Mulaudzi and Mashele target podium positions at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Kabelo Mulaudzi established himself as the next big name in South African road running by winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2023. The 26-year-old, who also recorded his first sub-28-minute 10km time during that race, says he is eagerly looking forward to competing again at the iconic event this Sunday, 7 July.
"Last year was one of the best moments of my career—probably the best ever. Even now, as I look ahead to this year’s race, I am confident that I can go sub-28 again because I always run well in Durban," explains Mulaudzi. He set a personal best of 27:56 to beat the likes of Stephen Mokoka and Thabang Mosiako at the last edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.
This time, however, Mulaudzi enters the race following a challenging four months. In March, the Boxer Athletic Club’s top runner was unable to complete the senior men’s race at the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia due to injury, and he could only manage a time of 29:52 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May. Nevertheless, after performing well in the Central Gauteng Athletics Cross Country League races in June, Mulaudzi is confident of delivering a better performance eThekwini.
"My training has gone well over the past six weeks," confirms Mulaudzi. "I generally reach peak fitness around June, so I’m hoping to set another personal best. My goal for Sunday is to run another sub-28 and secure a top-three finish. I don’t want to focus too much on being the defending champion; I just want to enjoy the race because every race is a new challenge. A win would be a bonus."
Leading the local challenge against the East Africans alongside Mulaudzi is Precious Mashele, who won the iconic race in 2021 and is one of the most consistent podium finishers in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Mashele, who secured third place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in April with a season’s best of 28:19, has been on the podium in four of his last six races. The 10km national record holder says he’s ready for race day.
"The training has been going well. I’m ready. We’ve planned well. I’ll be happy if I finish on the podium," says Mashele.
"We are excited to welcome back Kabelo Mulaudzi and Precious Mashele, both past winners of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, to this year’s race. Their presence adds incredible excitement and prestige to the event, and it’s a privilege to see these exceptional athletes in action. We know they will bring their best and inspire many with their performances," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.