Mhlanga chases maiden Sub-28 as evergreen Phalula seeks to turn back time at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
As one of only two athletes to secure a top ten finish in all five Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES races in a single season, Chris Mhlanga emerged as one of 2024’s standout 10km stars. With the first race of the 2025 series now less than two weeks away, the Boxer Athletics Club top runner has been training diligently and is ready to elevate his performance when he takes to the start line at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 13 April.
"I haven't done too badly for the first race of the year and I also came second in the Motsepe race which are good results,"said Mhlanga reflecting on two consecutive runner-up finishes in the 5000m at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Track & Field Championships and the Motsepe Foundation Race to Gender Equality 10km event hosted two weeks ago.
Those events, held on 14 and 16 March respectively, served as crucial preparation for Mhlanga ahead of the fast Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K course, which produced the SA Men’s 10km record in 2023. Now a consistent top-five finisher in major 10km races across the country, the 23-year-old - who set a lifetime best of 28:24 at the record-breaking Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K last July - credits his coach, Hendrick Ramaala, and his training partners, including national 10km record holder Precious Mashele, for helping him elevate his performances.
"The training and motivation I get from the people I train with was the thing. I always look up to them. Just to be there and have that race fitness keeps me motivated," explained the athlete who represented South Africa at the World University Games and claimed the runner-up position at last year’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Heritage Day.
Mhlanga whose five consecutive top ten 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES finishes are second only to Elroy Gelant's five top five finishes last season, believes it’s time for him to produce his maiden 27 minute 10km clocking. "I'm going to run the 3000m at the Cape Milers which is a week before the race, just to open the legs and get the speed for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. The plan is to go after the guys and push and try to get a new PB or dip under 28 minutes," confirms Mhlanga.
Also in excellent 2025 form is veteran Lebo Phalula. Now 41-years-old, the Olympian delivered an eye-catching run during the opening leg of the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix in Cape Town on Sunday 30 March. Lebo who is one half of the legendary Phalula twins, took fifth overall, winning the Over-40 category in 34:14, just 13 seconds outside her own South African veteran's record. The evergreen Phalula who's 10km career best of 32:27 was run in 'The Friendly City' back in 2014 shares the secret to her incredible longevity.
"Through my training I am more disciplined. When I say I want something, I remain positive on what I want to achieve. I focus on my training and forget about my age because it's just a number. If I tell myself that I am old and I can't do this anymore, it will happen. But if I tell myself that I am still young like Glenrose (Xaba) then I can run fast times with them, because they will push you to be fast," she said.
"Chris Mhlanga has been in outstanding form, and it's exciting to see him targeting his first sub-28-minute 10K at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "At the same time, Lebo Phalula continues to defy the odds, delivering impressive performances and proving her class on the road. It's fantastic that both athletes use the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES to push their limits and chase fast times. We are thankful for their support and wish them the best of luck. We look forward to cheering them on in Gqeberha!"
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