Fresh off a career-defining surge through the streets of Valencia, Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir is ready to test her speed on South African asphalt. The 20-year-old world No.1 will make her much-anticipated local debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026, bringing global spotlight and blistering pace to Nelson Mandela Bay.
Jepchirchir announced herself to the world in January when she stormed to victory at the prestigious Valencia 10K, clocking a stunning 29:25. That shattered the 30-minute barrier and catapulted her to the summit of the 2026 world rankings, making her one of the most in-demand road racers on the planet.
Yet instead of chasing another European payday, Jepchirchir has followed the well-worn fast lane to South Africa, a route previously taken by legends like Genzebe Dibaba and Yelamzerf Yehualu.
The reason is simple: the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has earned a reputation as a stopwatch-friendly playground where world-class times are not hoped for, but expected.
If everything goes according to plan, the young Kenyan could make history in Nelson Mandela Bay by becoming the first women to run a sub 30 minute 10km road race on African soil.
This sets the scene for the likes of South African 10k stars Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh amongst others to line up next to Jepchirchir in Gqeberha to ensure blistering fast times.
“I’ve heard great things about the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and the Gqeberha 10K. The course is known for being fast, the organisation is excellent, and the competition is strong. I’m excited to experience racing in South Africa and to be part of such a high-energy event,” Jepchirchir said.
Her Valencia breakthrough was the payoff after months of disciplined mileage and patient progression. Now ranked joint-fourth fastest women’s 10km runner of all time, Jepchirchir has shaken off the post-race fatigue and is back in full training mode, eyes fixed on another fluent, fearless run.
“It was an amazing feeling and a very special moment for me. Valencia is such a competitive race, so winning there and breaking 30 minutes for the first time meant a lot,” she explained.
“The biggest factor has been consistency. Over the last six months I’ve been able to train well, stay healthy, and really build momentum. On 1 March, the goal is to put together a strong race, compete well, and see what time is possible on the day. If conditions are right, I’d love to run fast again, but the focus must also be on execution and racing smart.”
Race organisers believe Jepchirchir’s presence adds another turbo boost to an event already known for electric energy and deep fields.
“To have the current world No.1, fresh off a sensational win in Valencia, choose to make her South African debut at our event speaks volumes about the stature of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
“Brenda’s presence raises the bar once again and guarantees an exciting, world-class race for both elite and recreational runners on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.”
With a combined prize purse of R1.686 million across the 2026 series, plus innovative incentives for South African athletes, the stage is set for fireworks. When Jepchirchir hits the Gqeberha roads, expect a race that hums like a well-oiled engine, smooth, relentless, and frighteningly fast.
Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K START by Anthony Grote
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series dates
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1 March: Gqeberha 10K
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10 May: Cape Town 10K
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12 July: Durban 10K
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23 August: Tshwane 10K
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24 September: Joburg 10K
For more info visit: https://runyourcityseries.com/
