Ten years. Ten kilometres. Ten thousand dreams. On Sunday, May 11 — a day already rich in love and legacy as Mother’s Day — Cape Town will host the 10th anniversary of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K, where the fusion of grit, glory, and gratitude will explode onto the streets of the Mother City.
What started in 2015 as a bold experiment in elite road running has evolved into one of South Africa’s most iconic races — not just for its scenic coastal route, but for the stories it births. Now a nationwide series of five races, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has become the cornerstone of modern South African distance running, elevating a generation of athletes and serving as a launchpad for international stardom.
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At the heart of this narrative stands Elroy Gelant, a figure of endurance and quiet brilliance. At 38, Gelant has etched his name into the history books after breaking the South African marathon record in Hamburg just weeks ago, running a sensational 2:05:36. And yet, in typical humility, he calls that achievement “a vehicle on the highway for others to pass by.”
Though Gelant won’t be chasing records this Sunday — still recovering from his marathon — his presence remains magnetic. “I’ll take it easy,” he admits, “but that doesn’t mean I won’t be competitive. It’s about having a good day and lifting the standard.”
For Gelant, this race is more than a milestone. It’s a symbol. “We used to have only Stephen Mokoka running fast times. Now look at us. The Absa Series helped create that shift. We’re back to the glory days,” he reflects.
That “glory” is now carried forward by a younger generation — and one of the brightest stars is Asbel Kiprop Rutto of Kenya. Rutto’s journey began on this very course in 2022 when he placed fourth in his first international race. Today, he’s one of the most formidable long-distance runners on the continent, boasting a 27:55 personal best and a 2024 Rome Marathon victory in a course record 2:06:24.
“I might be a marathoner now, but I haven’t lost my speed,” Rutto declares. “This race changed my life. I want to win it now.”
Joining Rutto in the men’s elite field is Kabelo Mulaudzi, a fierce competitor with a lifetime best of 27:53, hungry for another podium finish. And of course, the ever-reliable Stephen Mokoka, still a threat over shorter distances despite holding a 50km world record, adds gravitas to the race’s already star-studded lineup.
But the battle for supremacy won’t just be fought by the men.
In the women’s race, South Africa’s own Glenrose Xaba returns in peak form. Already a double national champion over 5,000m and 10,000m this year, Xaba also holds the national marathon record with a 2:22:22 performance at the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. “I have beautiful memories in Cape Town,” she says. “If I can go under 32 minutes and win — that will be my gift to myself.”
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Xaba will have to fend off a fierce field that includes Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre, Lesotho’s national 10km record holder Neheng Khatala (32:01), and seasoned South African contenders Lebo Phalula and Cacisile Sosibo.
This isn’t just a race. It’s a celebration of resilience — a Mother’s Day tribute wrapped in rhythm, sweat, and determination. It’s a stage where the continent’s finest showcase what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.
As the clock ticks down to Sunday’s gun, Cape Town isn’t just preparing for another race. It’s preparing to mark a decade of moments that redefined African distance running.
And maybe, just maybe, somewhere among the 15,000-strong crowd, the next Elroy, Rutto, or Xaba is about to take their first stride toward greatness.
