World-class performances light up Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets, with many different reasons for running, pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals.
Joshua Cheptegei, multiple Olympic and world champion, and the current world record holder in both the 5, 000m and 10, 000m, delivered one of the finest 10km road performances ever witnessed on South African soil when he stormed to victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, July 12, crossing the finish line in a superb 27:19.
In the women’s race, Doreen Cherop produced a stellar 30:43 to improve on her lifetime best and emerge as one of the surprise packages of the race.
Traditional Isizwile women’s singers and dancers group cheers thousands of runners during the sold-out 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K. Image credit: Rajesh Jantilal
Returning to the race where he set the SA All Comers record of 27:16 in 2018, the Ugandan superstar took control of the race from the gun, passing the halfway mark in 13:48 before surging away from the field to cross the finish line in the second fastest time ever run in South Africa.
Thousands of runners took on the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K. Image credit: Rajesh Jantilal
“The race was really good. I enjoyed running here in Durban. I decided to be a bit more aggressive after 5km because I saw we weren’t very fast and I wanted to run a fast time. Maybe next time, we can have more pacemakers for the men to build the first half tempo a bit more so we can run the second half in a controlled way. For me to come and win is exciting and gives me motivation to move on to my next goal,” said Cheptegei, who was followed home by Kenya’s Salem Kibet (27:29) and his training partner
Emmanuel Kibet (27:32), while Kabelo Mulaudzi in sixth (28:06) was the best of the South African Having just missed out on eclipsing his own SA All-Comers Record, Cheptegei was nevertheless pleased with his outing, reporting that he would love to return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series while encouraging other top runners to do the same.
He shared, It’s really an incredible atmosphere. Coming here and seeing all the fans was spectacular. For anyone who has never run here, they should reconsider running on South African soil.”
Scenes at this year’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K. Image: Rajesh Jantilal
In the women’s race, Doreen Cherop overtook pre-race favourite, Brenda Jepchirchir inside the last mile. Jepchirchir hung on to the runner-up position finishing in 30:52, as 3, 000m Steeplechase World Record holder, Beatrice Chepkoech took third place in 31:25 for a Kenyan sweep of the podium.
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Durban local, Tayla Kavanagh continued her superlative 2026 form with an encouraging 31:28 fourth place finish – just two seconds outside her personal best.
Speaking to the media after the race, Cherop said the win was a welcome bonus because her main goal was simply to finish in the top three. “The weather was great, and the last five kilometres were very fast. I’m happy to win the race, especially because my target was just to be on the podium,” said Cherop.
What was witnessed on the streets of Durban today was nothing short of extraordinary, noted Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and series founder.
“Joshua Cheptegei once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of his generation with a truly world-class performance, while Doreen Cherop delivered a sensational run. Performances of this calibre inspire athletes, excite fans and continue to elevate the standard of road running in South Africa. We are incredibly grateful to all the runners, our partners, sponsors and the city of Durban for helping make this memorable day possible. Equally inspiring was the incredible support from every runner who took to the streets today. Whether chasing a personal best, running for a cause or simply embracing the electric atmosphere, every participant played a part in making this event so special. We are grateful to our title sponsor, Absa, our valued sponsors and partners, the city of Durban, volunteers, officials and spectators for making this unforgettable day possible. Together, we continue to showcase the very best of South African road running while inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream even bigger,” Meyer said.
Well done to all who participated in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava, commented Jabulile Nsibanyoni, head of sponsorships at Absa.
“Huge congratulations to all the winners. It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets, with many different reasons for running, pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals. Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to the race in 2026. Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers who made this another memorable race,” said Nsibanyoni.
