Edward Mothibi, the iron man of South African ultramarathons, is lacing up for something shorter, sharper, and swifter: the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
The five-time Comrades gold medallist, regards the Heritage Day race as a a tune-up lap before plunging back into the long grind of the ultra season.
“By September the body has rested enough after Comrades,” says the 2019 Comrades champion.
“I hope it responds well because this is the last race where I want to run strong before starting the build-up again.”
Mothibi has already twice broken into the top ten in Joburg against purebred 10km and 21km specialists.
This year, after clocking 31:02 for 11th place at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km, he proved once again that the modern ultrarunner can’t rely on endurance alone, speed is now part of the survival kit.
“The body is recovering well, which I can see by the way I’m running my speed sessions,” says the Rustenburg powerhouse.
“After Comrades I just wanted to concentrate on speed because age is catching up. So it’s best that I do more 10km and 21km races.”
At 40, Mothibi is literally still climbing hills with youthful zeal. His 1:08:53 victory at the hilly Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon showed he has the legs for Joburg’s climbs.
“Maybe I have an advantage because Rustenburg has a lot of hills,” he laughs.
“And I think I’ve got the luck of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. I hope that luck continues.”
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, knows Mothibi is no ordinary entrant:
“Edward is a world-class athlete that has proven to possess both endurance and speed.
“His participation highlights the Series’ ability to attract and challenge athletes across all distances. We wish him the very best of luck come race day.”
For Mothibi, the Joburg dash is both a test and a statement. He’s proving that even ultramarathon runners must sharpen their swords on shorter battlefields, because in running, as in life, the future belongs to those who can go long and still finish fast.
Edward Mothibi by Action Photo
2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES
Sunday, 13 April – GQEBERHA 10K
- Elite Men: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:28
- Elite Women: Jane Gati Chacha (Kenya) 31:45
Sunday, 11 May – CAPE TOWN 10K
- Elite Men: Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 27:49
- Elite Women: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 32:00
Sunday, 13 July – DURBAN 10K
- Elite Men: Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 27:41
- Elite Women: Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) 30:50
Sunday, 24 August – TSHWANE 10K
- Elite Men: Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 29:00
- Elite Women: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:50
Wednesday, 24 September – JOBURG 10K
- Start: 08:00, Lilian Ngoyi Street
- Finish: Rahima Moosa Street
Charity Partner
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), raising funds to enable research, educate the public, and support those affected by cancer. Entrants can donate to CANSA when registering online.
Prize Purse 2025
- Total Series Prize Purse: R1,610,000
- Per Event: R322,00
- Open Category: R252,000 split equally between Top 10 Men & Women
- 1st place: R30,000 | 2nd: R25,000 | 3rd: R20,000
- Age Category Pool: R70,000 (Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+)
SA Athlete Incentive Schedule: Unprecedented additional rewards across all five races to encourage local excellence.
