Absa says that the RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k was the largest field since the Durban race was first run in 2017, highlighting the popularity of an event which is growing into a much-loved feature of South African and African culture. 

Many believed that Africa's talented distance runners needed to travel to Europe, the United States, or Asia to achieve fast times. However, the iconic Durban race proved once and for all that world-class performances are indeed possible on African soil, says Absa.

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k is considered by athletics experts to be the best 10km event ever staged in South Africa and Africa, says the bank.

According to Absa, the impressive list of landmark records set at the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k includes:

The Fastest 10km Ever Run By a Woman on the African Continent
In her debut race on South African soil, Kenyan Christine Nalimo Njoki led from start to finish, setting a new South African all-comers record and the fastest time ever in Africa with an impressive 30:37.

New South African Women's 10km Record
Finishing in fourth place overall and as the first South African, Glenrose Xaba shaved a single second off Elana Meyer's respected South African 10km record of 31:13, set in Budapest in 2001.

New Lesotho Women's 10km Record
Lesotho's Neheng Khatala finished in 32:01 to secure fifth position and set a new national record for The Mountain Kingdom.

New South African Women's 10km Record in the Veteran's Category
Lebo Phalula achieved a national record with her time of 34:01 in the veteran's category, breaking Sonja Laxton's 34:17 record, set in Cape Town in 1989.

The men's race was no less memorable, says the bank, for the sheer volume of first-rate performances that were recorded:

  • Elroy Gelant won the fast and flat 10km race in a personal best time of 27:47.
  • The first five men finished in under 28 minutes, with four of them being South African.
  • It was the first time in history that four South Africans ran under 28 minutes in the same race.
  • Eight of the top eleven men ran faster than they had ever done in their lives.
  • Nineteen-year-old Keneth Kiprop of Uganda ran the third fastest time — 28:03 — by a junior on African soil.

The success of the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k is a testament to the overall accomplishment of a series that has consistently provided an environment conducive to fast running. Since its inception in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has enabled top runners to achieve remarkable performances, says Absa.

According to the bank, many believe the series is now achieving its status as the premier 10km road running series in the world. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series of events is now the trendsetter for the fastest times in Africa. 

These times include the following:

  • Nine of the 10 fastest 10km times ever run in Africa were run in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
  • Seven of those nine times were run in Durban — making it the fastest 10km route in Africa.
  • The 27:16 South African All-Comers Record run by Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei during the 2018 edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10k ranks as the 77th fastest of all-time and the fastest ever run on African soil.

Absa concludes that a total of R430 000 in incentives will be paid out in recognition of the incredible achievements of local athletes at the 7th edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Michael Meyer, Glenrose Xaba, Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka will receive an official cheque handover at an online event on Friday, 19 July 2024 from 11:00. 

Individuals are encouraged to join the online event here. 

For more information, visit www.runyourcityseries.com. You can also follow the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series on Facebook or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor