After coming within just two seconds of breaking her own national record at the Totalsports Women's Race in Durban on Sunday, Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) is brimming with confidence as she prepares for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 25 August.
Lesotho’s fastest female 10km athlete clocked 32:03 to claim third place during the Women’s only race in Durban on Sunday 4 August, just four weeks after running a career best 32:01 for fifth place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.
“Durban has always been a special place for me to race. The supportive crowd, the climate, and the course suit my running style. The energy from the spectators and the coastal atmosphere really help me perform at my best here.”
Those two performances, run at sea level on flat and fast courses in eThekwini, have left the North-West University student feeling upbeat about her chances of claiming a podium finish at the fourth of five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races scheduled for the last Sunday of Women’s Month.
“My target for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is to secure a top-three finish and aim for a personal best on this course. The hills and altitude will definitely play a role in my strategy. I’ve been working closely with my coach, Andrew Booyens, to fine-tune my strategy and focus on my strengths. We’ve been emphasizing speed work, hill training and endurance to ensure I’m in peak condition for each race.”
Having claimed fifth place during last year’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K against a quality field of Southern and East African athletes, Khatala who has been in better 10km shape this season, can justifiably target a podium finish.
Cacisile Sosibo will also be looking to improve on her 2023 showing in the nation’s capital. The Boxer Athletic Club athlete who claimed a top ten finish in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in the Latvian city of Riga last October, has confirmed her participation as she looks to break into the top five following the sixth position she achieved twelve months ago.
And after stopping the clock in 33:27 to end up as the first South African at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban just 24 hours after taking third place at the TSHWANE SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE, Sosibo underlined her status as one of the country’s most improved athletes of the last 18 months. She says her coach Michael Seme must take the credit.
“It's all about the way he treats me. He treats me like his own child. When he asks me to dig deep and do what he says until the time is right- I do it. He even advises me about what to do during the race.”
"We are excited to welcome Lesotho's National Record Holder Neheng Khatala and Boxer Athletic Club top runner Cacisile Sosibo to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on August 25th," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "Both athletes have been delivering fantastic performances, showcasing remarkable dedication and talent. It’s a privilege to witness their improvements firsthand, and we are excited to see them compete at the Tshwane event. Their participation not only elevates the level of competition but also inspires all runners to push their limits and achieve their best."
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
EXCITING NEWS: In 2024, each of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events will showcase unique, city-specific medals, adding a personalized touch to the participant experience reflective of the host city's essence and character.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has welcomed the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events in 2024. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.
WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will have the exciting chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. To qualify for a chance to win this incredible prize, runners need to complete three simple steps: first, register for the event and pay the entry fee; second, collect your race number during the designated race pack collection times; and finally, ensure you're on the start line on event day. The winner will be announced before the start of the race.
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
About Absa
Absa Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa operates in fourteen countries. The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States. For further information about Absa Group Limited, please visit www.absa.africa
About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015. A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises five unique events namely the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (launched in 2023), Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (launched in 2015), the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K (launched in 2017), Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K (launched in 2023) and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K (launched in 2016).
A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants. For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/
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