Just two weeks after achieving the second-fastest marathon time of her career, Neheng Khatala is gearing up for her first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race in 2024, the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, that will take place this Sunday, 12 May in the Mother City.
Lesotho’s national record holder in the marathon, Khatala achieved a remarkable 2:28:37 at the Hamburg Marathon in late April, securing tenth place. She has since been recovering well and is excited to line up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.
“The second half of the race (refering to the Hamburg Marathon) was tough with a few small hills all the way to the finish. So that’s where I struggled. But I was well looked after and made it to the finish. For recovery, I’ve just been jogging and seeing the physio – the usual stuff, nothing much,” explained Khatala.
Despite struggling in the second half of the race in Germany, the Olympian still managed to cross the finish line just 31 seconds outside her national record. This grit coupled with her experience in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, makes Khatala a dangerous competitor. In 2022 she ran a personal best 32:06 in ‘The Mother City’, while last year she finished in third place.
This time around though, the Potchefstroom-based University of the North-West student doesn’t have a target time in mind saying only that she will see how she feels on the day.
“For Cape Town, I’ll just see how the body feels on the day and then I’ll take it from there. I don’t have a pre-determined objective to run a certain time. I will just run according to how the body responds,” confirms Khatala.
The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete is part of a strong women’s field which includes Diana Chepkorir. The 22-year-old Kenyan won the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 7 April and is one of only seventeen women worldwide to have broken 30 minutes for 10km.
“We’re thrilled to have Neheng Khatala return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in 2024,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “With Neheng and Diana Chepkorir both confirming their entries, we’re seeing an exceptional level of talent that’s elevating the standard of women’s racing in the series. Their participation not only adds to the competitive edge but also underscores the international appeal of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. We’re expecting an exciting race in the women’s field and look forward to witnessing their outstanding performances.”
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. Sunday 12 May 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Start Time: 09:00
Start Line: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Line: Lower Long Street opposite Absa Building
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
• Transport Service (to start and from finish)
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K Finisher’s Medal
3. Sunday 07 July 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
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
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 CAPE TOWN 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
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.
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