Glenrose Xaba delivered another distance running masterclass at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day (Tuesday 24 September 2024).
After setting a 31:12 national record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July and winning last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 31:51 which was the fastest time ever run by a South African woman at altitude, Xaba claimed victory in the City of Gold in her second consecutive sub-32-minute clocking at altitude.
SuperCharger, as she is affectionately known, produced a course record 31:55 to claim R60 000 in incentives for breaking the 32-minute barrier. Such was the SA 10km and 21km champion’s dominance that she won by over two minutes from Lesotho’s Blandina Makatisi (34:03) and her training partner Karabo Mailula (34:14).
“I’m very happy that I managed to win it. My aim was to win the race. In 2022, I obtained second position. The race was so difficult because the route was tough, and the wind was so very strong. The competition was very good because we had (Makatisi) who is an Olympian and Karabo Mailula, my training partner. I appreciate having all the ladies who are doing so well,” said a very happy Xaba.
In the men’s race Gideon Kipngetich proved too strong for the local contingent. Looking to improve on the second place finish he achieved on his South African debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 25 August, the Kenyan took the lead just before halfway and held on to it. Despite a spirited chase from Chris Mhlanga, Kipngetich ultimately secured a comfortable 28:51 victory, which was also the new course record.
“It wasn’t easy,” admits Kipngetich. “My body took time to respond. It was cold and there was a lot of wind. I tried my best. Last month I was here to run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and I finished second. So, I went back to Kenya and trained hard. I was well prepared for this race.”
Mhlanga followed Kipngetich home to earn his maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series podium finish, while also making history by becoming the first man to ever claim five consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series top ten finishes in a single calendar year – a feat equaled by Elroy Gelant who claimed fifth place. Finishing ahead of Gelant was his Boxer Athletics Club teammate Kabelo Mulaudzi who took third place in 29:16 in what was his third successive 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series podium finish.
“We couldn’t be prouder of today’s incredible performances, especially from our elite men’s and women’s winners, who truly lit up the streets of Joburg. A massive congratulations to Gideon Kipngetich and Glenrose Xaba and to the thousands of runners who joined us in making the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K a spectacular event. To our sponsors and partners, thank you for your unwavering support—it’s because of you that this race, and the entire series, was such a success. Closing off the 2024 series on National Heritage Day was truly one for the books, and we look forward to even more exciting races in 2025.” – Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
“As we gathered to celebrate Heritage Day and the finale of the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, we salute the thousands of participants who took to the streets for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. This race, a vibrant tapestry of our diverse cultures and shared histories, showcased the spirit of South Africa as participants from every corner united in celebration. Each step taken and every story shared has woven a stronger bond among us, reflecting resilience, community, and our rich heritage. Thank you to all who joined us on this incredible journey and made this event a true celebration of who we are as South Africans. Most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for clocking your kilometres on Strava. Your efforts will enable us to donate R1 for every kilometre you ran or walked, reinforcing our dedication to creating a lasting impact in the areas that need it most,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand, and Marketing at Absa.
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. 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
WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K stood a chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. Sthebiso Mathebula was the lucky runner that drove this fantastic prize home on the day.
EXCITING NEWS: In 2024, each of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events showcased a unique, city-specific medal, 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 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 could show their support by donating towards CANSA.
PRIZE PURSE: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series boasted an impressive, combined Prize Purse of R 1,560,000.00 in 2024. Each of the five events featured a total prize purse of R312,000. Within this allocation, R252,000 was 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 was designated for Age Categories. The top male and female finishers in each city were 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 was 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
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 New Course Records for Xaba and Kipngetich at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K video:
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