Fresh from winning his second national title in four weeks, Elroy Gelant has confirmed that he will line up at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024.
Lining up on a course that produced the SA All-Comers Record of 27:16 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in 2018, Gelant knows that given his recent mercurial form, all eyes will be on him.
“I understand the expectations at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K and I am prepared for the challenge,” confirms Gelant.
The Boxer Athletics Club top runner has been in the shape of his life in 2024 setting personal bests over the marathon (2:08:56) and 10km (27:54), while claiming a silver medal in the 5000m at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships.
“It’s a testament to our hard work and dedication as a team. I’m referring to my coach, training mates and support structures,” said the University of the North-West lecturer who is coached by Jean Verster.
His victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon on Saturday 1 June was his sixth podium finish in as many starts which saw him feature in two marathons, a 21km race, two Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10km races and a 5000m race – all run during the last four months.
“My recovery is crucial to my success. I focus on proper rest, nutrition, and active recovery techniques to bounce back quickly from hard racing. It’s all about finding the right balance between pushing my limits and allowing my body to recover effectively,” explained the 37-year-old.
After claiming a hard-fought second place behind Kenya’s Vincent Langat in what was his first sub-28-minute 10km clocking at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (hosted on Sunday 12 May 2024), the two-time Olympian has set his sights on running even faster in Durban.
“My approach will be to focus on my abilities and stay confident in my preparations. It will be great to better my 27.54 personal best that I ran in Cape Town as the weather conditions in Cape Town were not ideal for running fast times; hopefully, we will be blessed with better running conditions in Durban,” concludes Gelant.
“We are thrilled to have Elroy Gelant join the lineup for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 7 July,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Elroy is in the shape of his life, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Not only is he an outstanding athlete, but also a fantastic ambassador for road running. It’s an honor to have him toe the line in Durban, and we look forward to witnessing yet another stellar performance in this year’s race.”
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. Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Start Venue: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (MY)
Finish Venue: Durban Beachfront (Golden Mile)
Start Time: 08:00
Entry Fee:
Standard Entry:
• Licenced Runners: R 245.00
• Temp Licence: R50.00
Standard Entry Includes:
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt
• Absa Drawstring Bag
• Absa Peak Cap
• Absa Socks
• Race Number with Timing Chip
• Improbable Sponsor Route Entertainment Points
• Lively Route Entertainment Points
• 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route
• Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service
• Pre and Post Event Entertainment
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Finisher’s Medal
4. Sunday 25 August 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
5. Tuesday 24 September 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
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
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.
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.
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.
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
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.
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