GEORGE NEWS - South African long-distance sensation Elroy Gelant delivered a tactical masterclass, setting a new personal best of 27:47 to win the iconic Absa Run Your City Durban 10K on Sunday 7 July.
"It’s great to get my first Absa Run Your City Durban series win. It took a lot of strength in the last part of the race but I'm happy I managed to hold on to the end. It’s also a combination of discipline and hard work in training. To win is crucial in terms of building the confidence leading up to the Olympics,” said an elated Gelant, who will represent the country in the Olympic Marathon on 10 August.
Gelant controlled the race from start to finish, dipping under 28 minutes for only the second time in his career, following a 27:54 clocking for second place at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K in May.
Defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi finished just behind Gelant in 27:53, while Thabang Mosiako secured third place with a time of 27:54.
Notably, five men broke the 28-minute barrier, four of whom were South Africans, with three-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka clocking 27:56 for fifth place.
In the women’s race, Christine Nalimo Njoki led from gun to tape to set a new SA Allcomers record. The 24-year-old stopped the clock on 30:37, which was also the fastest 10km time of her career. The Kenyan was pleased with her performance. “This was my first time running in South Africa. I’m so happy to be here today. It was a surprise to me because I didn’t expect this time here.”
In addition to the SA Allcomers record, two more records were run in the women’s race.
Glenrose Xaba dug deep to finish in 31:12, only one second inside the 31:13 national record set by the great Elana Meyer back in October 2001, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala finished in 32:01 to set a new national record for the Mountain Kingdom.
“I’m happy that I have finally run the record. Since a young age, Elana Meyer told me that one day I'll own the record because I'm strong. She is my mentor as I always look at the times she ran in the past. So to see it finally happening, I'm very happy. I also want to thank Caster Semenya and Violet for believing in me," said Xaba.
"We commend all participants of the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K for their participation and efforts to help us pledge R1 for every kilometre run or walked by a Team Absa member on Strava. Congratulations to the well-deserving winners for their remarkable dedication and perseverance.
"Witnessing individuals, driven by diverse motivations, achieve personal milestones has been truly inspiring," said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s head of sponsorships, brand, and marketing.
"Your stories have deeply moved us and ignited a flame of motivation within our team. We extend our sincere appreciation to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors and organisers, whose steadfast support has made this event exceptional once again."
Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and series founder, also congratulated Gelant and Njoki as well as Xaba and Khatala for setting new national records.
"Your performances were truly inspiring. With four SA men going under 28 minutes, today will be remembered as one of the best 10km races run in the country and on the African continent.
"A massive thank you to the 10 000 runners who joined us on this incredible day - you are the heartbeat of this event. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, partners and supporters, whose contributions and enthusiasm were invaluable and added immensely to the experience. Together, you all made this day exceptional. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year," said Meyer.
TOP 10 MEN
1. Elroy Gelant (RSA) 0:27:47
2. Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 0:27:53
3. Thabang Mosiako (RSA) 0:27:54
4. Mao Ako (Tanzania) 0:27:55
5. Stephen Mokoka (RSA) 0:27:56
6. Precious Mashele (RSA) 0:28:01
7. Keneth Kiprop (UGA) 0:28:03
8. Nadeel Wildschutt (RSA) 0:28:07
9. Chris Mhlangu (RSA) 0:28:24
10. Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 0:28:33
TOP 10 WOMEN
1. Christine Njoki (KEN) 0:30:37
2. Debash Desta (ETH) 0:31:00
3. Judith Kiyeng (KEN) 0:31:10
4. Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 0:31:12
5. Neheng Khatala (LES) 0:32:01
6. Haile Gebru Tsihay (ETH) 0:32:09
7. Blandina Makatisi (LES) 0:32:40
8. Karabo Mailula (RSA) 0:33:08
9. Cacisile Sosibo (0:33:36)
10. Ntsoaki Molahloe (RSA) 0:33:52
Christine Njoki crossing the finish line as she wins the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K. Photo: Anthony Grote
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