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Boxer Super Run Durban 2026: Pick Your Wave

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Boxer Super Run Durban is giving runners something increasingly precious in road running: a choice.

When the fourth edition hits Snell Parade and Blue Lagoon Park on Sunday, 18 October, the 5km race will offer four distinct start waves, allowing participants to decide whether they want to chase the clock, chase good times or watch South Africa’s fastest feet turn the beachfront into a blur.

The formula is simple, and perhaps that is the secret of its appeal.

The Open Wave fires off at 07:00, providing the competitive launchpad for club runners, school teams, serious athletes and anyone with a personal best rattling around in their head.

Then comes the Super Social Wave, running from 08:00 to 09:30, where the stopwatch takes a back seat and personality moves to the front of the pack. Families, friends, colleagues, charities and costumed crews can walk, jog and laugh their way through the 5km.

“The beauty of the Boxer Super Run is that every participant can choose their place on the start line,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“From runners chasing a personal best in the Open Wave and groups bringing the energy in the Super Social Wave, to the country’s top athletes battling for the Elite titles, each wave brings its own excitement and makes the Boxer Super Run a truly inclusive 5km experience.”

That inclusivity is the race’s biggest strength. Five kilometres can be a gentle introduction to road running or five kilometres of controlled suffering for an athlete hunting every available second.

Boxer Super Run by Anthony Grote

“The 5km distance makes this event accessible enough for someone taking on their first run, while still providing a genuine test for experienced athletes,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see such a diverse group of people come together, each with their own reason for being there, but all united by the same 5km journey.”

At 09:45, the mood changes gear when the elite women take centre stage. The elite men follow at 10:00, turning the final act into a high-octane sprinting spectacle.

For the elite athletes, five kilometres is hardly a Sunday stroll. It is a knife-edge dance where a misplaced stride can cost seconds and a well-timed surge can blow the race wide open.

Pillay believes the four-wave structure captures the spirit of the event.

“With four distinct waves offering four very different ways to experience race day, the Boxer Super Run continues to demonstrate that 5km running is for everyone, whether you’re chasing the clock, chasing a personal milestone or simply chasing a great day out.”

The 2026 event costs R100, is open to entrants aged nine and older, and includes a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, timing chip and finisher’s medal. Entries opened on 6 August and, according to the supplied event information, are now sold out. The official Boxer announcement confirms the 18 October date and the four-wave structure.

The starting line may have four doors, but the destination is the same: a memorable 5km through Durban.

Some runners will chase glory. Some will chase a PB. Others will chase their friends.

All will be chasing the finish.

Xaba puts the hammer down in Joburg

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba saved her sharpest kick for the closing kilometres, powering to a commanding 32:11 victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg at Marks Park, Emmarentia, on Sunday.

The South African turned a demanding 10km into a tactical game of patience, pace and positioning, picking her moment before putting daylight between herself and the chasing pack with about two kilometres remaining.

It was a performance built for the hill

Xaba had initially planned to shadow Kenya’s Brenda Kenei, who arrived with a 30:29 personal best and ambitious sub-30:30 intentions. The Joburg elevation and rolling route soon exposed where the race could be won.

“I saw a post that there would be a lady aiming for sub-30:30, and I said I would go with her. I knew the course was tough, but I would try my best to stick with her,” Xaba said.

“The beginning was hard because she was pushing, but I tried my best to keep the pace. I noticed that when it came to the hills, she was not as strong, so I tried to close the gap on the downhills so that when we approached the hills, I could stick with her. I think the plan worked for me.”

It certainly did.

With the final climbs looming, Xaba shifted gears and turned the race into a solo pursuit.

“I think it was two kilometres to go when I broke away from her. I knew that when we got to one kilometre to go, we were going to climb again.”

Her reward was a second victory of the year and another confidence boost ahead of the World Championships.

“It feels amazing to cross the finish line first. I think it’s my second win of the year, so I am very happy. It shows that my training is going well. I am focusing on the World Champs, so when I come to a race, I am coming with a full programme.”

Top Three: Brenda Kenei, Glenrose Xaba and Cacisile Sosibo. Photo’s Tobias Ginsberg

Kenei finished second, with South African Cacisile Sosibo third.

Xaba’s victory also put a distinctly local gloss on a series increasingly becoming a meeting point for South African talent and international challengers. Durban went to Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala in 32:06, while Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono won Cape Town in 31:29.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer praised the Joburg finale and the thousands of women who helped turn the series into a national celebration.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg was the perfect culmination of this year’s three-race series,” Meyer said.

Totalsports head of marketing Nikki Crous echoed the sentiment, saying women across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg had created “three truly memorable race days”.

With Busiswa providing the soundtrack and PinkDrive remaining central to the campaign, the series finished with plenty of colour, community and running shoes pounding the pavement.

Xaba supplied the final flourish.

Joburg had its champion. The 2026 Women’s Month racing relay had its perfect finishing kick.

RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Johannesburg 2026 10km

Date: Sunday 16 August 2026

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Judith Rd at Orange St intersection

Finish Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park

Top 10 Elite Field

1 Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 32:11, 2 Brenda Kenei (Kenya) 32:28, 3 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 34:01, 4 Irvette Van Zyl (South Africa) 34:23, 5 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:44, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 35:02, 7 Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho) 35:41, 8 Carina Swiegers (South Africa) 37:04, 9 Cornelia Joubert (South Africa) 38:19, 10 Maria Shai (South Africa) 39:06

GET YOUR FULL RESULTS HERE:

Kenyan star Jerono wins Totalsports Women’s Race

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Kenyan road-running star Daisilah Jerono arrived in South Africa with a simple mission: test her training. She left Cape Town with gold around her neck.

The world No. 7 half-marathon runner produced a composed 31:29 to win the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town on Sunday, 9 August, adding another international victory to an already impressive 2026 campaign.

The 1:05:21 Berlin half marathon performer, currently the second-fastest Kenyan over the distance this year, had hoped to sharpen the racing blade ahead of bigger challenges. Cape Town instead handed her a podium finish on a platter.

The course offered little charity, with wind and rolling undulations testing every stride. Jerono kept her rhythm ticking like a metronome, refusing to let the conditions derail her charge.

Daisilah Jerono claims gold at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in 31:29. PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

“The race was tough. It was windy, with a few ups and downs, but I am happy to have run today,” said Jerono.

Her victory was even sweeter because it came without expectation.

“This is my first time in South Africa. I didn’t come with the idea of winning; I came to see where I am in my training.”

The Cape Town crowd helped propel her over the finish line.

“The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. I am so happy to win today. I was not expecting it; it’s by God’s grace. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”

Faith Cherono, also of Kenya, finished second, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala completing the podium.

Elite Women’s Podium (from left to right): Neheng Khatala (Lesotho), Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) and Faith Cherono (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

Jerono was among 10 000 entrants who turned Cape Town’s streets into a moving celebration of women, fitness and community on National Women’s Day, while raising support for PinkDrive.

For Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer, the day delivered both elite competition and mass-participation magic.

“Congratulations to Daisilah Jerono on a truly outstanding performance. The standard of elite racing at this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was exceptional, with an exciting display of talent and determination from start to finish,” said Meyer.

He also highlighted the wider significance of the event before looking ahead to Johannesburg on 16 August, following successful races in Durban and Cape Town.

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous said the event again demonstrated the power of women united by sport and purpose.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” said Crous.

With the Mother City roaring and 10 000 women adding their footsteps to the occasion, Jerono’s debut became the fastest chapter of a much bigger story: competition with a conscience, celebration with a finish line.

RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town 2026

Date: Sunday 09 August 2026

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town

Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town

Top 10 Elite Field

1 Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) 31:29, 2 Faith Cherono (Kenya) 31:32, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 33:23, 4 Olga Firsova (Australia) 36:20, 5 Marie-Tinka Olivier (South Africa) 37:25, 6 Nicole Van Wyk (South Africa) 37:43, 7 Deanne Laubscher (South Africa) 38:07, 8 Lauren Jonathan (South Africa) 38:18, 9 Yandiswa Shange (South Africa) 38:39, 10 Mia Steytler (South Africa) 38:49

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Mpho Katiso targets breakthrough in Tshwane 10K debut

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Teenage middle-distance runner Mpho Katiso believes the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K could provide the perfect platform to announce herself on South Africa’s road running stage.

The 19-year-old will make her debut in the popular series on Sunday, 23 August, lining up against many of the country’s leading distance runners on the fast streets around Pretoria’s Union Buildings.

“I have never competed in any of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races before,” Katiso said.

“But I’d love to be there to feel the huge energy of a big race on a fast course. I’m looking forward to competing against the top elites again.”

Katiso, a Tshwane University of Technology student and former Prestige College learner, recently joined Violet and Caster Semenya’s elite women’s training squad.

The group includes South African road running star Glenrose Xaba, reigning African 1500m champion Karabo More and 2024 FISU World University Cross Country champion Karabo Mailula, giving the teenager daily exposure to some of the country’s best female athletes.

“Being part of coach Caster and Violet’s training group feels hard, but it’s also inspiring because you get mentorship, focus, discipline and you also learn to believe in yourself,” she said.

“I’m growing as a person and not only as an athlete. Glenrose, Karabo More and Karabo Mailula are more like sisters than training partners because we stick together and push each other. Training with them encourages me and I’ve learnt to show up even when it’s hard.”

Although she specialises in the 1500m, where she owns a personal best of 4:27.92, Katiso has shown encouraging progress over longer distances.

She claimed bronze at the national 5km championships in Gqeberha in June with a lifetime best of 16:48 before finishing 13th overall and first junior in 36:52 at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane earlier this month.

The youngster hopes Sunday’s race will produce another significant step forward.

“Competing against seniors feels exciting and scary at the same time because everyone looks so confident, and you’re standing there with a ‘J’ tag on,” Katiso said.

“It teaches you about pacing and race tactics, and you also learn how to be mentally tough. It forces you to run with more courage and realise what’s possible. You have to believe in yourself.”

“My target for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is to challenge myself throughout the race and push my limits. The main target is to run a PB, and not only any PB, I’ll be targeting a massive PB.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said the series continues to provide an important pathway for emerging athletes.

“We’re excited to welcome Mpho Katiso to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for the first time,” Meyer said.

“At only 19 years old, she has already demonstrated tremendous potential. Experiences like these will play an important role in her development.”

With the Tshwane race already sold out, Katiso will have an opportunity to measure herself against South Africa’s elite while chasing the biggest personal best of her young career.

Free State’s wait ends as RUN YOUR CITY expands to six races

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By Adnaan Mohamed

For years, the Free State has produced world-class runners, yet many of its brightest stars have had to leave home to chase the country’s biggest road races. Now the road is coming to them. In a major boost for athletics in the province, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will expand from five to six events with the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K on October 25, handing Mangaung a seat at South Africa’s top table of road running.

The announcement has been welcomed as a game-changing victory by some of the province’s biggest athletics names, who believe the race could unlock opportunities for thousands of aspiring runners.

Former Olympian and South African 1500m record holder Johan Cronje believes the city has waited long enough.

“Mangaung has always needed a world-class road race. There are no more excuses now. Local runners can compete against some of the best athletes in the world on their own doorstep.”

Cronje expects around 5,000 runners at the inaugural event and believes it has the potential to grow into a race attracting between 10,000 and 15,000 participants.

Three-time Olympian LJ van Zyl described the arrival of the race as a watershed moment for athletics in the province.

“Young athletes no longer have to leave home to experience a race of this calibre. It’s a real game-changer.”

For Athletics Free State president Odessa Swarts, whose son Wayde van Niekerk became an Olympic champion after growing up in Bloemfontein, the race is about far more than medals and prize money.

“I’ve been excited because Free State has been overlooked for quite a while,” she said.

Swarts revealed that around 700 youngsters compete every Friday in the province’s cross-country league, with nearly 1,800 expected at next month’s provincial championships.

“This motivates our youngsters. Development starts with cross country, and now they’ll see the country’s biggest names competing alongside them. Does that not give hope? This is a story of hope.”

She believes the event will inspire children from townships and rural communities to dream bigger.

“Anyone can enter. Whether you’re from a township or a rural area, you can dream. Every day I work to help young people achieve the dreams they set for themselves. This race gives them that opportunity.”

Even Swarts has been bitten by the running bug again.

“I’ve started training because I had to be part of this. I’m competitive, so I’m hoping to break one hour. Since training for distance running, I’ve gained enormous respect for middle and long-distance athletes.”

The race is the result of a partnership between Stillwater Sports, the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Since Absa became title sponsor in 2021, more than 200,000 runners have taken part in the series, which now stretches across Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Mangaung.

Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer said the expansion was another important step in growing the series while creating tourism and economic opportunities for host cities.

Absa Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer Sydney Mbhele said runners had been calling for Mangaung to be included for years.

“We are proud to have listened because at Absa, we believe every story matters.”

Mbhele added that the bank’s R1 Campaign has already raised almost R10 million through Team Absa’s Strava activities to support school vegetable gardens across South Africa, with Free State communities set to benefit.

Mangaung Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi said the race would showcase the city’s heritage and hospitality while creating opportunities for local businesses.

Free State MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ketso Makume believes the event will strengthen the province’s growing reputation as a sport tourism destination.

For a province that has spent years watching South Africa’s biggest road races from the sidelines, the starter’s gun in Mangaung will signal far more than the beginning of another 10km. It will announce that the Free State has finally arrived.

Joshua Cheptegei’s return sets up blockbuster Durban 10K reunion

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Joshua Cheptegei’s return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has reignited memories of one of the fastest races ever staged on South African soil, while presenting Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi with another opportunity to test themselves against one of distance running’s greatest champions.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist returns to Durban on Sunday, eight years after producing a breathtaking 27:16 South African All-Comers record in the 2018 race. That performance made Cheptegei the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier in South Africa, while Julien Wanders also rewrote the European record with 27:32.

For Mokoka, who finished sixth in that memorable contest, Cheptegei’s presence remains a benchmark for how international stars can elevate local competition.

“It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.

The former South African 10km record holder believes Sunday’s race offers emerging athletes a rare chance to measure themselves against an athlete who has conquered the Olympic Games, World Championships and world records.

“It’s a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder. It also shows how far the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has come.

“If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you’re creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class.”

Stephen Mokoka in action during the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. PHOTO CREDITS: Action Photo

Mulaudzi knows the value of that opportunity.

Having finished 13th behind Cheptegei in 2018, he has since developed into one of South Africa’s leading road runners, winning six RUN YOUR CITY races and lowering his personal best to 27:41 in Durban last year.

“I am extremely grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally. My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is every bit as world-class,” he said.

The 27-year-old hopes Sunday’s showdown can inspire another breakthrough.

“I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It’s a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Cheptegei’s return reflects the growing international reputation of the series.

“Joshua Cheptegei’s return to Durban is a significant moment for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and for South African road running,” Meyer said.

“It speaks to the growth of the series that we are able to attract athletes of Joshua’s calibre. Athletes like Mokoka and Mulaudzi thrive on this level of competition and it raises the standard for everyone involved.

“When the best in the world line up in our races, it elevates the event, inspires the next generation and reinforces the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as a truly world-class platform.”

With Durban’s race sold out and one of the sport’s biggest names back on the start line, Sunday’s contest promises another high-quality examination of South Africa’s leading road runners against the global gold standard.

Durban 10K ups the stakes with massive prize incentives for 2026

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is set to raise the pace and the pressure, with organisers unveiling a lucrative prize structure aimed at attracting elite performances on one of South Africa’s fastest road running courses.

The race, which celebrates its ninth anniversary on 12 July, forms part of the five-leg Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series that carries a combined prize purse of R1.686 million this year.

Each event on the series calendar offers total prize money of R337 200, with R267 200 allocated to the men’s and women’s open categories. Winners in Durban will earn R33 000, while second and third place finishers take home R24 000 and R21 000 respectively.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Geoff Redman

An additional R70 000 per event has been set aside for age category athletes, including juniors and runners over 40.

Organisers have also introduced substantial incentives for South African athletes capable of producing world-class times.

In the men’s race, athletes who break 27 minutes stand to earn a R300 000 bonus, while women who run faster than 30:20 will receive the same reward. A new South African record will carry an added R50 000 incentive.

Further bonuses will reward consistency across the series, with athletes earning extra payouts for repeated sub-28-minute performances in the men’s division and sub-32:08 performances in the women’s race.

Michael Meyer, race founder said the incentives are designed to reward excellence and elevate the standard of local road running.

“An impressive prize purse is a key pillar of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, as it not only plays a vital role in attracting a competitive elite field and motivating everyday runners to push beyond their limits and deliver personal best performances, but also serves as a welcomed and deserved reward for athletes who put in the hard work and commitment to excel,” Meyer said.

“With Durban’s fast, flat course, this is the one event where quick times, personal bests, and record-breaking performances are always on the cards. Durban never disappoints. We look forward to witnessing world-class racing at its best on South African soil.”

The race starts on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishes at Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.

More information is available at RUN YOUR CITY Series

Kavanagh keeps cool head despite red-hot form ahead of Cape Town 10K

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh heads into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in the kind of form that turns heads, yet the 24-year-old remains firmly grounded as she prepares for Sunday’s race in the Mother City.

The Hollywood Athletics Club runner has lit up the past three weeks with personal bests over 3000m, 5000m and 10km, building momentum like a runner finding a smooth downhill rhythm. Still, her focus stays on execution rather than expectation.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Kavanagh. “I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the route and the competition. With this being my second 10km race of the season, I’m looking forward to putting together a strong run.”

Her recent 3000m victory in Stellenbosch, where she clocked 8:46.86, underlined her sharpness, coming soon after her 31:33 win at the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix where she beat Glenrose Xaba.

Kavanagh believes her decision to spend more time on the track this season is paying off.

“It was a good decision,” she said. “As someone without a track background, it is so good to add track to the mix this year. I think it’s assisting me to be faster on the road. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the track season, but the road is where my full passion lies. I’m looking forward to being back on the road and seeing what we can do in the 10km distances.”

Cape Town also marks a meaningful point in her resurgence after injury setbacks in 2023 and 2024. Her fifth-place finish here last year signalled a return to form.

“I feel that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K last year is where I started to pick up my form again. That means it’s kind of a special race for me. I don’t have too many expectations. I’ve been enjoying the process of running. That’s when I perform at my best.”

Series founder Michael Meyer believes Kavanagh’s current trajectory makes her one to watch.

“Tayla has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few weeks, and her recent string of personal bests across multiple distances is a clear indication that she’s in outstanding form,” he said. “If her current trajectory is anything to go by, we can expect a truly special performance in Cape Town.”

The race starts at 09:00 on Sunday, 10 May, from Marine Drive in Milnerton and finishes in the Cape Town CBD.

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

  1. Sunday 01 March 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Elite Men’s Winner: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:47
Elite Women’s Winner: Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) 30:15

  1. Sunday 10 May 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD

  1. Sunday 12 July 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
  2. Sunday 23 August 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
  3. Thursday 24 September 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Kavanagh, Nose target fast season starts at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

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By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s elite distance runners Tayla Kavanagh and Cwenga Nose will look to kick-start their 2026 campaigns in style at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March, where flat roads and quality fields promise early-season speed.

Kavanagh arrives buoyed by a standout 2025 season in which she became the fourth-fastest South African women’s 10km runner of all time. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete has shifted her focus back to the track this year, aiming to sharpen speed before transferring it to the road.

“This year, I will be focusing quite a lot on the track. Track is something I need to work on as it doesn’t come naturally to me,” said Kavanagh.
“I want to challenge myself in order to develop as an athlete… I’m hoping to get some speed and translate that speed to the road.”

She opened her season by winning the 3 000m at the first KZNA League Meeting in a career-best 9:00.21, and says Gqeberha is about setting the tone.

“The goal for the first race of the season is to lay down a good solid foundation,” she said.
“I get the best results when I just run. If I’m calm and relaxed, I run at my best.”

Eastern Cape favourite Cwenga Nose, the 2025 SA 10 000m silver medallist, will be equally motivated on home roads. The Phantane AC runner opened his season with a 28:45 win at the Colchester 10km and is eyeing an improvement on his 28:41 personal best.

“I’m in very good shape because I spent the whole December training hard to have a good season,” said Nose.
“The plan is to stick to the race plan and run my own race.”

According to Series Founder Michael Meyer, the stage is set.

“Gqeberha consistently produces world-class performances, and we are confident it will provide the perfect platform for Tayla and Cwenga to test themselves against the very best.”

Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com

Absa RUN YOUR CITY R1.68m Incentive Revolution

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The road to greatness in South African distance running just got smoother, and significantly richer. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has fired the starter’s gun on its 2026 campaign by unveiling a R1.686 million combined prize purse, paired with one of the most aggressive SA athlete incentive structures ever seen on local roads.

Since its inception in 2015, the series has re-engineered the domestic road-running ecosystem, transforming 10km racing from a supporting act into the main event. In 2026, the five-city circuit once again strings together Gqeberha (March), Cape Town (May), Durban (July), Tshwane (August) and Johannesburg (September). The 10km specialists have five fast courses, five chances to chase both time and fortune.

“Offering an impressive prize purse is extremely important to us and we are proud to once again be able to do so at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“We believe that a strong prize purse does more than reward dedication and loyalty towards the series – it fuels ambition and inspires athletes to chase extraordinary performances. That is why we are proud to continue growing our prize purse each year with 2026 featuring a combined prize purse of R1 686 000.00.”

Built for Speed and Sustainability

Each race carries a R337 200 prize allocation, with R267 200 reserved for the Open Category. The top 10 men and women split R133 600 each, while winners in every city bank R33 000, with R24 000 for second and R21 000 for third.

Depth and longevity are equally rewarded.
“In addition, R70 000.00 per event has been allocated to Age Categories, rewarding the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ age groups – ensuring excellence is celebrated across generations.”

Incentives that Reward the Stopwatch

If the prize purse is the foundation, the SA Athlete Incentive Schedule is the accelerant.

Elite men unlock bonuses for times under 28 minutes, with a headline-grabbing R300 000 incentive for smashing the 27:00 barrier, plus R50 000 for a new SA record. Elite women are similarly rewarded, with bonuses starting at 32:08, escalating to R300 000 for breaking 30:20, and an additional R50 000 for a national record.

Consistency, often the missing ingredient in elite development, is also rewarded:

  • Elite Men: R20 000 for two sub-28s; R30 000 for three
  • Elite Women: R20 000 for two sub-32:08s; R30 000 for three

“In 2025, we paid out an impressive total of R1.9 million in Prize Money and SA Athlete Incentives,” Meyer adds.

“Building on this momentum, our focus for 2026 is to reward exceptional performances even further and elevate the level of competition in South African middle-distance running. By empowering our elite athletes to build successful careers at home, we’re confident these incentives will attract the country’s top talent and deliver spectacular racing across all five events.”

Wildschutt Eyes African History

Fresh off a 2025 campaign that saw him erase four national records, Olympian Adriaan Wildschutt returns to the series opener in Gqeberha on 1 March with history in his sights — a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been a huge help in providing opportunities for us to run fast and compete against high-quality athletes,” says Wildschutt.

“The incentives they provide also motivate us to prepare well for these races, which further enhances the competition.”

A Platform for Pure 10km Racing

Glenrose Xaba at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K 2025

For Kabelo Mulaudzi, three-time SA cross-country champion and six-time series winner, the value of the circuit goes beyond prize money.

“As an athlete who specialises in shorter distances, the Series allows me to focus purely on 10km racing without having to step up to half marathons or marathons just to earn decent prize money,” he explains.
“For a long time in South Africa, there were very few opportunities for sub-marathon athletes to make a sustainable income, so the prize money on offer in this Series is a game-changer.”

Mulaudzi adds:
“The time-based incentive structure really encourages fast and consistent performances… I strongly believe athletes should be rewarded for fast performances rather than appearance money, and I’m excited to test myself against some of the best athletes from Southern and East Africa in the Series.”

In 2026, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is setting the pace for what elite road running in South Africa can become.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates

  • 01 March: Gqeberha 10K
  • 10 May: Cape Town 10K
  • 12 July: Durban 10K
  • 23 August: Tshwane 10K
  • 24 September: Joburg 10K

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