By Jacky McClean
Kabelo Mulaudzi is confident of yet another podium finish when he takes on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday 24 September 2024.
The Boxer Athletics Club top runner is encouraged by his current shape after claiming third place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 25 August.
“I would have been happy to win the race, but I don’t know what happened during that last kilometre. But overall, it shows that I’m still at the same level as last year because the main thing is to finish on the podium,” he explained referring to his 2023 season which saw him win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a maiden sub 28 clocking and win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K six weeks later.
The year 2024 is shaping up to mirror 2023 for the reigning SA 10km Cross Country Champion. Before securing third place in the nation’s capital last month with a time of 28:52, the 26-year-old Alexandra Township native delivered a personal best of 27:53 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 7 July, earning the runner-up position.
Mulaudzi attributes his ability to replicate his outstanding form from twelve months ago to his coach, Richard Mayer. Reflecting on his impressive performance at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last year, where he claimed second place in a fierce contest with Namakoe Nkhasi, Mulaudzi is eager to return to the streets of Joburg for his next road race.
“The time I ran at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K this year is better than the time I ran last year (29:12), which shows that I’m improving at each and every race.
“I’d like to thank my coach for all the support as well as Absa for the support they give me. I’ll keep coming back.”
Mulaudzi will be up against Gideon Kipngetich in the City of Gold on Heritage Day.
The Kenyan was the surprise package of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 2024 where he led for 9km before Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo passed him to win the race in 28:40.
The East African crossed the finish line in second place two seconds later.
“It’s always exciting to see Kabelo Mulaudzi in action, especially in such great form as he heads into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K,” says Michael Meyer,
Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Series. “Watching South Africa’s elite athletes not only perform at a high level but also continue to push their boundaries and improve is truly inspiring.
“The final event of the series on National Heritage Day promises to be a thrilling conclusion, and we can’t wait to see Kabelo and the other top athletes give it their all.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
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1. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 April 2024
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Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 28:01 Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:15 |
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2. COMPLETED / Sunday 12 May 2024
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Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 27:52 Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:47 |
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3. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 July 2024
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Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Men’s Winner: Elroy Gelant (South Africa) 0:27:47 Women’s Winner: Christine Njoki (Kenya) 0:30:37 |
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4. COMPLETED / Sunday 25 August 2024
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Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K Men’s Winner: Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 28:40 Women’s Winner: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:51 |
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5. NEXT UP: Tuesday 24 September 2024
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Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K |
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Start Line: Lilian Ngoyi Street / Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg |
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Finish Line: Rahima Moosa Street / Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg |
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Entry Fee: • Licensed Runners: R245.00
• Temp License: R60.00
Entry Includes: • Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt
• Absa Drawstring Bag
• Absa Peak Cap
• Absa Socks
• Race Number with Timing Chip
• Amazing Sponsor Route Entertainment Points
• Lively Route Entertainment Points
• 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route
• Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service
• Pre and Post Event Entertainment
• Transport Service (to start and from finish)
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Finisher’s Medal
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EXCITING NEWS: In 2024, each of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events will showcase unique, city-specific medals, adding a personalized touch to the participant experience reflective of the host city’s essence and character.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has welcomed the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events in 2024. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.
WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will stand a chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. To qualify for a chance to win this incredible prize, runners need to complete three simple steps: first, register for the event and pay the entry fee; second, collect your race number during the designated race pack collection times; and finally, ensure you’re on the start line on event day. The winner will be announced before the start of the race.
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
