'I would be happy with a world lead' - Ebenyo targets fast time at Absa RYC GQEBERHA 10K

You could tell by his animated celebrations that his top ten finish at the World Cross Country Championships pleased him. Daniel Simui Ebenyo took sixth place (30:01) on that gruelling course in Bathurst, Australia a fortnight ago as Kenya won the senior men's 10km team prize. His elation stemmed no doubt from the fact that even though he had finished outside the medals, finishing just 44 seconds behind world record holder Jacob Kiplimo who won ahead of another world record holder Joshua Cheptegei in second place was confirmation of his excellent early season form.

And the Kenyan now plans to use that form in the upcoming Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. With two more races having been added in 2023 (Gqeberha and Tshwane) the series which attracts some of the best runners from around the world to come and compete over 10km on South African soil now boasts five races with the opening instalment on 2 April in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality promising much. And the man who won the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10k in a lightening fast 27:34 is once again aiming for a fast time in a city that has produced many SA records and World Records.

After some fearless front-running Daniel Ebenyo wins the 2022 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in a time of 27:34, just missing out on the SA All-Comers record of 27:16. Photo Credit: Mark Sampson

"I am excited to take part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, especially with Isaac Kibet (Uganda) in the race because I know we will push each other to a good time. I will approach the race as I always do – with the hope to run a fast time. If it is a world lead, I would be very happy with that," said the 26:58 10km top runner who also won the silver medal in the silver medal (27:11.26) in the 10 000m at last year's Commonwealth Games.

Confirming the first big name of the year after the likes of multiple world record holder Genzebe Dibaba took part in 2022 is something that pleases the race organizers. Heading up that team is the MD of Stillwater Sports Michael Meyer who has long held that the main objective of the series is provide a platform for world class performances on African soil, while giving excitement and value for money to the thousands of social runners that will take on the 10K.

Michael Mbambani (Eastern Province Athletics Sponsorship Liaison), Bassie Kamana (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality MMC: Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture), Charmaine Williams (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Director: Sport & Recreation), Pholushi Malesa (Absa Regional Executive, Everyday Banking Eastern and Southern Cape) and Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series) at the launch of the 2023 Absa RYC GQEBERHA 10K. Photo Credit: Richard Pearce

"The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series strives to give South African runners the opportunity to stand on the start line, on home soil, with the world’s best runners. Daniel fits that bill and it’s a tremendous coup to welcome him back to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023. We’re thrilled to welcome Daniel to his third Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event, this time the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. Runners (and walkers) participating in the event are guaranteed to be inspired by his presence," he explained.

The race which takes place on Sunday 2 April promises to be a memorable one where Gqeberha residents can look forward to witnessing a first-class road running experience come. Click HERE for more information on various packages available to be part of the excitement and fun.