Durban is gearing up for a busy month of road running, with a string of major events expected to attract athletes from across South Africa and beyond.
The action starts on Sunday with the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km, which gets under way at 7am. Later this month, runners will have two options on July 26, with the Boardwalk Inkwazi 10km and the Forest 10km both taking place.
The Totalsports Women’s Race follows on August 2, starting at Suncoast Casino at 8am, while the Mathews Meyiwa Half Marathon (21,1km) will be staged at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on August 9.
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The highlight of Sunday’s race is expected to be the battle among the elite athletes, with organisers promising a world-class field featuring some of South Africa’s top distance runners alongside international stars.
Eight years after racing against Ugandan distance-running great Joshua Cheptegei on the streets of Durban, South African veterans Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi are looking forward to renewing their rivalry with the two-time Olympic champion.
Mokoka finished sixth in the 2018 race in 28:18, when Cheptegei became the first athlete to run a sub-28-minute 10km on South African soil, winning in an SA All-Comers record of 27:16. That race also saw Swiss runner Julien Wanders finish second in 27:32 to set a new European 10km record.
Reflecting on that memorable race, Mokoka said Cheptegei’s presence elevated the standard of competition and inspired a new generation of South African runners, including Mulaudzi.
It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa.
“We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.
The 41-year-old, a former South African 10km record holder with a best of 27:38, believes Cheptegei’s return provides local athletes with a rare opportunity to test themselves against one of the world’s greatest distance runners while highlighting the growing international status of the Absa Run Your City Series.
Meanwhile, the Totalsports Women’s Race will once again paint the streets of Durban pink as South Africa’s largest Women’s Month road-running celebration returns. The Durban leg takes place on August 2, before moving to Cape Town on August 9 and Johannesburg on August 16.
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Stillwater Sports managing director and series founder Michael Meyer said the event would once again offer participants an unforgettable race-day experience.
“We’re excited to once again welcome thousands of women to the streets of Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg this August.
“Each route has been carefully designed to deliver an enjoyable and memorable experience, whether participants are chasing a personal best, walking with friends and family, or celebrating Women’s Month together.
“From vibrant on-route entertainment to the incredible atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Totalsports Women’s Race, every kilometre is an opportunity to celebrate strength, unity and the joy of movement. We can’t wait to see the streets come alive with a sea of pink across all three cities,” said Meyer.
