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Sosibo ready to turn up the heat in Tshwane

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Cacisile Sosibo is no longer knocking politely on the door of South African road running. She is kicking it open, one kilometre at a time.

The 28-year-old Boxer Athletics Club speedster heads into Sunday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K with her eyes firmly fixed on a top-five finish, carrying the kind of confidence that can make even Pretoria’s notorious hills look like speed bumps.

Sosibo has enjoyed a sizzling 2026 campaign, lowering her 10km personal best to 32:16 at the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Durban leg in June and dipping under 32:45 three times this season.

Then came Durban.

She clocked 32:36 to finish sixth in a quality international field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, a performance that gave her belief and plenty of bite.

“Durban was amazing for me this year. I ran a PB at SPAR and got a top-six finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, which gave me a big confidence boost,” said the KwaZulu-Natal-born runner, now based in Soweto.

Her legs have been talking loudly ever since.

On Sunday, she ran 34:01 for third at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg, less than 24 hours after winning the senior women’s 10km title at the Central Gauteng Cross Country Championships.

That is some serious mileage in the bank.

Sosibo knows what it feels like to mix it with the best. At the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, she finished 10th in the half marathon in a personal best 1:09:31.

Now, under the watchful eye of legendary coach Michael ‘Sponge’ Seme, who has also guided four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka, she believes the old magic is returning.

“Things have been going well for me this year. I feel like the Cacisile who was competing back in 2023. I’m coming back slowly but surely.”

Tshwane, however, is ready to collect its toll.

The hilly, high-altitude route can chew up ambitious runners like a hungry school of piranhas. Sosibo knows a personal best may be asking for too much.

“Tshwane is a tougher course with hills at altitude, so I’m not expecting a PB. My target is to race smart and run with the lead pack for as long as possible.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, believes her Durban performance has changed the conversation.

“Cacisile’s 2026 season has been hugely encouraging, and her sixth-place finish in Durban showed that she can compete with a strong international field,” Meyer said. “We’re looking forward to seeing her build on that performance in Tshwane.”

The race is sold out, with the gun going at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia.

For Sosibo, the mission is clear: climb with courage, conserve the fuel and unleash the finishing kick when the road finally points home.

Her comeback may be labelled “slowly but surely”.

On Sunday, she will be hoping it looks anything but slow.

Doreen Cherop targets Tshwane 10K victory

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Doreen Cherop arrived in South Africa as an unknown quantity. She left Durban as a 10km winner. Now the Kenyan has the Tshwane 10K in her sights.

Cherop will return to action at the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 23 August, carrying the confidence of a stunning 30:43 victory in Durban last month.

The 22-year-old produced a lifetime best on her international 10km debut, upsetting pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir and announcing herself with a finish-line flourish.

“The 10km course was amazing and the race was very well organised. I wasn’t expecting to win. I was aiming for a podium finish, only to find myself in a winning position,” Cherop said.

“I think I won because I believed in my training.”

That belief now faces a sterner examination in Tshwane, where Cherop will confront another high-quality field and the demands of racing at altitude.

She knows the script cannot be copied and pasted from Durban.

“It feels good to run with champions. I am still gaining more experience on how to run 10km. So I want to run my own race and do my best.”

It is a quietly confident approach from an athlete whose first international 10km outing produced a result loud enough to turn heads across the road-running world.

Cherop has the speed to light the fuse. Tshwane will test her tactical patience and ability to manage the pressure of arriving as a favourite.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer expects another fiercely contested women’s race.

“Doreen’s performance in Durban was a great introduction to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, and we’re excited to see what she can produce when she takes on the challenging Tshwane course,” Meyer said.

“We’re expecting another exciting battle for the podium in Tshwane.”

The race starts at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia, with the same road serving as the finish.

The 2026 series has already produced serious fireworks. Adriaan Wildschutt won Gqeberha in 27:47, Brenda Jepchirchir claimed the women’s race in 30:15 and Joshua Cheptegei scorched Durban in 27:19. The Cape Town event was cancelled because of a severe weather forecast.

Tshwane is next.

Cherop has already shown she can finish with the champagne.

Now she wants another taste.

From Comrades glory to Tshwane 10K speed test

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By Adnaan Mohamed

George Kusche has conquered the Comrades Marathon. Now the reigning champion wants to find out whether his legs still have enough sting to mix it with the 10km specialists.

Kusche will line up at the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 23 August, with Kenya’s Salem Kibet arriving with victory firmly in his sights.

The 28-year-old Kusche has never been a one-distance pony. A sub-four-minute mile and 13:28.95 5000m personal best from his US NCAA days provided the speed foundation for his road-running career.

A 28:56 10km in Gqeberha in 2024 was followed by a 2:20:12 marathon debut in Cape Town and fourth place at last year’s Soweto Marathon.

Then came his Comrades masterpiece.

George Kusche is set to tackle the Tshwane 10k in his home town Pretoria. PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo

Kusche clocked 5:15:56 on 14 June to obliterate the Up Run record by more than eight minutes. It was an ultra-marathon performance with a sprinter’s heartbeat underneath it.

Now he wants to put that speed back under the microscope.

“It’s very important for me to run a fast 10km because I train as a marathon athlete year-round and then I switch to Comrades-specific training in March,” Kusche said.

“And if you want to be a good marathoner, you must be able to run a good 10km. So I’m hoping to be able to run a good race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. I’d love to see if I can run sub-30 minutes, which should be a good time at altitude. I’m curious to see how well I can do. I’m in decent shape and I’m really looking forward to this.”

A sub-30-minute run could put Kusche in the thick of the action, although Tshwane’s hills have a habit of turning confident runners into humble pedestrians. Only 10 men broke 30 minutes in last year’s race.

Kibet knows the terrain and the pace required.

Joshua Cheptegei and Salem Kibet in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July this year. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote

The Kenyan arrives after running a lifetime-best 27:29 for second behind Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in Durban last month. He now wants to move one place higher.

“My target is to improve on my performance from Durban and compete for the win,” Kibet said.

“Finishing second in Durban was not easy, especially running alongside a great athlete like Joshua Cheptegei. That experience taught me a lot. I thank God for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to giving my best in Tshwane.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer believes the meeting of Kusche’s endurance and Kibet’s speed could add serious spice to the Pretoria showdown.

“George Kusche’s decision to test himself over 10km against a field of established specialists adds another fascinating dimension to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K,” Meyer said.

“He has already shown that he has the speed and endurance to compete at the highest level, and it will be exciting to see what he can produce over 10km after his record-breaking Comrades victory.”

Kusche brings the endurance. Kibet brings the velocity. Tshwane supplies the hills.

The stopwatch will deliver the verdict.

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.

Chery South Africa Renews Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Partnership for Three Years

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Chery South Africa has announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, extending the partnership for an additional three years from 2026. The renewal follows four successful years of collaboration and coincides with the fourth anniversary of Chery’s relaunch in South Africa.

The partnership has played a key role in the continued growth and success of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, with Chery South Africa serving as the Official Vehicle Partner. Chery’s fleet supports event logistics and operations across all host cities, contributing to a seamless race experience from build-up week through to race day.

“Chery’s commitment, innovation and enthusiasm have helped elevate the series year after year,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“We are proud to welcome them for another three years as we continue to deliver world-class running events across South Africa.”

Wade Bromfield and Verene Petersen by Ray van Breda

Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, says the brand is excited to continue the journey. “Over the past four years, we’ve built a strong partnership and created memorable experiences for runners and Chery owners alike. We look forward to further strengthening our connection with the running community and the cities we celebrate.”

Chery at Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by David-Sullivan

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series features five major 10km races in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg. The renewed partnership will continue to focus on innovation, performance and enhanced runner and supporter experiences.

For more information, visit www.runyourcityseries.com.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series excited to welcome Tshwane as its latest destination

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Stillwater Sports, the organizer of SA’s award-winning road running series is excited to welcome Tshwane as the latest destination of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K set to make its debut on Sunday 27 August 2023.

Featuring five groundbreaking events in 2023, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a series of traditional road races, this premium series has redefined the concept of mass participation, encouraging walkers, lifestyle enthusiasts, friends, and families, as well as elites both locally and from abroad to come together and take part in the most experiential road running events in the country.

“We are proud to bring the excitement of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to Tshwane, a city that possesses all the qualities necessary to host a world-class 10km road run,” said Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, Michael Meyer who was speaking at the official Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K launch function that was hosted at the Premier Hotel in Pretoria today (21 June).

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to both the City of Tshwane and Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) for their invaluable support in making this event a reality. Their unwavering commitment, collaboration, and shared vision have been instrumental in bringing this exciting road run to Tshwane. The city’s exceptional infrastructure, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality provides the perfect backdrop for participants to embark on a memorable journey, while AGN’s dedication to promoting athletics and fostering a thriving running community has been truly inspiring.”

“Our aim is to create an unforgettable experience that transcends traditional road runs, inspiring a passion for athletics and sparking a culture of health and well-being,” continues Meyer. “With its scenic routes and inclusive atmosphere, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will not only showcase the beauty of its host city, but also provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. We are confident that this event will have a lasting impact on athletics in the region, attracting participants from all backgrounds, while encouraging a lifelong love for running.”

“We received a lot of interest from Absa colleagues, customers and community members when we hosted the first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Gauteng last year. The extension of the series to two more cities, including Tshwane, came at the right time as we want to ensure that this event is accessible to all. Our biggest goal has always been to grow this platform and encourage more people to have an active lifestyle, while we get closer to our colleagues, customers, and most importantly, the communities in which we operate, and we are excited to activate in Tshwane,” said Absa Regional Segment Head, Premium, Jolene Grobler.

“Through the Absa Force for Good initiative, we will be able to change lives in this beautiful city and push people to their limits. For every 1km run/walked by Team Absa Walk Run members on Strava, Absa will donate R1 towards a worthy cause in the community of Tshwane. We look forward to welcoming thousands of participants on 27 August to create a meaningful impact in a fun way,” said Grobler.

Meyer closes off saying: “Together with the City, AGN, Title Sponsor, Absa and key sponsors such as PUMA, DHL and Chery to mention just a few, we are proud to celebrate the event’s debut by bringing world class performances and unparalleled excitement to the streets of Tshwane. We look forward to hosting an event that showcases the best of Tshwane’s spirit, athleticism, and community engagement.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to Tshwane,” says City of Tshwane MMC Member of Mayoral Council, Peggy de Bruin. “The event represents a remarkable opportunity for our city to shine on the global stage, uniting runners from near and far in a celebration of athleticism, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Tshwane. We welcome participants and spectators with open arms as we showcase the beauty of our city’s landscapes, the richness of our heritage, and the warmth of our community. Get ready to witness Tshwane come alive with the energy and excitement of this monumental event.”

“As Athletics Gauteng North, we are excited and thrilled about the partnership with Stillwater Sports in delivering a successful inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, that will benefit the club members, provincial elite athletes as well as providing a boost to the sport at grassroots level,” says President of Athletics Gauteng North, Mr Hendrick Mokganyetsi. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”

To find out more and to enter the event, visit the race website https://runyourcityseries.com/tshwane-10k/