By Adnaan Mohamed
Deon-Lee Hendricks and Tayla Kavanagh successfully defended their Sanlam 10k Peace Run titles in spectacular fashion at the 2025 edition of the race on Saturday morning.
As part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend, the sold-out 10km field of 11,000 runners, along with another 3,500 in the 5km Peace Run, turned the Mother City’s streets into a blur of motion, colour, and courage.
Hendricks significantly Improves previous time
For Hendricks, the Athletics Academy star, it was a triumph of rhythm and resilience. Clocking 29:27, the 28-year-old from Cloetesville near Stellenbosch, not only defended his crown but also shaved more than 20 seconds off his winning time from last year.
“This is such a high-profile race, so winning it twice in a row is really a blessing,” said Hendricks, catching his breath after the finish.
“We had to start slower because of the wind, doing over 15 minutes for the first half and under 14 for the second. I came here to give it my all to defend my title, so I’m blessed.”
Potchefstroom track talent Luan Munnik took second in 29:39, followed by Bruce-Lynn Damons of TymeBank Langa in 29:55.
“This was my first time here, and what a crazy experience, It’s nothing like being on the track,” said Munnik.
“The first five kays were tactical, but then Bruce-Lynn pushed the pace, and Deon-Lee and I went to the front. He got away in the last mile, but it was great to race with such competitive guys.”
Kavanagh Runs into the Record Books
In the women’s race, Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood Athletics blazed to an electrifying 31:37, a 16-second personal best and the fastest 10km by a South African woman in 2025.
The Durban dynamo now moves up to 11th on the all-time SA list, with only legends like Glenrose Xaba, Elana Meyer and Colleen De Reuck ahead of her.
“Today I really wanted to go for the win again,” said Kavanagh, glowing with satisfaction.
“Last year was such a great race, and I had a lot of fun again. I think the more fun you have, the faster you run. Even though it was windy, I focused on my plan, to run hard, and I’m super happy with the way I executed it.”
Helping her stay on pace was Olympian Ryan Mphahlele, her official pacesetter and former teammate from the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Latvia.
“Fortunately, I had Ryan to help me,” she added. “I was able to stick to him and run the time my form said I could.”
Behind her, Carina Viljoen claimed silver in 33:02, with Irvette van Zyl third in 33:29, ahead of Kyla Jacobs and Cian Oldknow.
Viljoen, gracious in defeat, praised Kavanagh’s masterclass:
“Luckily, I heard what Tayla was aiming for today, so I knew I had to let her do her thing and just focus on my own race. I really had fun and I’m happy with another second place here.”
Peace Run 10km Results
Men:
- Deon-Lee Hendricks (Athletics Academy) – 29:27
- Luan Munnik (Potch Track) – 29:39
- Bruce-Lynn Damons (TymeBank Langa) – 29:55
- Angelo Booysen (Correctional Services) – 29:59
- Dylan van der Merwe (Boxer) – 30:15
Women:
- Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) – 31:37
- Carina Viljoen (Temp) – 33:02
- Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) – 33:29
- Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) – 33:57
- Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) – 34:35
Peace Run 5km Highlights
Men: Nicolas Sebolai (SA) – 15:27
Women: Laura Antonia Rehberg (Germany) – 19:38