Absa Run Your City Durban 10km expected to draw world-class athletes
Former world steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech will also be in contention, while KwaZulu-Natal favourite Tayla Kavanagh will be looking to build on her impressive 31:26 performance at the recent Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10km.
Thousands of runners are expected to take to the streets of Durban on Sunday morning for the annual Absa Run Your City Durban 10km, with organisers urging motorists and residents to prepare for extensive road closures ahead of the 7am start.
The popular event, one of South Africa’s premier road-running races, will start in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, at the Suncoast Casino precinct, before finishing along Durban’s Golden Mile beachfront.
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Besides attracting thousands of recreational runners and walkers, the race is expected to draw large crowds of spectators eager to witness some of the world’s top distance runners in action.
As has become tradition, the elite men’s race promises to be one of the highlights of the morning, with Uganda’s double Olympic champion and 5 000m and 10 000m world record-holder Joshua Cheptegei headlining a world-class field.
He will face strong competition from Kabelo Mulaudzi, Kenya’s Felix Masai and Gilbert Kiprotich.
The women’s race is equally stacked, with Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, who boasts a personal best of 29:25 and the second-fastest women’s 10km time in history, leading the field.
Former world steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech will also be in contention, while KwaZulu-Natal favourite Tayla Kavanagh will be looking to build on her impressive 31:26 performance at the recent Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10km.
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With thousands of participants expected, event organisers Stillwater Sports have released the official road closure schedule to help residents, businesses and motorists plan ahead.
Stillwater Sports founder Michael Meyer said every effort had been made to minimise disruption while ensuring the safety of participants and spectators.
Every effort has been made to minimise disruption, and we encourage the public to familiarise themselves with the road closure schedule and plan their journeys accordingly.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of runners and spectators for another memorable day of world-class road running in the city,” Meyer said.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travelling time on Sunday morning and make use of alternative routes where possible.
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Upcoming road running events in KwaZulu-Natal:
July 19: Eye Can Walk, hosted by Newlands Athletic Club, starting and finishing at Kings Park Athletics Stadium.
July 26: Boardwalk Inkwazi Cares Runathon.
August 9: Mathews Meyiwa Half Marathon, at Mpumalanga Stadium, in Hammarsdale.
