By Adnaan Mohamed
Kabelo Mulaudzi made his move when it mattered to defend his Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K title on Heritage Day, winning in 28:48 as Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai claimed her first Series victory in 32:50.
Mulaudzi raised his arms in celebration as he crossed the finish on Rahima Moosa Street after a tactical race on a hilly course in hot conditions.
The Boxer Athletics Club runner, who won four of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races last year, stayed in the chasing bunch behind early pace-setter Dolphine Chelimo of Uganda before making his move in the final 3km.
He surged past Chelimo and held on to finish nine seconds outside his course record of 28:39.
“I wanted to defend my title because everyone had forgotten about me. I’m happy to be back. It’s my first win of the year and in the series. I’m very happy,” Mulaudzi said.
The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating season with a hamstring injury, but said the problem was no longer troubling him.
“I’ve been struggling this year but I’m happy with my performance and defending my title. The injury is fine. It’s just that the race was tactical because it’s high altitude, it’s hot and you are running fast and slow. So, you have to adjust.”
Mulaudzi finished four seconds ahead of teammate Zenzile Pheko, who secured his second consecutive runner-up finish after also placing second in Tshwane.
Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe matched Pheko’s 28:52, taking third after a sprint finish.
Mulaudzi thanked coach Richard Mayer, Series founder Michael Meyer, sponsor PUMA SA and Boxer for their support.
“I would like to thank my coach and Ntate Michael Meyer for organising such a good race, as well as my sponsor PUMA SA and club Boxer for their support.”
Chemutai strikes Joburg gold
Chemutai produced a commanding run to win the women’s race in 32:50, improving on the third place she achieved in Tshwane in August.
The Kenyan led a clean sweep of the podium, with compatriot Mercy Jelimo second in 33:10 and Esther Borura third in 33:27.
Great Britain’s Emma Pallant-Browne was fourth in 34:15, followed by Kenya’s Dorcus Chepkwemoi in 34:21.
Defending champion Karabo Mailula was the leading South African in sixth in 34:44, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Irvette van Zyl seventh in 34:45.
“I’m happy to win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. The race was hard but I tried. It was my second 10km race,” Chemutai said.
“The course was hard and it was a little bit windy but I’m happy I won.”
Joburg was the fifth completed stop on the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series after Gqeberha, Durban and Tshwane, with Cape Town cancelled because of severe weather forecasts.
The Series heads to Bloemfontein on 25 October for the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, with the race starting at 07:00 and entries closing on 8 October or when capacity is reached.
The event also featured a Chery vehicle giveaway, with Prudence Gumbi winning a new vehicle valued at R269,900.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR RESULTS:
RESULTS: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Start Line: Lilian Ngoyi Street
Finish Line: Rahima Moosa Street
Start Time: 08:00
ELITE MEN
1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:48, 2 Zenzile Pheko (South Africa) 28:52, 3 Stephen Ngigi Kangethe (Kenya) 28:52, 4 Dolphine Chelimo (Uganda) 28:59, 5 George Kusche (South Africa) 29:00, 6 Onalenna Khonkhobi (South Africa) 29:10, 7 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa) 29:12, 8 Tumelo Motlagale (South Africa) 29:17, 9 Chris Mhlanga (South Africa) 29:37, 10 Musawenkosi Mnisi (South Africa) 29:40
ELITE WOMEN
1 Deborah Chemutai (Kenya) 32:50, 2 Mercy Jelimo (Kenya) 33:10, 3 Esther Borura (Kenya) 33:27, 4 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:15, 5 Dorcus Chepkwemoi (Kenya) 34:21, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 34:44, 7 Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) 34:51, 8 Dirbe Techanie Dagne (South Africa) 34:55, 9 Zanele Maisa (Ethiopia) 36:01, 10 Malineo Mahloko (Lesotho) 36:27