Kavanagh keeps cool as form peaks ahead of CAPE TOWN 10K

Tayla Kavanagh may be running the fastest races of her career, but the in-form athlete is keeping her feet firmly on the ground ahead of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday 10 May.

The 24-year-old has surged into a rich vein of form, clocking personal bests over 3000m, 5000m and 10km in the space of three weeks. Her latest statement came in Stellenbosch, where she dominated the 3000m at the Cape Milers World Athletics Challenger Tour meet in 8:46.86.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Kavanagh. “I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the route and the competition. With this being my second 10km race of the season, I’m looking forward to putting together a strong run.”

Her road credentials were underlined earlier this season when she stopped the clock at 31:33 to win the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix, getting the better of Glenrose Xaba in a high-quality contest.

Kavanagh believes her decision to spend more time on the track has sharpened her edge.

“It was a good decision,” she said. “As someone without a track background, it is so good to add track to the mix this year. I think it’s assisting me to be faster on the road. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the track season, but the road is where my full passion lies. I’m looking forward to being back on the road and seeing what we can do in the 10km distances.”

Despite her upward trajectory, she remains measured in her outlook, drawing confidence from a race that helped reignite her career after injury setbacks in 2023 and 2024.

“I feel that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K last year is where I started to pick up my form again. That means it’s kind of a special race for me,” she said. “I don’t have too many expectations. I’ve been enjoying the process of running. That’s when I perform at my best, when I go out there and put my whole heart into it and enjoy what I’m doing.”

Race organisers are expecting another big performance.

“Tayla has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few weeks, and her recent string of personal bests across multiple distances is a clear indication that she’s in outstanding form,” said Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer. “If her current trajectory is anything to go by, we can expect a truly special performance in Cape Town.”

The race starts at 09:00 on Marine Drive in Milnerton and finishes in the Cape Town CBD.

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series