By Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom
On a sun-drenched Heritage Day in Johannesburg, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Karabo Mailula etched their names into South African road running history at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. The streets of the City of Gold came alive with rhythm, resilience, and record-breaking triumphs as 14 400 runners — from elites to first-timers — turned the inner city into a moving festival of endurance and celebration.
Mulaudzi: The Season of His Life
If 2025 was already shaping up as Mulaudzi’s breakthrough year, Johannesburg cemented it as his crowning one. The 26-year-old Alexandra township native stormed down Rahima Moosa Street with four fingers raised, signifying his unprecedented fourth consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES victory of the season.
Crossing the Mary Fitzgerald Square finish line in 28:39, he shattered the previous course record and added Joburg to his Cape Town, Durban, and Tshwane wins.
“The race was tactical,” Mulaudzi admitted afterward. “With guys like Mashele, Mokoka, and Gelant in the field, I was intimidated at first. But I told myself to focus on my own race.” That composure proved decisive. After shadowing the leaders in the first half, he unleashed his trademark finishing kick and never looked back.
For a runner who has already dipped under 28 minutes three times this year, the Joburg win was more than another medal — it was a defining statement. “This was the best season of my life. Winning four in a row is something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful to my coach Richard Mayer, my family, my club Boxer, and my sponsors for believing in me.”
His coach, Richard Mayer, was equally effusive: “If it wasn’t for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, our athletes would have to constantly go overseas to compete. This series gives them a world-class stage right here at home. Kabelo’s growth is proof of what’s possible.”
Mailula’s Moment: A Maiden Victory
While Mulaudzi’s win was history-making, the women’s race told a different story — one of breakthrough. Karabo Mailula delivered the performance of her career, powering away from the pack at the second kilometre and never relinquishing control.
Her relentless drive saw her cross in 33:34, a full 94 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Florence Nyaingiri, with Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora completing the podium.
“It’s always been my wish to win an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES race,” Mailula said with a wide smile. “Last year I came third here, so I told myself that if I trained harder, I could win it. I know this course — where it’s tough and where I can attack. I thank God I executed my plan perfectly.”
Her victory was not just personal but symbolic, a reminder that South African women continue to rise on the continental stage.
Heritage Day on the Move
Beyond the elites, the race belonged to the thousands who laced up to mark Heritage Day in the most active way possible. Streets usually choked with traffic were instead filled with rhythm — footsteps pounding to the beat of marimbas, vuvuzelas, and cheering crowds.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the series, captured the spirit: “What better way to celebrate Heritage Day than with an action-packed race through the City of Gold. Congratulations to Kabelo and Karabo, and heartfelt thanks to all the 14 400 runners who made this finale so special.”
Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Jabulile Nsibanyoni, echoed the sentiment: “It was inspiring to see so many people pushing their limits on Heritage Day. Each story on the road mattered, and together they made this event unforgettable.”
A Season to Remember
The Joburg 10K wrapped up a blockbuster 2025 season:
- Gqeberha (April): Adriaan Wildschutt 27:28, Jane Gati Chacha 31:45
- Cape Town (May): Mulaudzi 27:49, Glenrose Xaba 32:00
- Durban (July): Mulaudzi 27:41, Clare Ndiwa 30:50
- Tshwane (August): Mulaudzi 29:00, Xaba 31:50
- Joburg (September): Mulaudzi 28:39, Mailula 33:34
From record times to breakthrough wins, the series offered both excellence and inclusivity, with every finisher embodying the day’s true victory.
Beyond the Finish Line
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES continued its commitment to community impact, proudly supporting the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Runners contributed through donations during registration, making their strides count for more than personal glory.
And for one lucky runner, the day delivered more than a medal: Caiphus Kgolokoe drove home in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT, courtesy of Chery South Africa.
The Legacy of 2025
As the sun set over Johannesburg, one thing was certain: this Heritage Day will be remembered not just for who crossed the line first, but for the unity, energy, and pride that surged through the streets.
Mulaudzi’s raised fingers, Mailula’s triumphant smile, and the collective roar of thousands of runners symbolized more than a race. They symbolized a season — and a South Africa — on the rise
RESULTS: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025
Start Time: 08:00
Start Venue: Lilian Ngoyi Street
Finish Venue: Rahima Moosa Street
ELITE MEN
1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:39, 2 Emanuel Dinday (Tanzania) 28:45, 3 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa), 28:51, 4 Aklilu Asfaw (Ethiopia) 28:54, 5 Benjamin Ratsim (Tanzania) 28:55, 6 Thabang Mosiako (South Africa) 29:05, 7 Namakoe Nkhasi (Lesotho) 29:12, 8 Stephen Mokoka (South Africa) 29:14, 9 Joseph Seutloali (Lesotho) 29:16, 10 Elroy Gelant (South Africa) 29:19
ELITE WOMEN
1 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 33:44, 2 Florence Nyaingiri (Kenya) 35:17, 3 Rutendo Nyahora (Zimbabwe)
36:35, 4 Naomy Jerono (Kenya) 36:43, 5 Elizabeth Hutamo (South Africa) 36:45, 6 Samantha Coetzer (South Afirca) 36:55, 7 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 37:08, 8 Evas Nasasira (Uganda) 37:21, 9 Violet Mogano (South Africa) 37:38, 10 Elizabeth Chemweno (Kenya) 37:56