South African long distance sensation Elroy Gelant put on a tactical masterclass on his way to setting a new lifetime best time of 27: 47 to win the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July.
“It’s great to get my first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series win. It took a lot of strength in the last part of the race but I’m happy I managed to hold on to the end. It’s also a combination of discipline and hard work in training. To win is crucial in terms of building the confidence leading up to the Olympics,” said an elated Gelant who will represent the country in the Olympic Marathon on August 10.
Controlling the race from start to finish, Gelant dipped under 28 minutes for only the second time following a 27:54 clocking for second place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May. He was followed home by defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:53), while Thabang Mosiako grabbed the last podium position in 27:54. In all, five men broke the 28-minute barrier, four of whom were South African as three-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka ran 27:56 for fifth place.
In the women’s race Christine Nalimo Njoki lead from gun to tape to set a new SA All – Comers Record. The 24-year-old stopped the clock in 30:37, which was also the fastest 10km time of her career. The Kenyan was pleased with her performance in her very first race on SA soil. “This was my first time running in South Africa. I’m so happy to be here today. It was a surprise to me because I didn’t expect this time here.”
In addition to the SA All-Comers record, there were two more records run in the women’s race. Glenrose Xaba dug deep to finish in 31:12, only one second inside the 31:13 national record set by the great Elana Meyer back in October 2001, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala finished in 32:01 to set a new national record for The Mountain Kingdom.
“I’m happy that I have finally run the record. Since a young age, Elana Meyer told me that one day I’ll own the record because I’m strong. She is my mentor as I always look at the times she ran in the past. So to see it finally happening, I’m very happy. I also want to thank Caster Semenya and Violet for believing in me,” said Xaba.
“We commend all participants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K for their participation and efforts to help us pledge R1 for every kilometer run or walked by a Team Absa member on Strava. Congratulations to the well-deserving winners for their remarkable dedication and perseverance. Witnessing individuals, driven by diverse motivations, achieve personal milestones has been truly inspiring,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Brand, and Marketing. “Your stories have deeply moved us and ignited a flame of motivation within our team. We extend our sincere appreciation to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers, whose steadfast support has made this event exceptional once again.”
“Congratulations to Elroy Gelant and Christine Njoki for winning the 2024 edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, and Glenrose Xaba and Neheng Khatala for setting new national records. Your performances were truly inspiring. With four SA men going under 28-minutes, today will be remembered as one of the best 10km races run in the country and on the African continent. A massive thank you to the 10,000 runners who joined us on this incredible day—you are the heartbeat of this event. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, partners, and supporters, whose contributions and enthusiasm were invaluable and added immensely to the experience. Together, you all made this day exceptional. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year,” said 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. 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
4. Sunday 25 August 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
5. Tuesday 24 September 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
WIN A CAR: All entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K stood a chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. Ndabezinhle Mbatha was the lucky runner that drove home this fantastic prize on the day.
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.
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
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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