October 25, 2026

Adnaan Mohamed

Masai masters Mangaung as Glenrose blooms in the City of Roses

Kenyan adds Mangaung 10K crown to Two Oceans triumph as Xaba conquers the hills

Kenya’s Felix Masai Kibet added another major title to his South African collection when he outclassed a strong international field at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K on a scorching Sunday morning in Bloemfontein.

The reigning 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Half-Marathon champion stormed home in 28:14 along Kings Way beside Toyota Stadium, pocketing another prestigious victory without achieving his pre-race ambition of a personal best.

***Felix Masai wins the inaugural Mangaung 10K in Bloemfontein Photo: Tobias Ginsberg***

Representing Gotyme Run Club, Masai dictated the pace from the gun, leaving South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi (Boxer CGA) to settle for second in 28:43. Mulaudzi’s teammate Zenzile Pheko completed the podium in 28:54.

“I enjoy racing in South Africa. Just like Two Oceans Half-Marathon earlier this year, it went well again today,” Masai said.

“I felt good. There was no competition from start to finish. The course was quite fast, with a hill with around two kilometres to go.”

The Kenyan, who also won the 2026 NN CPC Loop Den Haag in the Netherlands, showed that his Cape Town triumph was no isolated flash of brilliance. His 28:14 was a statement of intent on a demanding course, although the missing personal best leaves another target on his road-running agenda.

Nicholas Losiwareng of Kenya narrowly missed the podium in 29:08, with Boxer’s Musawenkosi Mnisi fifth in 29:11. Precious Mashele (30:19) and veteran campaigner Stephen Mokoka (30:20) finished sixth and seventh respectively, followed by Tanzania’s Shedrak Hasani (30:22), Elex Moyo (30:27) and Lesotho’s Thabiso Ramaisa (30:44).

Xaba turns up the heat

Glenrose Xaba delivered the women’s headline performance, winning her first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race of the year in 32:10 after another display of grit and tactical discipline.

Kenya’s Jackline Rotich chased her home in 32:15, while Hollywood Athletics Club’s Neheng Khatala secured third in 32:19, adding another podium to her impressive run after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K the previous week.

“The course is challenging. Especially around seven kilometres, where the hill is. But I’m glad we were able to take on the challenge,” Xaba said.

“I love it because it’s also challenging, and that brings mental strength.”

Xaba admitted that the hills caught her by surprise until she inspected the course the previous day. Her preparation paid dividends when the road began to bite, and she held off Kenyan challengers Maurine Chepkorir (32:34) and Naomi Chepkorir (34:36), according to the supplied results.

***2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Champions , Arthur Jantjies and Gerda Steyn, by Tobias Ginsberg.***

Gerda Steyn, the multiple Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon champion, finished sixth in 35:01, underlining her versatility against specialist 10km runners.

Lesotho’s Dikeledi Majara was seventh in 35:17, followed by Ntsoaki Molahloe (35:30), Este Van Tonder (37:24) and Kirsti Bell (39:04).

The inaugural Mangaung race delivered a compelling blend of international quality, local depth and a course that demanded more than fast feet. For Masai, it was another South African crown; for Xaba, a long-awaited series victory. For the next generation watching from the roadside, the real prize may be the inspiration to follow in their footsteps.

Men’s top 10