revamped Event Week and a dramatic increase in entry capacity that could turn Cape Town into an even bigger running carnival.
From 31 March to 4 April 2027, the race dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon” will feature a five-day festival of footfalls, including an 8km Night Run, International Friendship Run, Trail Run, Half Marathon and the iconic 56km Ultra Marathon.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD by Devin Paisley
The biggest headline is the swelling field sizes. The Half Marathon will grow from 17,000 to 21,000 runners, while the Ultra Marathon will leap from 14,000 to 21,000 participants. Like a river breaking through a narrow gorge after heavy rain, the expansion opens the gates for thousands more athletes to chase the ocean breeze and the coveted medal.
“We are excited to unveil a revitalised Event Week format for 2027 that will transform the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon into an even bigger celebration of running, community and camaraderie,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC.
Goldschmidt said the new schedule gives each event “its own moment to shine” while preserving the race’s rich traditions and legacy.
Event director Wade Bromfield described the 2027 edition as “a major milestone”, adding that the increased capacity reflects the event’s continued growth and its commitment to making the experience accessible to more runners.
The University of Cape Town campus will remain the race’s home in 2027 and 2028, providing what organisers called a “supreme backdrop” with world-class facilities and easy accessibility.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON Trail Run powered by BYD photo by David Sullivan
For runners, the announcement is likely to land like the ringing of a starting gun. The Ultra Marathon has long been one of South Africa’s most sought-after road races, with ballot systems and qualifying standards often leaving hopeful entrants pounding the pavement of disappointment.
There is also a touch of irony in the expansion. While many major races around the world wrestle with congestion and logistical headaches, Two Oceans is effectively adding another small town’s worth of runners to its start lines. It is a controlled stampede, a carefully choreographed avalanche of ambition.
The 2027 programme begins with the Night Run on 31 March, followed by the International Friendship Run on 1 April and the Trail Run on 2 April. Entries for the Night Run, Friendship Run and Trail Run open on 3 August 2026. Blue Number Club entries for the Half and Ultra open from 15 to 22 July 2026, with the public ballot opening on 5 August 2026.
If Cape Town’s roads could speak, they would probably be lacing up their shoes already.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD by Tobias Ginsberg
The Hollywood Athletics Club star is enjoying the richest vein of form of her career, but Sunday’s commanding victory in Durban merely confirmed where her attention lies. The Commonwealth Games 5 000m in Glasgow is the next target. After that, Glenrose Xaba’s South African 10km road record moves firmly into view.
Kavanagh underlined her credentials with another front-running display in the second leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series, clocking 31:32 after leading from gun to tape. The performance trimmed one second off the 31:33 she recorded while winning the opening race in Cape Town in March.
Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre stayed within striking distance before finishing second in 31:45, while Kavanagh’s Hollywood teammate Neheng Khatala completed the podium in 32:08.
The victory added another chapter to a remarkable season. The 25-year-old lowered her personal best to 31:26 at the Sanlam Cape Town 10km Peace Run in May, secured a third successive title in that race and swept to national crowns over 5 000m and 10 000m at the South African Championships in Stellenbosch.
Despite opening a healthy advantage in the SPAR standings, Kavanagh says the series title is not driving her schedule.
“My focus is on the Commonwealth Games. I have one more 10K and then all eyes are on the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“I haven’t committed to any other SPAR races yet, so I can’t tell you if I’ll be trying to win the whole series. I’m trying to participate in the ones that I can.”
Durban presented a different challenge to Cape Town, where Kavanagh spent much of the race chasing Glenrose Xaba. This time she dictated the pace from the front and trusted her instincts.
“I was quite proud of how I managed to relax within the race, constantly checking in with myself and how my body was reacting.”
“Selam and I had a really good race. At the 9km mark I still felt I had something left in the legs, so I tried to open up. I was really happy with how it played out.”
While Glasgow has become her immediate destination, the national record remains the long-term prize.
Xaba’s South African 10km road record of 31:12, set in Durban in 2024 when she erased Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old mark, has become the benchmark Kavanagh wants to reach.
“I’d love to get there this season. Hopefully by the end of 2026 I can reach that goal or see how close we can get,” she said.
“I know on a good day, if everything comes together, I have a good chance. It’s a matter of time. It’s in God’s hands when it happens, but it’s something I do want to chase.”
The stopwatch has become Kavanagh’s toughest opponent.
If her current trajectory continues, Glasgow could provide another springboard before she takes aim at one of South African road running’s most treasured records.
SPAR GRAND PRIX 10KM RESULTS – DURBAN
Results of the Durban leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup campaign has already delivered history. On Sunday, it could deliver another R66 million.
Fresh from a gritty 1-0 victory over South Korea, Hugo Broos’ side take on co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with a place in the Round of 16 and a significantly bigger FIFA payday at stake.
South Africa have already secured total tournament earnings of $23.5 million (about R390 million) after reaching the knockout phase.
That figure comprises FIFA’s $10 million participation fee, a $2.5 million preparation grant and the $11 million awarded to teams eliminated in the Round of 32.
Victory over Canada would increase the performance bonus to $15 million, adding another $4 million, or approximately R66 million, to Bafana’s World Cup earnings.
The financial rewards also filter down to the dressing room.
Under an agreement between the South African Football Association (SAFA), the players and technical staff receive 30% of FIFA prize money. Having already earned bonuses estimated at around R2 million each after progressing from the group stage, another victory could lift individual payouts to roughly R3.6 million.
While the money is substantial, Broos’ focus will be on another disciplined tactical display against a Canadian side boasting genuine pace in wide areas.
Canada’s biggest threats come from European-based stars Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan, two explosive wingers capable of stretching even the most organised defence.
Rather than matching Canada stride for stride, Broos is expected to rely on the compact defensive structure that frustrated South Korea.
Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole are likely to operate as a double pivot, shifting across the field to protect the defence and prevent Canada’s wide players from driving into dangerous central areas.
Behind them, full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba are expected to hold their defensive shape, limiting space behind the back line rather than committing early to one-on-one battles.
Should Canada’s attacking full-backs push forward, Bafana will look to exploit the space in transition, using quick vertical attacks to turn defence into offence.
That formula served South Africa well against South Korea, where patience, organisation and clinical finishing proved enough to secure a famous victory.
Sunday presents an even sterner examination.
Beat Canada and Bafana will move into the World Cup’s last 16 for the first time in the nation’s history while adding another R66 million to an already remarkable campaign.
The stakes could hardly be higher, both on the pitch and on the balance sheet.
