Mulaudzi cruises to Durban victory in personal best time

News24

7 hours ago

Rajesh Jantilal
Despite a strong challenge from defending champion Elroy Gelant and Kenya's Vincent Kipkorir, Mulaudzi timed his race perfectly to take victory with ease.
With two events remaining in the series (Tshwane in August and Johannesburg in September), Mulaudzi is focused on a clean sweep and breaking the national 10K record of 27:28 set by Adriaan Wildschutt earlier this year.
South African long-distance star Kabelo Mulaudzi delivered yet another dazzling performance on Sunday morning, storming to victory in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K with a blistering personal best of 27 minutes and 41 seconds.
The race unfolded under Durban's clear skies and warm coastal conditions, drawing 10 000 spectators along Durban's scenic promenade.
Rajesh Jantilal
Mulaudzi surged ahead in the final stages of the race to extend his streak of sub-28-minute finishes to three consecutive races, a feat that underscores his growing dominance in South African road running.
It was the fifth time in his career that Mulaudzi dipped under the elusive 28-minute barrier, further cementing his status as one of the country's elite athletes.
Mulaudzi faced stiff competition throughout the 10 kilometre race, including a spirited challenge from defending champion, South African Elroy Gelant and Kenya's Vincent Kipkorir. But it was Mulaudzi who timed his race to perfection, pulling away to an easy victory.
Rajesh Jantilal
Speaking after his victory, Mulaudzi said he was happy to have won the race.
The competition was good. This field had all the fast guys. My target was to break the national record, but I think the pace was a bit slow in the first 5km, which is why I missed it today.
Kabelo Mulaudzi
That national record – 27:28, held by Adriaan Wildschutt – was set earlier this year at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10 kilometres and remains within reach, and Mulaudzi is determined to take another shot at it.
It wasn't meant to be today, but this isn't the end of the road. I'll try again. For now, my focus is on winning the two remaining events in Tshwane and Joburg.
Mulaudzi
Sunday's win marked Mulaudzi's second triumph in this year's Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, following his victory in Cape Town in May, earlier this year. With two races remaining coming up in Tshwane next month and Johannesburg in September, he now eyes a clean sweep of the Absa Run Your City 2025 Series.
Rajesh Jantilal
In the women's race, Kenya's Clare Ndiwa marked her South African debut with authority, claiming the title in a superb 30:50, a time that stunned the field and signalled her arrival on the local circuit.