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Chaumeton Smashes SA 10km Record with Historic Sub-27 Run

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Chaumeton Smashes SA 10km Record with Historic Sub-27 Run
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African distance running entered a new era on Sunday morning as Maxime Chaumeton shattered the national 10km record at the tRUNsylvania International 10K in Brașov, Romania, clocking a blistering 26:55 to become the first South African in history to dip under the 27-minute barrier.

The 23-year-old speedster produced a performance of rare quality, storming to second place in a world-class field. In doing so, Chaumeton wiped 33 seconds off the previous South African record of 27:28, set by Adrian Wildschutt in Gqeberha earlier this year.

Chaumeton’s run not only redefined the limits of South African road racing but also signaled his arrival among the world’s elite. Breaking the 27-minute barrier is a milestone reserved for the sport’s very best, and his achievement is likely to reverberate through the athletics community.

“I knew I was in good shape, but to run under 27 minutes. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” said a visibly elated Chaumeton at the finish.

“To be part of South African running history is an incredible feeling.”

Wildschutt, who has been a trailblazer for South African distance running in recent seasons, graciously acknowledged the record-breaking performance.

“Records are meant to be broken, and Maxime has raised the bar. It’s fantastic to see South African athletes pushing each other to world-class levels,” he said.

Chaumeton’s breakthrough adds fresh fire to an already exciting rivalry between him and Wildschutt, with both athletes driving South African distance running into unprecedented territory.

With global competitions looming, the prospect of two sub-27 men in the green and gold is a tantalising one for the nation’s medal hopes.

For now, Chaumeton stands atop the record books, his name etched in history as the first South African to run 10 kilometres in in under 27 minutes and change, a landmark moment that will inspire a generation.

SEE FULL 10K RACE RESULTS HERE

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.”