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Sosibo ready to turn up the heat in Tshwane

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Sosibo ready to turn up the heat in Tshwane
By Adnaan Mohamed

Cacisile Sosibo is no longer knocking politely on the door of South African road running. She is kicking it open, one kilometre at a time.

The 28-year-old Boxer Athletics Club speedster heads into Sunday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K with her eyes firmly fixed on a top-five finish, carrying the kind of confidence that can make even Pretoria’s notorious hills look like speed bumps.

Sosibo has enjoyed a sizzling 2026 campaign, lowering her 10km personal best to 32:16 at the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Durban leg in June and dipping under 32:45 three times this season.

Then came Durban.

She clocked 32:36 to finish sixth in a quality international field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, a performance that gave her belief and plenty of bite.

“Durban was amazing for me this year. I ran a PB at SPAR and got a top-six finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, which gave me a big confidence boost,” said the KwaZulu-Natal-born runner, now based in Soweto.

Her legs have been talking loudly ever since.

On Sunday, she ran 34:01 for third at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg, less than 24 hours after winning the senior women’s 10km title at the Central Gauteng Cross Country Championships.

That is some serious mileage in the bank.

Sosibo knows what it feels like to mix it with the best. At the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, she finished 10th in the half marathon in a personal best 1:09:31.

Now, under the watchful eye of legendary coach Michael ‘Sponge’ Seme, who has also guided four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka, she believes the old magic is returning.

“Things have been going well for me this year. I feel like the Cacisile who was competing back in 2023. I’m coming back slowly but surely.”

Tshwane, however, is ready to collect its toll.

The hilly, high-altitude route can chew up ambitious runners like a hungry school of piranhas. Sosibo knows a personal best may be asking for too much.

“Tshwane is a tougher course with hills at altitude, so I’m not expecting a PB. My target is to race smart and run with the lead pack for as long as possible.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, believes her Durban performance has changed the conversation.

“Cacisile’s 2026 season has been hugely encouraging, and her sixth-place finish in Durban showed that she can compete with a strong international field,” Meyer said. “We’re looking forward to seeing her build on that performance in Tshwane.”

The race is sold out, with the gun going at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia.

For Sosibo, the mission is clear: climb with courage, conserve the fuel and unleash the finishing kick when the road finally points home.

Her comeback may be labelled “slowly but surely”.

On Sunday, she will be hoping it looks anything but slow.

Doreen Cherop targets Tshwane 10K victory

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Doreen Cherop targets Tshwane 10K victory
By Adnaan Mohamed

Doreen Cherop arrived in South Africa as an unknown quantity. She left Durban as a 10km winner. Now the Kenyan has the Tshwane 10K in her sights.

Cherop will return to action at the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 23 August, carrying the confidence of a stunning 30:43 victory in Durban last month.

The 22-year-old produced a lifetime best on her international 10km debut, upsetting pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir and announcing herself with a finish-line flourish.

“The 10km course was amazing and the race was very well organised. I wasn’t expecting to win. I was aiming for a podium finish, only to find myself in a winning position,” Cherop said.

“I think I won because I believed in my training.”

That belief now faces a sterner examination in Tshwane, where Cherop will confront another high-quality field and the demands of racing at altitude.

She knows the script cannot be copied and pasted from Durban.

“It feels good to run with champions. I am still gaining more experience on how to run 10km. So I want to run my own race and do my best.”

It is a quietly confident approach from an athlete whose first international 10km outing produced a result loud enough to turn heads across the road-running world.

Cherop has the speed to light the fuse. Tshwane will test her tactical patience and ability to manage the pressure of arriving as a favourite.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer expects another fiercely contested women’s race.

“Doreen’s performance in Durban was a great introduction to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, and we’re excited to see what she can produce when she takes on the challenging Tshwane course,” Meyer said.

“We’re expecting another exciting battle for the podium in Tshwane.”

The race starts at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia, with the same road serving as the finish.

The 2026 series has already produced serious fireworks. Adriaan Wildschutt won Gqeberha in 27:47, Brenda Jepchirchir claimed the women’s race in 30:15 and Joshua Cheptegei scorched Durban in 27:19. The Cape Town event was cancelled because of a severe weather forecast.

Tshwane is next.

Cherop has already shown she can finish with the champagne.

Now she wants another taste.

Tshwane set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10K spectacle

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Tshwane set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10K spectacle

By Adnaan Mohamed

In the heart of the capital, where jacaranda-lined boulevards meet gritty tarmac, a stampede is brewing—one not of hooves, but of hearts pounding in unison. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, the fourth leg of South Africa’s premier road running series, is set to light up the streets of Arcadia on Sunday, 24 August 2025. 

Like a sprinter exploding from the blocks, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is barrelling into Tshwane for its penultimate leg where pounding feet will soon echo through the capital’s corridors of culture.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K continues to attract elite athletes from across South Africa and beyond, delivering exciting racing and unforgettable performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and architect of the series.

“This event is a true celebration of Tshwane’s spirit, culture, and growing prominence on the national and international running calendar.”

Fresh off a triple crown of sold-out spectacles in Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban, the road running juggernaut now turns its gaze inland, where anticipation sizzles like summer tar.

Meyer isn’t overselling it. The Tshwane edition is a finely tuned balance of high-performance athleticism and street-festival euphoria. It’s where Olympic hopefuls and barefoot dreamers toe the same line, racing past cheering residents, live DJs, and heritage-laced landmarks like Arcadia’s Stanza Bopape Street — the race’s start and finish line.

And it’s not just about cadence and heartbeats.

“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa.

“The entertainment along the route is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and cultural traditions, turning the race into a vibrant tribute to the capital’s spirit.”

Indeed, if marathons are chess games in motion, this 10K is a party on the run — a rhythmic riot of neon trainers, sweaty smiles and Tshwane’s unmistakable beat.

To keep runners fueled with joy, PUMA South Africa is bringing its crowd-favourite GO WILD activation — a carnival of colour and kinetic selfies that’s followed the series from coast to capital.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES route activations by Anthony Grote

“This high-energy experience is inspired by our latest ‘Runner’s High’ campaign,” says Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager.

“It’s all about celebrating movement, motivation, and moments of joy… Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking in the atmosphere, don’t forget to snap a selfie and share your race day spirit.”

Meanwhile, automotive partner Chery South Africa will once again ignite the field with its on-route activation — injecting mid-race adrenaline like a second wind from a gel pack.

“Our activation is all about uplifting runners with a surge of inspiration just when they need it most,” says Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu. 

“We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the power of community.”

Oh, and one lucky runner will cross the finish line and drive off in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT valued at R269,900 — if they’ve earned it by finishing all 10 kilometres.

For those with fire in their legs and patriotism in their lungs, the Heritage Double Entry offers runners a two-city combo: Tshwane in August and Joburg on 24 September. The package includes two races, exclusive gear, Gautrain rides, and a boerie roll with a beer — a fitting post-race reward as they cool down in heritage-rich public squares.

Runners can also lace up for a cause. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa. Every stride can be a statement — every kilometre a contribution.

So, whether you’re an elite gunning for glory, a weekend warrior in search of runner’s high, or a spectator chasing vibes not medals, Tshwane promises a race as electric as a final sprint down the home stretch.

Ready, Tshwane? The countdown has begun. Lace up, line up, and run your city.

Entries close Friday, 15 August 2025 — or when capacity bursts like a popped hamstring. Don’t miss your stride.

Race Info:

  • Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
  • Time: 08:00
  • Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia
  • Entry Fee: R255 (Licensed), R70 (Temp License)
  • Double Heritage Entry: R595 (includes both Tshwane & Joburg events)

Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Website: https://runyourcityseries.com/

Course records for Xaba and Mofolo at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Course records for Xaba and Mofolo at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

South African 10km sensation Glenrose Xaba delivered a career-defining performance at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, blazing through the course in a remarkable 31:51. This marks her third sub-32-minute finish this year, solidifying her status as one of the country’s best elite women of all times.

The 29-year-old, who set a new SA 10km record of 31:12 when she took fourth place at last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, lived up to her pre-race favourite tag as she surged away from Neheng Khatala at the 7km mark to a memorable victory that was the fastest by a South African woman at altitude.

“I’m very happy about today’s win. I have faced so many ups and downs throughout my career, but I have managed to rise above it all. This year, God has blessed me so much and I’m very thankful for that,” explained Xaba.

For running the second fastest 10km time of her life, the Boxer Athletics Club top runner was rewarded with a new course record which is a 23 second improvement on the mark set by the 2023 champion Debash Desta of Ethiopia. Lesotho’s Blandina Makatisi was good value for her second-place finish (32:58) two weeks after completing the Olympic Marathon, while her countrywoman Khathala earned the last podium position in 33:35.

Having won the 5000m, 10 000m, 10km and 21km titles this year, Xaba says today’s victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her training. 

“I always pray and I’m grateful with what I have achieved so far,” says Xaba. “So to win one of the Absa races is a dream come true. I think it’s because I focus a lot. I don’t skip training even when I’m tired. I just go easy and get the recovery all the time. I’m glad that I have a good system (Power2Health) that supports me and keeps me very well in order to stay injury free.”

The men’s race also saw a new course record as Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo stopped the clock in 28:40 to win the race on debut and shatter the course record of 29:12 set by Kabelo Mulaudzi last year. Mofolo clawed back a nine second deficit held by early leader Gideon Kipgnetich of Kenya who followed him home two seconds later with the defending champion Mulaudzi finishing third in 28:52. In what was his first major triumph on South African soil, the Maxed Elite runner who took tenth place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a personal best 28:33 said his challenging training routes in The Mountain Kingdom prepared him for victory.

“The course worked in my favour because I train on hilly routes in Lesotho,” confirms Mofolo. “So my body is used to going up and down which is why I could run well. I didn’t struggle at all.”

“What an amazing day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! Huge congratulations to Kamohelo Mofolo and Glenrose Xaba for their incredible achievements today – you really brought your A-game,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “A special shoutout also goes to the thousands of casual runners who embraced the spirit of the event, turning it into a true celebration of fitness and community. And of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, whose commitment helped make the day unforgettable. Together, we showcased the best of Tshwane. Up next is the grand finale of the series—the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day. We invite all runners to join us for an unforgettable season closer!”

 “We applaud all participants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K for their dedication in contributing to our cause of pledging R1 for every kilometre covered by a Team Absa member on Strava. A big congratulations to the deserving winners for their outstanding commitment and resilience. Witnessing individuals from various walks of life reaching personal milestones has been incredibly inspiring,” remarked Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Brand, and Marketing. “The heartfelt stories shared have not only touched us deeply but have also sparked a new level of motivation within our team. We express our profound gratitude to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organizers for their unwavering support, which has yet again made this event truly exceptional.”