Zanele Maisa is running her comeback story one stride at a time and right now, she’s moving fast.
After a breakthrough top-five finish at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships in Middelburg, the Kwa-Thema athlete has set her sights on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on 24 September.
She hopes to close the gap on South Africa’s leading women.
At 29, Maisa’s career has found a second wind. Once a school star who stepped away from the sport to make a living, she has returned with fresh fire, trading mile races for the 10km and quickly proving she belongs among the country’s elite.
Runner-up at the Central Gauteng Championships, fifth at nationals, and 13th at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 36:31, the Waterfall Athletics Club runner has steadily climbed the ladder.
“It’s not easy chasing the best, but I believe it’s possible,” says Maisa.
“I want to stick with them, push for around 33 minutes, and see how far I can go.”
Guided by coach Thabo Moeketsi, she has sharpened her speed and set her sights firmly on Joburg’s Heritage Day showcase which is the grand finale of the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.
Series founder Michael Meyer is equally excited:
“Zanele has already made her presence felt in Tshwane, and we look forward to seeing her in action in Joburg. She represents the spirit of the series with determination, growth, and the courage to compete.”
With a stacked elite field, a R1.61 million prize purse, and national pride on the line, Maisa will toe the Joburg start line not just to compete, but to carve her name among the best.
Zanele Maisa by Action Photo
