Karabo Mailula will return to Johannesburg on Heritage Day carrying the golden memory of her biggest 10km triumph, but a niggling knee injury has put a question mark over her bid to defend the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K title.
The 24-year-old Boxer Athletics Club star stormed to victory in 33:44 last year, beating Kenya’s Florence Nyaingiri and turning the M1 and M2 into her personal victory lap.
“I was so popular and received congratulations from so many people, some of whom I didn’t even know. I felt like a celebrity. I really enjoyed the race,” Mailula said.
She will need more than celebrity sparkle when the sold-out race gets underway from Lilian Ngoyi Street at 08:00 on Thursday, 24 September, with the finish on Rahima Moosa Street.
Mailula’s 2026 campaign has been a rougher road. Her third-place finish in 33:01 at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km on 30 August offered encouragement, although she remains wary of asking too much from a body still under repair.
“My aim here [at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km] was just to finish the race and run under 33:10, so I achieved my goal. But I’m honestly not sure about my fitness level at the moment. I’ve been resting because of my knee injury. I’m still in the process of recovery, so I’m not perfect.”
That makes Joburg a fascinating test of racing instinct against physical readiness. Mailula knows the course, the crowd and the feeling of breaking the tape. She also knows the Series has become part of her competitive rhythm.
“I really enjoy the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. It’s an inspiring event and everyone wants to be there, especially in Joburg, where there is a lot of support.”
Her journey began with an eighth-place finish at the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, her first top-10 finish in a major race.
“Since then, I’ve just stuck there to make sure I’m always in the top ten, even if I’m not on the podium.”
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, believes Mailula’s return adds another compelling subplot to an already competitive race.
“Karabo has built a strong connection with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, and her victory in Joburg last year was a particularly special moment in her journey. To have the defending champion back on the start line on Heritage Day adds another exciting dimension to what promises to be a highly competitive race. Karabo knows what it takes to win in Joburg, and we’re looking forward to seeing her take on the challenge of defending her title in front of the incredible Joburg crowd.”
The Series has already produced fireworks in 2026. Adriaan Wildschutt won Gqeberha in 27:47, Joshua Cheptegei conquered Durban in 27:19 and Salem Kibet took Tshwane in 28:45. Brenda Jepchirchir won Gqeberha’s women’s race in 30:15, while Doreen Cherop claimed Durban in 30:43 and Tshwane in 31:35. Cape Town was cancelled because of severe weather forecasts.
Now Joburg awaits.
For Mailula, the road to another title may be uphill in every sense. Yet memories can be powerful pacemakers, and the defending champion has already proved she knows how to find another gear when the streets start calling.
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K: Thursday, 24 September, 08:00. Sold out.
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
