Following the best season of his career, which included his first sub-28-minute 10km at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May and a third Olympic appearance in August, Elroy Gelant now has his sights set on making history at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024.
Lining up for one of Joburg’s most iconic races on National Heritage Day, the reigning SA Marathon and Half Marathon Champion is poised to make history as the first athlete to secure five consecutive top ten finishes in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series within a single calendar year. The Boxer Athletics Club top runner has already celebrated two runner-up finishes in Gqeberha (April) and Cape Town (May), a victory in Durban (July), and a fourth-place finish at last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K.
Despite a demanding year that included three marathons and a blistering 27:47 personal best at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, the 37-year-old remains confident, claiming he still feels fresh. This will undoubtedly leave his competitors wondering just how fast he’ll push the pace on Heritage Day.
“My body is feeling okay. I always look back at my structure which includes a very good base. My foundation is quite good. It almost feels like I can race weekend after weekend because of the structure that we implemented with coach Jean. I’m in a good space. I’m positive and that influences the body a lot. I’m looking forward to it,” says Gelant.
Lining up alongside Gelant in the City of Gold will be Kenya’s Gideon Kipngetich, who made a strong impression during his South African debut with a second-place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, having led for nearly 9km of the race. This time, Kipngetich is determined to claim the top spot on the podium.
“I enjoyed my time in South Africa,” confirms Kipngetich. “I almost won the race, but being my first race in SA, I wasn’t sure of the competition and how hard to push. The athletes really challenged me, especially the winner. I recovered well and resumed training two days after I got back from South Africa, and I have improved a bit. I plan to perform better at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K.”
“We’re thrilled to have athletes of the caliber of Olympian Elroy Gelant and Gideon Kipgnetich from Kenya lining up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day. Their participation, along with a strong field of elites, promises action-packed racing that will undoubtedly raise the bar. This event will not only showcase top-tier competition but also provide a fitting finale to the 2024 season, ensuring we close it off on a high note,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
1. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 April 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 28:01
Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:15
2. COMPLETED / Sunday 12 May 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 27:52
Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:47
3. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Men’s Winner: Elroy Gelant (South Africa) 0:27:47
Women’s Winner: Christine Njoki (Kenya) 0:30:37
4. COMPLETED / Sunday 25 August 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
Men’s Winner: Kamohelo Mofolo (LES) 28:40
Women’s Winner: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:51
5. NEXT UP: Tuesday 24 September 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Start Time: 08:00
Start Line: Lilian Ngoyi Street / Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg
Finish Line: Rahima Moosa Street / Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg
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 JOBURG 10K will stand a 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
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
Watch a Gelant on Course to Make History as Kipngetich Returns for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K video:
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