'My biggest dream remains to dip under 28 minutes' - Mkhwanazi aims to go faster at Absa DURBAN 10K

After announcing himself as one of South Africa's fastest 10km athletes, Bongelani Mkhwanazi says the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is the perfect opportunity for him to continue his brilliant form. Mkhwanazi has done well in the first two legs of the series leading up to this weekend's race on Sunday 7 July. In April, he posted 28:44 to finish sixth at the Absa GQEBERHA 10K and then followed up with a splendid 28:35 in May to occupy fifth position overall at the Absa CAPE TOWN 10K.

Now, the 27-year-old Black Diamond Athletics Club top Runner says he has done good preparation to go even faster. "I'm quite happy that things are happening and going well for me this year. I'm running well and getting the desired results and I'm hoping to continue with this form I have shown so far this year," he reflected.

Mkhwanazi on his way to a fifth place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Mother's Day. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

Mkhwanazi recently won the Chillie Lifestyle 10km race on June 16 in the time of 28:39 to dip under 29 minutes for the third time during the 2024 road running season. This performance has given man who is coached by Xolani Mabhida the confidence that he can run faster than even before on Sunday.

"Coming to the Absa 10K race, I have done all the preparations well in order to have a great race. The planning has been quite good because I have been smart in terms of racing which I think has influence on my performances so far. Also to win the race (Chillie 10k) has given me a huge moral boost in terms of that winning mentality. So I'm quite positive that I have done it all to be super ready for the race day," he explained.

Mkhwanazi chasing the late Mbuleli Mathanga at the 2023 Chillie Lifestyle 10km, which he won this year as part of his preparation to go sub 28 minutes at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The ultimate goal for Mkhwanazi, who hails from Mandeni in North of KwaZulu-Natal but lives and trains eThekwini, is to better his 10km lifetime best time of 28:26 and he believes in races like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series it possible because of the world class lineup.

"I have a dream to run faster than my personal best time which I think is achievable if I can continue to train hard. Plus the races like the Absa DURBAN 10K have the best athletes in terms of the competition which makes it easy to push you to go even faster. So on Sunday, I'm praying for perfect weather conditions in order to deliver. My biggest dream remains to dip under 28 minutes and I'm working hard to make it happen. When the time is right, it going to be achievable and if I can get it in my province that would be a good achievement."