Legendary South African distance runner Elroy Gelant plans to use the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 7 July, as a crucial step in finalizing his preparations before heading to the Paris Olympics later this month.
"I have done well to prepare for this race. So I'm praying for good weather conditions in order to have a solid performance,” said Gelant.
Already a two-time Olympian, Gelant will compete in his second Olympic marathon next month. This year, he has been in outstanding form, achieving lifetime best times over 42.2km and 10km. His impressive 27:54 finish for second place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in May made him South Africa’s sixth athlete to break the 28-minute barrier for 10km on home soil.
Although he is one of the contenders to win the race on Sunday, the Boxer Athletics Club top runner says he must be a little cautious ahead of his third Olympic appearance.
“I’m not aiming for a very fast time or to dip under 28 minutes like in Cape Town. If I could produce 28:10 or 28:20, I'll be much happier. I don't want to go hard as it might mess with my Marathon which is in 5 weeks’ time. This race is crucial for building the final strength needed ahead of the Olympics. It’s all about striking the balance so I don't end up coming to the Olympics with the fatigue.”
Gelant will take on fellow Olympic marathoner Stephen Mokoka as well as SA 10km record holder (27:35) Precious Mashele and the race’s defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi.
In the women’s race all eyes will be on Judith Kiyeng. Now 30 years old, the women who represented Kenya over 1500m at the 2016 African Championships in Durban, has stepped up in distance and is proving to be a more than useful 10km runner.
In just her first year as a 10km athlete, the East African ran 31:10 to win the 2022 Kiprun Race 10km in Lille, France - a mark which remains her personal best. In coming to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Kiyeng, who trains alongside Faith Kipyegon, is aiming to dip under 31 minutes for the first time.
“I’m hoping to run a good race on Sunday and to improve my time - maybe to run under 31. If my body will respond well on Sunday, I know it’s possible,” said Kiyeng.
South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba who broke 32 minutes for only the second time in her career just two weeks ago will lead the South African charge, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala who took second at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May is targeting another podium finish.
Absa's Head of Sponsorships, Jabulile Nsibanyoni states: "We look forward to seeing you at the starting line of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. The vibrant tapestry of our community is enhanced by your presence and stories, whether you're a seasoned runner, casual jogger, or enthusiastic spectator. We encourage you to join our R1 campaign by running or walking with us, this initiative is designed to make a real impact on communities throughout South Africa. Whenever a Team Absa member logs a kilometre on Strava, we will donate R1 towards community upliftment, reinforcing our commitment to positive change. Be sure to sign up and follow Team Absa Walk/Run on Strava to start tracking your kilometres and be part of this impactful journey.”
"We wish all our runners, both elite and social, the best of luck for Sunday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. It's going to be an incredible day of racing, filled with energy and excitement. We also invite spectators to come out and show their support. Your cheers and encouragement make a huge difference and help create an unforgettable atmosphere. Let’s make this a memorable event for everyone involved! Let’s #RunYourCity," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
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 DURBAN 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.
PRIZE PURSE: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will boast an impressive, combined Prize Purse of R 1,560,000.00 in 2024. Each of the five events will feature a total prize purse of R312,000. Within this allocation, R252,000 will be earmarked for the Open Category, with R126,000 dedicated to the Top 10 Open Men and R126,000 to the Top 10 Open Women. Additionally, R60,000 will be designated for Age Categories. The top male and female finishers in each city will be awarded R30,000 each, with R25,000 going to the second-place finishers and R20,000 to the third-place finishers. The Age Category Prize Purse will be distributed among the top three finishers in each of the Junior, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, and 70+ Age Categories. To view the complete Prize Purse Breakdown visit: www.runyourcityseries.com
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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