Durban’s beachfront is bracing for a tidal wave of colour, rhythm, and record-breaking speed when the Boxer Super Run sprints into its third edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
More carnival than competition in its opening laps, the OPEN and SUPER SOCIAL WAVES will paint the promenade in neon energy, before the atmosphere tightens like a starter’s pistol. That’s when the nation’s fastest legs take centre stage, vying for the coveted crowns of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run.
The event already hums with history. At the inaugural race in 2023, Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba tore up the record books, clocking 13:44 and 16:03 – the fastest 5km times ever run by South Africans on home soil. Mashele then went one better in 2024, slicing the stopwatch to 13:39.
ELITE WOMENS WAVE Boxer Super Run Durban by Gavin Ryan
“This year, all eyes will be on whether those records can fall again,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“With an impressive R147 200 prize purse adding extra incentive, we’re optimistic about seeing more South African 5km records rewritten in Durban. But it’s not only the elite race that will deliver fireworks. The Open Wave is packed with competitive runners chasing personal bests – and with prize money for the Top 3 men and women across every age group, there’s every reason to push hard.”
Meyer adds with a grin: “And of course, the Super Social Wave will once again bring the colour and energy that make this event so unique. Whether you’re running or walking, we want to see you dress up, embrace the vibe, and turn the Durban streets into a celebration of fun, fitness and flair.”
Title sponsor Boxer Superstoresshares the buzz, pointing to the iconic route that snakes from Snell Parade, cruises down Lagoon Drive, and finishes at Blue Lagoon Park.
“We’re looking forward to another action-packed day of racing,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.
“It’s a fast, flat course with just one little climb to test the legs, but the real magic is in the scenery – runners as young as nine will fly past Durban’s landmarks with the ocean breeze at their side. Add in the activations, the music, and the vibe, and this becomes the most social 5km run in South Africa.”
With capacity already maxed out, the stage is set. From neon-clad walkers to record-chasing elites, Durban’s streets are about to echo with footfalls of the Boxer Super Run, a festival of speed, sweat, and celebration.
South African road-running star Glenrose Xaba has stunned fans by stepping off the global start line before the gun has even gone off. Despite earning her spot for next month’s World Senior Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the record-breaking marathoner has withdrawn from what would have been her first major global race.
The 30-year-old, who smashed the national marathon record (2:22:22) on debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last year, chose caution over ambition after discussions with manager Lee-Roy Newton and coaches Caster and Violet Semenya.
Like a runner easing off the gas before the finishing tape, Xaba says she is not yet conditioned for the punishing marathon stage at the World Champs.
“My manager said I’m still a baby in marathons… Yes, I qualified, but we didn’t do the program,” she explained, acknowledging the need for a proper build-up rather than leaping from track mileage straight into marathon intensity.
The announcement came moments after Xaba broke the tape at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in 31:34, just shy of her own national record (31:12).
Her latest victory in Durban comes after a streak that includes the Spar Women’s 10km and last weeks Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10km in Preoria. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:44) and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda (33:05) chasing her slipstream came in second and third respectivley.
Yet it was the news of her withdrawal frpm the World Champs, not the course record, that dominated headlines.
Critics argue that with national titles spanning 10km, 21km, and 42.2km, Glenrose has already proved her endurance credentials and should test her legs against the world’s best.
But Glenrose insists she isn’t ready to stride into the deep end of marathon racing without proper preparation.
She admits her real dream was to qualify for the 5000m or 10 000m to taste the stadium roar in Tokyo, but she missed the mark.
“It was not an easy decision. I was excited when I qualified last year, but my manager told me I’m not strong enough yet,” she said.
For now, Glenrose Xaba’s path is one of patience: training blocks instead of global spotlights, measured strides instead of risky sprints.
Like any seasoned runner, she knows the biggest races are not just about getting to the start line, but its about setting goals and looking at the bigger picture.
The clock is ticking and the countdown boards are flashing with just 50 days to go before the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Africa’s premier marathon is shifting gears and hitting full stride, sprinting towards Abbott World Marathon Majors glory. And this year’s start line promises to be stacked like never before.
On Thursday, 28 August, the organisers unveiled the headline stars of the fourteenth edition, with 6 platinum and 8 gold-status athletes set to lace up on Sunday, 19 October. For the sold-out field of 24,000 runners, the stage is set for a showdown worthy of the Mother City’s streets.
Double Olympian Caster Semenya shares her thoughts on Sanlam Cape Town Marathon becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major:
Running Towards Greatness
“With the help of our partners, the City of Cape Town, and the citizens of the Mother City, we achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of our Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of theSanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Like a runner finding an extra gear in the final kilometre, Gardner underlined the event’s growing momentum:
“In 2025, we are undertaking Stage 2 and to that end have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history.
“Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best.
“Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving this feat.”
Elite Showdowns at the Front of the Pack
The elite field is as sharp as the tip of a racing spike.
In the men’s race, Ronald Korit (Kenya, PB 2:04:22) arrives as the fastest man in the field, shadowed by compatriot Bethwel Chumba Kibet (2:04:37). South Africa’s new marathon record-holder Elroy Gelant (2:05:36) is breathing down their necks, just four seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa.
All will have their sights on the 2024 course record of 2:08:16, set by Abdisa Tola.This mark is now in serious danger of being left behind like a fading pacesetter.
The women’s race has its own drama scripted. Leading the charge is South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, the undisputed queen of local ultra-running.
“I’m so excited and so honoured to announce that I will be lining up for the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon,” Steyn said with a smile.
“I can’t wait for the 19th of October! And most of all to share the beautiful route with thousands and thousands of my fellow runners.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has always been close to my heart, and the last time I ran this race was in 2021.
“I can still remember crossing the finish line that day. I felt so proud that we have such an amazing race here on South African soil.”
She will face an all-star peloton including Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti (2:16:56) and Angela Tanui (2:17:57), as well as Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba (2:19:59). South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba, who dethroned Steyn’s course record in 2024, will not be back to defend her title.
Sanlam’s backing goes beyond the water tables and medals.
“What began as a sponsorship in 2014 has grown into a strategic partnership aimed at positioning the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as Africa’s first and only World Marathon Major,” said Shadi Chauke, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Sanlam.
“As a Pan-African organisation, we are deeply committed to unlocking the continent’s potential and creating meaningful impact that extends well beyond the finish line.”
Already, 62 fundraising champions have raised nearly R200,000 for 18 charities via the GivenGain portal. Chauke added:
“Through partnerships with the Caster Semenya Foundation, CANSA, and WWF South Africa, we are advancing youth sports development, health, and environmental sustainability. We invite every runner to turn their race into a force for good through GivenGain.”
Final Kick to the Finish
With the field set, the excitement building, and the countdown clock ticking, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is running full tilt towards history. Africa’s best will battle for glory, while thousands more will chase their own finish-line dreams.
adidas, too, is leaving footprints bigger than its shoes.
“For adidas, our role as technical partner goes beyond supplying kit; it’s about supporting the culture of running in Africa,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas.
‘Run For Africa’ is central to that vision, rewarding runners who start and finish the marathon in adidas shoes with a R2,000 adidas voucher, and building pride in this community.
adidas has created a limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 shoe to commemorate the 2025 race. Photo by adidas.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon shows what’s possible when innovation meets purpose, from the race tee to the limited-edition Cape Town Marathon Boston 13. Every touchpoint is about leaving a legacy for runners well beyond the finish line.”
The Mother City is ready. The runners are ready. And the race is just 50 days away.
On a sun-baked Sunday morning along Durban’s shimmering Golden Mile, the tar melted under the thunder of over 10,000 pounding feet—each chasing glory, each carving their rhythm on the city’s pulse. But as the dust settled and sweat cooled into salt, it was one man, Kabelo Mulaudzi, who rose once again from the chaos like a phoenix with spikes—his wings forged in resilience and his flight fuelled by ambition.
Clocking a blistering 27 minutes and 41 seconds, the 27-year-old sensation from Alexandra, cloaked in the familiar scarlet kit of Boxer Running Club, painted the beachfront red with triumph as he defended his Absa Run Your City Durban 10K crown.
They call him“Mr Podium,” and on this morning, he lived up to the name like a conductor returning to his favourite symphony, every stride a note in a masterpiece composed by sweat and spirit.
“Last year was tough with injuries, but I’ve bounced back strongly with consistent performances this season.”
“I’m proud of my performance because I came into this race determined to win,” Kabelo said, his words punctuated by gasps of air, sweat cascading down his temples like medals of effort.
Indeed, 2024 may have tested his body, but 2025 has witnessed his renaissance—a rebirth of resolve and rhythm. This was not just a race; it was a poetic duel against the ticking clock and a ghost in his mind: the South African 10km record of 27:48 set by Adriaan Wildschutt. Kabelo chased it with the hunger of a lion hunting it’s prey in the last kilometre.
Like a sprinter who felt the tailwind shift mid-race, Kabelo hinted at an unseen adversary—the race route itself, which had undergone slight changes this year.
Kabelo Mulaudzi by Anthony Grote
“I had hoped to break the national 10km record,” he confessed.
“But I ran out of steam in the last 5km. That’s where I need to improve—finishing strong. Still, I clocked a personal best, making this one of my fastest races yet. But honestly, my target was the SA record.”
“Mofolo and Vincent gave me a real challenge today.”
“Durban is my favourite course, and had we gone out faster in the first 5km, I believe I could have broken the record,” he mused.
Indeed, Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo stormed home like a bullet from the highlands, clocking 27:47, a national record for his country. Kenyan front-runner Vincent Kipkorir, the race favourite, found himself edged into third with 27:48.
It was a finish line shootout—a race so tight that six runners dipped under 28 minutes. It was indicative of the quality of the elite field assembled by the race organisers.
But Kabelo’s fire still burns hotter than ever.
“I wasn’t desperate to break the record—I just truly believed I had it in me,” he said, eyes fixed beyond the finish line, beyond this race, as if already imagining the next showdown. “I’ll keep trying, and I believe that in one of the upcoming races, I’ll get it right.”
With R110,000 in prize money earned—R30,000 for the win and an R80,000 bonus for his sub-27:45 pace—Kabelo’s real wealth lies not in cash but in consistency. It’s no fluke. His training, overseen by coachRichard Meyer, is a science of structure, repetition, and faith in the process.
“I’ve been focused on training and following my coach’s guidance,” he said with gratitude. “Our rivalry began in Tshwane when Mofolo beat me, but I’ve now managed to beat him twice in a row. I’m happy for him setting his national record.”
Kabelo now eyes the Central Gauteng Athletics 10K Champs, the Durban Hollywood 10K, and the next Absa Run Your City race with the hunger of a man chasing legacy, not just medals.
“My goal is to win the remaining Absa races and to stay healthy and injury-free.”
If Kabelo danced with the wind, Glenrose Xababattled headwinds wrapped in asphalt. South Africa’s women’s 10km record holder came to Durban with dreams of rewriting her own legacy—but for the woman fondly dubbed as ‘Supercharger’— everything did not go as planned.20.
Xaba, running with the rhythm of ambition, finished fifth in 31:50, the top South African woman in a race dominated by Kenya’s relentless trio—Clare Ndiwa (30:50),Janet Mutungi (30:53), and Jesca Chelangat (30:58). A sweep so clean it felt like a brushstroke across the continent.
“Yeah, eish, the pace felt fine at the start, especially in the first kilometre,” she said, still catching her breath after the run.
“But from 2km onwards, there were way more hills than last year. The 2024 route was much faster, but this year’s course was really challenging.”
“There were too many climbs—it wasn’t flat at all,” she said
“I think there were three, maybe even four significant climbs, and that really took a toll on the body. By the time you hit the 6km or 8km mark, it felt like a completely different route.”
“I believe the course should’ve been flat from the start with no climbs, because it wasn’t the same as last year. If it had been, we all could’ve run faster times.”
Though her legs churned with effort, the result did little for her World Championships qualification hopes via the 10,000m rankings.
“I won’t lie—this result wasn’t good for my world ranking. It was one of the toughest I’ve run this year. My legs didn’t respond well over the last 3km, and I know I could’ve gone faster.”
She dismissed any talk of fatigue as a factor.
“No, I don’t think I’m tired or over-racing. I’ve been focusing more on mileage than speed in training. The problem was the hills—I’m used to flat courses, and I just couldn’t handle the climbs.”
With her world championship hopes in the 10,000m hanging by a thread, Glenrose is considering a tactical pivot—a shift to the 5000m, where her current global ranking offers more room to manoeuvre.
“I believe I’m still ranked well in the 5000m, and if I can secure a few more races in that event, it could improve my chances more than the 10,000m,” she said. “I think my manager is currently trying to find a race for me, ” she added.
There are two races remaining in the series, the TSHWANE 10k on Sunday, 24 August and the JOBURG 10K on Wednesday, 24 September on Heritage Day.
Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) took another step towards defending her SPAR Women’s Grand Prix title on Sunday when she won the Durban SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 31:54 minutes. She heads the log with a total of 55 points. Xaba was one of five runners to earn the maximum 10 bonus points by finishing within 33 minutes.
Xaba is three points ahead of her nearest rival, Selam Gebre (Nedbank). Gebre finished third in the race, behind her teammate and fellow Ethiopian Dinayah Abaraya, who was running her first SPAR race of the year. Abaraya is currently fifth on the log, with 29 points.
Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) are in joint third position on the log with 36 points. Mailula finished third in Cape Town and eighth in Durban, with five bonus points in Durban, while Sosibo was fourth in Cape Town and seventh in Durban, also with five bonus points.
Former SPAR Grand Prix winner, Diana-Lebo Phalula (Boxer) heads the 40-49 category, with 20 points, having won in Cape Town and Durban with five bonus points. International runner Olga Firsova is in second position, with nine points.
The 50-59 category is headed by Capetonian Anne Stewart of Atlantic, who has 14 points, after winning in Cape Town and finishing second in Durban, with five bonus points.
In the 60+ category, Judy Bird (Boxer) celebrated her birthday on Sunday with another win. She heads the log with 20 points, having earned bonus points in Cape Town and in Durban. Former seven-time Comrades Marathon gold medalist, Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) is hot on her heels with 18 points, having also earned bonus points in both races.
Wiepke Schoeman (Boxer) is top of the log in the junior category, with 10 points, having earned bonus points in both Cape Town and in Durban. Anele Ndawonde is in second position, with five points.
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.
Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik stole the show at the inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane, held on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan). They clinched gold in the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s races with remarkable times of 15:42 and 13:50, respectively.
Coming off a historic victory and a national record at the Cape Town Marathon, Glenrose Xaba had one more goal before taking a well-earned break: proudly representing her club, Boxer Athletics Club (AC), at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.
“The first 2-3 km felt smooth, but I could still feel the marathon in my legs during those last 2 km,” Xaba shared with a beaming smile. “I kept pushing, reminding myself that I needed to perform for my club. My strategy was to break away early because, after a marathon, I knew slowing down would allow others to catch up. Starting strong and holding my pace was my best bet. I’m so grateful for this year. Thanks to God, my coaches Caster and Ledile Violet Semenya, Rhyn Swanepoel from Boxer AC, and my teammates like Karabo More, who pushes me with her speed. Special thanks to my grandmother, my mom, and Lebogang Phalula for always supporting me.”
Reflecting on the event, Xaba added, “The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic platform for young runners. It encourages them to start with shorter distances before jumping into 10km or half marathons. I only moved up to the 10km races after becoming a senior, so I appreciate that Boxer is creating opportunities for athletes to develop their strength at a comfortable pace. Winning the first race in Durban last year and now here in Tshwane feels incredibly special, and I’m truly grateful.”
Boxer AC athletes rounded out the podium, with Karabo More taking 2nd and Cacisile Sosibo in 3rd.
Legendary middle-distance runner and respected coach Caster Semenya made her Boxer Super Run debut with an impressive 7th place finish in 17:58.
“It was a tough but beautiful race,” Semenya said. “I love challenging myself, even if I’m semi-retired as an athlete. It’s exciting to see that I can still finish in the top 10. Running alongside my athletes and watching them thrive is deeply fulfilling. The energy of the Boxer Super Run is fantastic. Seeing so many people participating is a joy—it keeps young people off the streets and encourages them to focus on something positive.”
On the men’s side, Luan Munnik celebrated his first major road victory with a standout performance.
“The Boxer Super Run is an amazing challenge,” Munnik remarked. “For track athletes like me, it’s a great test of endurance, and for road runners, it’s a speed battle. The event has the perfect blend of competition, support, and excitement. I went out hard to establish some dominance early on. About 1km in, Maxime Chaumeton broke away, with Elroy (Gelant) chasing. I decided to respond, and it turned into a back-and-forth between Elroy and me. With 800m left, I made my final surge, and it worked. Big congratulations to Elroy for securing another medal at a Boxer event—he’s an exceptional athlete. Winning today feels amazing; it’s my first big win on the road.”
Boxer AC’s Elroy Gelant finished in 2nd, with Chris Mhlanga securing 3rd place.
“Congratulations to Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik for becoming the first champions of the Boxer Super Run Tshwane! You both set a high standard for this event,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “The support from our sponsors, participants, and spectators truly made this event unforgettable. Hosting a top-tier 5km race in Tshwane is an exciting milestone, and we’re thrilled to bring such quality racing to this community.”
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, added, “We were blown away by the incredible performances. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. A big congratulations to our winners, Glenrose and Luan, who made this debut event unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, from participants to passionate fans. This event has set the bar high, and we can’t wait to build on its success.”
Event Information: 2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane The 5km distance continues to grow in popularity worldwide, and the Boxer Super Run Tshwane lived up to the hype, attracting a mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic newcomers. This event truly had something for everyone, giving Tshwane a firsthand experience of a world-class 5km road race.
Exciting News: Discovery Vitality members earned Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.
Impressive Prize Purse: The 2024 Boxer Super Run in Tshwane featured an impressive prize purse of R147,200.00, available to both the Elite Race and Open Wave participants. In the Elite Race, prize money was awarded to the top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each receiving a well-earned R20,000. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the top 3 male and female finishers across various categories—Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+—were also recognized and rewarded for their efforts.
Glenrose Xaba from Boxer made history as the first South African to win the SPAR Women’s Challenge Grand Prix title since 2019, when international athletes were first allowed to compete in the series. Xaba secured her victory on Sunday with a strong performance in the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge at Marks Park.
Three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion, Tadu Nare from Nedbank, was bumped down to third place on the leaderboard by her fellow Ethiopian and teammate, Diniya Abaraya.
The Grand Prix winner is determined by each athlete’s top four performances, and Xaba finished with a perfect score of 120 points, earning maximum bonus points from all four of her wins. Xaba was also the last South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix, back in 2018.
Abaraya finished with 112 points, just one ahead of Nare, who had 111 points. Nare missed the Cape Town race, but won in Durban, placed third in Pretoria, and took second in Gqeberha and Johannesburg. Abaraya didn’t compete in the Tshwane race, but finished fifth in Durban, second in both Cape Town and Gqeberha, and third in Johannesburg. Currently, there is no Junior Grand Prix competition.
Cacisile Sosibo from Boxer came in fourth overall, with 72 points. Meanwhile, the Phalula twins, Diana-Lebo Phalula-Mzazi and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli, also from Boxer, dominated the 40-49 age category. Phalula-Mzazi achieved a perfect score with four wins for a total of 40 points, while her sister earned 37 points with one win and four second-place finishes. Phalula-Mzazi finished seventh in the open category, and Phalula-Luthuli came in ninth.
In the 50-59 age group, Anne Stewart nearly had a perfect score, earning 39 points with three wins and one second-place finish. Judy Bird swept the 60-69 category, winning every race and securing the maximum points.
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.”
Just over a year ago, Glenrose Xaba confidently said that she was working towards beating the long-standing women’s SA Record for 10km, and this July, she lived up to that promise. Now she is looking to go still faster. – By Tathe Msimango with Sean Falconer
