Thabang Mosiako, the country’s most consistent sub-28-minute 10km performer over the last two seasons, and Glenrose Xaba, in the finest form of her career, are set to bring contrasting narratives to what promises to be an electrifying race.
Mosiako’s Mission: A Return to Form
For 28-year-old Thabang Mosiako, Sunday’s race marks more than just the season opener of the iconic road running series – it signals a personal comeback.
“To be honest with you, training hasn’t been easy and I have been in and out due to a very bad hamstring injury,” Mosiako admits, reflecting on his battle back to fitness after his marathon debut in Abu Dhabi last December, where he clocked a promising 2:09:14.
Despite missing the opening race in Gqeberha, Mosiako proved he is on the upswing with a top-10 finish at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, crossing the line in 66 minutes. That result, he says, gave him hope.
“After that, I saw that I am getting to that sub-28-minute Thabang again,” said the man who, in 2023, became the first South African to dip under 28 minutes three times in a single season. Now, all eyes are on Cape Town.
“For Cape Town, I can say I will be happy to run sub-28:30 to see if I am back or not.”
Xaba’s Climb: From Peak to Peak
While Mosiako rebuilds, Glenrose Xaba is riding a wave of momentum. The 29-year-old has started 2025 in blistering form, already claiming third place at the Gqeberha 10K in 31:56, followed by a commanding victory at the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships in the 5000m (15:27.95) – her third-fastest ever over the distance.
Glenrose Xaba
Xaba, South Africa’s fastest 10km woman in history with a personal best of 31:12, attributes her stellar performances to a finely tuned training regime.
“My body is responding very well after the SA Track & Field Championships,” she confirmed. “The recovery went well. I’m very happy that I was able to run sub-32 minutes in Gqeberha. Running sub-32 takes a lot because you have to focus on training.”
Now, she has her sights set on another top finish in the Mother City.
“My target for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K is to be on the podium and run sub-32 again or faster.”
Race Day Drama in the Mother City
The 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K is not only the second leg of the five-city series but also marks the 10th anniversary of South Africa’s premier 10km road running series. The event kicks off at 09:00 from Marine Drive in Milnerton, finishing at Lower Long Street opposite the Absa Building.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, is enthusiastic about the star-studded showdown.
“It’s fantastic to have Thabang Mosiako lining up as he continues his steady return to top form, and equally exciting to welcome Glenrose Xaba, who is currently in the shape of her life,” said Meyer. “Both athletes are determined to bring their best to the streets of the Mother City. Entrants and spectators can look forward to witnessing world-class racing live – it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”
Big Stakes and Big Hearts
With a combined prize purse of R1.61 million across the 2025 series, and R322,000 allocated per city, runners have more than pride on the line. Winners in Cape Town will pocket R30,000 each, while second and third place finishers take home R25,000 and R20,000 respectively.
But it’s not just about the elite – age category runners will share R70,000 in additional prizes, and South African athletes can chase lucrative incentives for breaking key time barriers.
A blistering sub-27-minute 10km for men or a sub-30:23 for women will each trigger a R200,000 bonus. An SA record? That adds another R50,000 to the pot.
All while doing good – the series proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), raising funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.
As Cape Town prepares for the 10K spectacle, one thing is certain: Whether it’s Mosiako’s redemption run or Xaba’s podium push, the city’s streets will bear witness to elite racing at its finest.
Website: www.runyourcityseries.com
Instagram & Facebook: @CapeTown10k
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 0427613
