Cheptegei Produces World-class Display To Win Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K

Multiple Olympic and World Champion Joshua Cheptegei, the world record holder in both the 5 000m and 10 000m, delivered one of the finest 10km road performances ever seen on South African soil when he stormed to victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, crossing the finish line in an outstanding 27:19.

In the women’s race, Doreen Cherop produced a superb performance to clock a lifetime best of 30:43 and emerge as one of the surprise winners of the day.

Returning to the race where he set the South African All-Comers record of 27:16 in 2018, the Ugandan superstar took control from the gun. He reached the halfway mark in 13:48 before pulling clear of the field to record the second-fastest 10km ever run on South African soil.

“The race was really good. I enjoyed running here in Durban,” said Cheptegei, who was followed home by Kenya’s Salem Kibet (27:29) and his training partner Emmanuel Kibet (27:32). South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi finished sixth in 28:06 as the leading local athlete.

“I decided to be a bit more aggressive after 5km because I saw we weren’t running very fast and I wanted to chase a quicker time. Maybe next time we can have more pacemakers for the men to increase the tempo in the first half so we can run the second half in a more controlled way.

“For me to come here and win is exciting and gives me motivation for my next goal.”

Although he narrowly missed breaking his own South African All-Comers record, Cheptegei was delighted with his performance and said he would love to return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series while encouraging other elite athletes to compete in South Africa.

“It’s an incredible atmosphere. Coming here and seeing all the fans was spectacular. Anyone who has never raced here should seriously consider competing on South African soil.”

In the women’s race, Cherop overtook pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir inside the final mile. Jepchirchir held on for second place in 30:52, while 3 000m steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech completed a Kenyan clean sweep of the podium in third with 31:25.

Durban athlete Tayla Kavanagh continued her impressive 2026 campaign, finishing fourth in 31:28, just two seconds outside her personal best.

Speaking after the race, Cherop said victory exceeded her expectations, having initially targeted only a podium finish.

“The weather was great and the last five kilometres were very fast. I’m happy to win the race, especially because my goal was simply to finish on the podium,” she said.

Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series Founder Michael Meyer praised the quality of the performances.

“What we witnessed on the streets of Durban today was nothing short of extraordinary,” Meyer said.

“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 raise 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.”

Meyer also praised the thousands of recreational runners who took part.

“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, our 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.”

Absa Head of Sponsorships Jabulile Nsibanyoni congratulated all participants on another successful event.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava. A special congratulations to all the winners.

“It was inspiring to see so many people take to the streets, each with their own reason for running and pushing themselves to achieve their personal goals. Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contribution to the 2026 race.

“Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors and organisers for making this yet another memorable event.”

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

• 1 March: Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
  • Men’s winner: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) – 27:47
  • Women’s winner: Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) – 30:15
• 10 May: Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
  • Cancelled due to severe weather.
• 12 July: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
  • Men’s winner: Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) – 27:19
  • Women’s winner: Doreen Cherop (KEN) – 30:43
• 23 August: Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K (Sold Out)
• 24 September: Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K (Sold Out)