Joshua Cheptegeiwill return to theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10Kon Sunday, the race that launched his rise to international stardom, with another slice of history firmly in his sights.
The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion is aiming to become the first athlete to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil, adding another milestone to an already glittering career.
The 29-year-old Ugandan first claimed victory in Durban in 2017 before producing a South African All-Comers record of 27:16 a year later. Since then, he has cemented his place among the greatest distance runners of his generation, winning Olympic gold, three World Championship titles over 10,000m and setting world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.
Armed with a personal best of 26:38, Cheptegei believes the historic barrier can fall, provided the leading contenders work together.
“Running is the same as football these days, it has become a team sport. If the organisers want us to run sub-27 minutes all of us must come together then something good can happen,” said Cheptegei.
Standing in his way will be defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, former South African 10km record holder Stephen Mokoka and Kenyan speedster Gilbert Kiprotich, all capable of setting a relentless pace from the gun.
Mulaudzi, a two-time Durban champion, is eager to continue his impressive record in the coastal city.
“I have done well in Durban in the past and I want to continue with that record. I think I’m in good shape, although I struggled with race fitness at the Great Manchester 10K Run on 31 May. I don’t want to put myself under pressure, but my goal remains the same. I always want to finish on the podium,” said Mulaudzi.
Kiprotich, who recorded a blistering 27:01 10km split during this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon, believes Cheptegei’s presence could inspire the entire field to faster times.
“The reason I decided to come to Durban is because I wanted to get a personal best time. Cheptegei is here and I know we are going to push. When a strong and a good athlete comes to race it means we are going to help each other to push the pace,” said Kiprotich.
Elite Women Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Dawn Oosthuis
The women’s race promises its own historic storyline. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest entrant with a personal best of 29:25, is chasing the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km ever run on African soil.
“If the weather is good and the body responds, I’ll push,” said Jepchirchir.
South Africa’sTayla Kavanagh, winner of the 2021 edition when the race doubled as the SA 10km Championships, is hoping home support will inspire another memorable performance.
“It’s special to have hometown support and I’m looking forward to Sunday. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is special to me because I won the race in 2021 when it doubled as the SA 10km Championships. I’m excited to see what we can produce on Sunday,” said Kavanagh.
The race starts at 07:00 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue alongside Moses Mabhida Stadium and finishes at the Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.
