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.
Title sponsor Totalsports, in partnership with event organiser Stillwater Sports, has announced an unprecedented R1 000 000 incentive if the first woman runner at the Durban edition of the Totalsports Women’s is able to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record.
On Saturday, 26 April 2025, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) set a new Women’s-Only 10km World Record of 29:27 at the ADIDAS Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Jebet broke the previous record of 30:01, set by her compatriot Agnes Tirop in Germany on 12 September 2021.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race holds a very special place in our hearts — it’s a celebration of strength, unity, and the incredible power of women in sport,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “We are immensely proud to be part of an event that continues to uplift and inspire women across the country. Announcing a R1 000 000 incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record in Durban is an honour for us, and a bold statement of our commitment to women’s athletics. It’s about creating opportunities, pushing boundaries, and being part of history in the making.”
The Totalsports Women’s Race Durban route is a scenic showcase of coastal charm and speed. Known for being fast and flat, the course winds through some of Durban’s most picturesque spots, making it the ideal stage for personal bests — and even world records. With its combination of beauty and pace, this route promises an unforgettable running experience for elite and social runners alike.
“For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has proudly led the way in championing women’s sport in South Africa — celebrating strength, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of women,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “In 2025, we’re excited to take the event to unprecedented heights with the announcement of the R1 000 000 World Record Incentive bonus. This bold and historic initiative represents a monumental step forward for women’s sport, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Importantly, this would not be possible without the incredible drive and commitment of Totalsports, whose passion for empowering women in sport continues to break new ground. We look forward to welcoming some of the world’s top athletes as they chase greatness. Get ready to witness history in the making – a women’s road running world record on African soil for the very first time!”
The newly crowned Women’s-Only 10km World Record holder, Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya), shared her thoughts on the Totalsports Women’s Race’s World Record Incentive announcement: “I am happy for it because it creates life-changing opportunities for women in Africa. It also attracts more talent to these events and increases visibility for women in sport.”
A number of key role players in the sport of road running in South Africa had the following to say about the announcement:
“It’s an amazing initiative. The fact that the Totalsports Women’s Race is offering a R1 000 000 incentive to women means so much. For the first time, women are being recognised in a big way, especially in athletics. I can’t wait to see those records being broken. Well done to the event organisers for coming up with something this powerful—not just for South Africa, but for Africa as a whole. It will attract many more elite runners. Congratulations, ladies. I can’t wait to see you making history!” – Karabo Mabilo, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Acting President
The Totalsports Women’s Race in August this year is now the pinnacle of the 10km running in the world. Totalsports is challenging women from all over the globe to go for the 10km world record in Durban. There’s no better place on the African continent or in the world to set records. So, we say to Totalsports big up. You and your partners, thank you. To the women out there, it’s your chance, go for it.
– Steve Mkasi / President KZN Athletics
“We would like to take this opportunity as a federation to congratulate and express our appreciation for the 2025 Totalsports Women’s Race. This incentive presents a tremendous opportunity for our women in the country – a meaningful boost for the growth, development, and promotion of our sport. For over two decades, the Totalsports Women’s Race has honoured our mothers, daughters, and sisters. Now, with this world record incentive, the bar has been raised to new heights. Experiencing this moment in our lifetime, and in the city of Durban, is truly marvellous and must be cherished. As a province, we are proud to be the host and promise nothing less than world-class hospitality. We wish everyone the very best and look forward to August 3rd.” – Mandla Mngomezulu, KZN Athletics Vice President
“This initiative represents a powerful recognition of women’s talent. It encourages more women to participate and strive for higher levels of achievement, knowing there is a substantial reward. A financial incentive like this can inspire young girls and women to pursue running, and it highlights successful female athletes as role models – showing that greatness in sport is achievable and can be rewarded. The announcement also draws long-overdue attention to women’s sport, which has traditionally received less media coverage and sponsorship than men’s. By promoting high-stakes competition, it helps elevate the profile of women’s athletics in South Africa. Investing in women’s sport challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers, and promotes empowerment and equality. This is a promising step forward – fostering a culture where female athletes can truly thrive and receive the recognition they deserve.” – Elroy Gelant, 3x Olympian and multiple SA Champion
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