After breaking the 28-minute barrier for the first time in his adopted hometown last year, Thabang Mosiako is set to return to the scene of his triumph as he confirms his participation in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 7 April 2024, aiming to repeat his stellar performance.
“I’m really excited about the first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race of the season because it is a local race (taking place in Gqeberha) for us in the Ikhamva camp and for other runners from the Eastern Cape. We are really excited about the series,” says Mosiako.
Since that breakthrough performance in ‘The Friendly City’ last April, the 29-year-old has gone on to break 28-minutes on two more occasions, which included a personal best 27:45 clocking in France last November. He also became the second fastest South African over the half marathon distance when he placed 6th in a time of 59:52 at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Latvia. Having backed up that 21km lifetime best with 1:01:42 at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday 17 March, Mosiako is pleased with his early season shape.
“Consistency, consistency, consistency! That’s what we preach in our group,” confirms Mosiako. “Coach always tells us to keep consistent and make sure that you stay closer to the time that you ran previously. I can say that consistency is the culture of our group.”
Training under coach Mike Mbambani in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mosiako’s decision to run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K sets up a mouthwatering clash against SA 10km Record Holder Precious Mashele and Kabelo Mulaudzi who have already confirmed their participation in the hotly anticipated race. But Mosiako has downplayed that showdown saying that he is focused on his own race.
“I’m still trying to shape my PB’s. I will be happy with anything that I can get from the race because it will be my first 10km race of the season,” says Mosiako.
“We are delighted to have Thabang Mosiako join the lineup for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “His presence adds to the already intense competition, especially considering the friendly rivalry between Mosiako, Precious Mashele, and Kabelo Mulaudzi. This event is set to showcase world-class racing, bringing the excitement of elite competition to the streets of Gqeberha.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
1. Sunday 07 April 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Start & Finish Venue: Beach Road, Kings Beach, Humewood, Gqeberha
Start Time: 07:00
Entry Fee:
Standard Entry:
• Licenced Runners R245.00
• Temp Licence: R30.00
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
• Transport Service (to start and from finish)
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Finisher’s Medal
2. Sunday 12 May 2024 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
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
SA ATHLETE PRIZE INCENTIVES: The “SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule” is applicable to all five iconic races in the series in 2024 and will offer bonuses for exceptional performances. In the men’s category, bonuses start for times faster than 28 minutes, with a substantial R 200,000.00 bonus awaiting anyone who breaks the 27-minute barrier. For women, bonuses will start for times faster than 32:08 minutes, with a remarkable R200,000.00 incentive being awarded if the 30:23 barrier is broken.
To further elevate the excitement, an additional R50k is on the table for any South African athlete who breaks the current SA 10km record.
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 Series.
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