By Adnaan Mohamed
Kenyan distance runner Felix Masai Kibet is targeting a personal best at Sunday’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, but South African Kabelo Mulaudzi has warned his rivals they will have to work hard to deny him victory in Bloemfontein.
The race, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026, promises a compelling contest over 10km, with Masai chasing a fast time, Mulaudzi pursuing another series victory and Glenrose Xaba targeting a personal best in the women’s race.
Masai, who owns a 27:19 personal best and led a Kenyan podium sweep at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON in April, outlined his ambitions at Friday’s official race press conference alongside four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka and Mulaudzi.
“I want to run a PB on Sunday,” said Masai.
The Kenyan’s challenge will be complicated by the presence of Mulaudzi, one of the most successful athletes in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in recent seasons.
Mulaudzi is chasing an eighth series victory after winning twice in 2023, claiming four victories last year and triumphing at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last month.
His credentials include a 27:41 personal best, set while winning the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.
“I’m feeling very good and I’m ready for Sunday. The competition is tough, but I will try my best. The field will have to work hard to win,” said Mulaudzi.
The men’s contest will test whether Masai can convert his ambitions into a fast performance against a South African rival who has repeatedly delivered on the series circuit.
Xaba eyes personal best
Xaba heads into the women’s race in strong form after winning the Boxer Super Run 5K in Durban on 18 October and becoming the first athlete to secure four SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Series titles.
The South African came within striking distance of her 31:12 personal best at last month’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha, clocking 31:16.
A flat, fast course in Mangaung could provide the opportunity she needs to improve that mark.
“I heard the course is flat and fast, and I’m looking forward to giving my best as I always do. I’m in good form and hoping to have a great race. I came close to my PB in Gqeberha, so I would be happy to set a new PB on Sunday,” said Xaba.
Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala will also arrive with confidence after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on 18 October.
Khatala will be looking to improve her national record of 32:01, setting up another important test against a competitive women’s field.
A new challenge for Mangaung
The inaugural event adds Bloemfontein to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series calendar, giving elite athletes another opportunity to chase fast times and compete for honours on South African roads.
With Masai targeting a personal best, Mulaudzi determined to extend his winning record and Xaba eyeing a breakthrough, Sunday’s race will provide an early measure of the course’s potential.
The stopwatch will ultimately decide whether Mangaung delivers the fast times the athletes are seeking.