Athletics | Mulaudzi smashes Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K course record, while Mailula claims first victory

Kabelo Mulaudzi tightened his grip on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES with a commanding victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Wednesday 24 September 2025, storming to his fourth consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES win of the season, while Karabo Mailula clinched her maiden victory in the series.

In a tactical display, Mulaudzi bided his time in the first half of the race, letting the early leaders set the tempo before unleashing his trademark kick. He stormed into the home straight on Rahima Moosa Street untroubled, crossing the line at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown in a new course record 28:39, with four fingers raised in triumph.

Tanzanian Emanuel Dinday was seven seconds off the pace after crossing the line in 28:45, with Mulaudzi’s Boxer AC teammate, Bennett Seloyi completing the top three in 28:51 - which was the first Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES podium finish of his career. Speaking after eclipsing the previous course record of 28:51, Mulaudzi revealed that he had been a bit nervous before the start of the race.

“The race was tactical. All the guys that were here today, especially the big guys – Precious Mashele, Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant – intimidated me a little bit but I told myself to focus on my own race,” said Mulaudzi.

Reflecting on his first RUN YOUR CITY SERIES triumph in his home city, the Alexandra township native described 2025 as his most memorable year as a top runner. After winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN, DURBAN and TSHWANE 10K races and breaking 28 minutes three times this year, the Boxer AC top runner called this the best season of his career.

“It was the best season of my life. Winning four races in a row made it a good season. I’m very happy. I would like to thank my coach Richard Mayer, my club Boxer, family and sponsors for their unwavering support. It was a good season.”

Mayer sent his gratitude to Absa, Stillwater Sports and ASA for hosting the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.

“I want to give a warm thank you to Absa, Stillwater Sports, Michael Meyer and ASA for this wonderful season. I told Kabelo on our way here that we would be going overseas continuously for races if we didn’t have this series. If it wasn’t for this, I think a lot of top athletes wouldn’t have opportunities to develop themselves,” said Mayer.

Elite Womens Winner Karabo Mailula by Tobias Ginsberg

In the women’s race, Mailula seized control from the second kilometre after an early spell in the pack. She pulled away steadily, the gap widening with every stride, before cruising to a maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES victory in 33:34, crossing the finish line 01:34 ahead of runner-up Florence Nyaingiri of Kenya. The Hollywood Athletics Club’s Rutendo Nyahora of Zimbabwe took the last podium spot in 36:35.

“I’m happy. It’s always been my wish to win an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES race. I targeted the Joburg race because last year I came third. I told myself that if I trained harder, I could win it. I know the course, where it’s challenging and where I needed to go harder. I executed the plan well. I thank God I made it,” said a very happy Mailula.

“Congratulations to Kabelo Mulaudzi and Karabo Mailula on a fantastic race today - you truly deserve your place on the top step of the podium,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. “A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the 14 400 runners who joined us in Joburg to make this day so special, and to our sponsors and partners for their unwavering support. What better way to celebrate National Heritage Day than with an action-packed race through the City of Gold - the perfect finale to another incredible season of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.”

“Well done to all that participated in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava. A 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, especially on Heritage Day" said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa Group. “Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to the event. Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers who made this event possible.”

EVENT DATES: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES

Charity Support

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. 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 events online in 2025, runners could show their support by donating towards CANSA.

Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle

Caiphus Kgolokoe was the lucky participant to drive home in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT to the value of R269 900.00 courtesy of the event’s official Vehicle Partner, Chery South Africa.