GEORGE NEWS - After a stellar 2024 season, where he claimed two national titles and proudly represented South Africa in the Olympic marathon, Elroy Gelant is poised for an even bigger 2025. 

The three-time Olympian delivered a scintillating performance at the Bashir's Run Half Marathon in Belgium on Sunday 9 March, clocking a lifetime best of 60:22 to secure victory. 

Motivated by this achievement, Gelant is eagerly preparing for his first Absa Run Your City Series race of the year - the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10km, taking place on Sunday 13 April.

"I'm really excited about my performance and I'm feeling optimistic about what lies ahead," explains the 38-year-old top runner who is coached by Jean Verster.

"While winning was never the goal, it turned out to be an amazing bonus! I consider it a blessing to still be able to achieve personal bests at this stage in my life. 

"We set a goal for a sub-60 [minute] finish right from the start, but when our pacer could only maintain that pace for 5km, we had to take the lead early in the race, which may have impacted our goal. Nonetheless, achieving a personal best is exciting..."

Gelant will return to the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10km, where he secured a runner-up finish in 28:17 last year. 

Now, with an improved 10km personal best of 27:47 from the 2024 Absa Run Your City Durban 10km race and the fastest 21km time of his career, the North West University lecturer is confident of his ability to break new ground beyond 27:47.

"Sunday's race gave me valuable momentum and highlighted my current form as I prepare for the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10km race. 

"I'm excited for this event, especially since I've heard it's set to be a fast 10km. My goal? To set a personal best and cap off this training cycle on a high note!''

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