Running News Daily

South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi lived up to his nickname “Mr. Podium” on Sunday with a commanding win at the Absa Run Your City 10km in Durban, securing back-to-back victories at the event and solidifying his place as one of the country’s premier road runners.

The 28-year-old Boxer Running Club athlete crossed the finish line in a blazing 27:41, just three seconds shy of the South African national 10K record (27:38) set by Adrian Wildschutt earlier this year. Despite narrowly missing the mark, Mulaudzi walked away with a R30,000 winner’s prize and an R80,000 time bonus for finishing under 27:45, bringing his total payday to R110,000—approximately $6,000 USD.

The female race 

In the women’s race, Glenrose Xaba delivered a standout performance to take the win in 31:57, dominating the field and finishing well ahead of her closest rivals. The South African distance star, representing Boxer Athletics Club, showed poise and strength throughout the race, navigating the humid conditions and technical course with control. Xaba’s victory reaffirms her status as one of the country’s top road runners, and she earned R30,000 (approximately $1,650 USD) for her efforts. With her sights set on further success this season, Xaba looks poised for more strong showings on the national circuit.

Podium Finishers and Record Chases

Mulaudzi led a competitive field through Durban’s beachfront course, holding off Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo, who finished second in a national record time of 27:47. Pre-race favorite Vincent Kipkorir of Kenya was close behind, rounding out the podium in 27:48.

While Mulaudzi had his sights set on Wildschutt’s national record, course changes and pacing in the early kilometers may have held him back.

“Durban is my favorite course, and had we gone out faster in the first 5K, I believe I could have broken the record,” Mulaudzi said. “I wasn’t desperate—I just truly believed I had it in me.”

Personal Best and National Momentum

The victory marked a personal best for Mulaudzi, who has now won six races in the Run Your City 10km series since 2023, all while clocking consistent sub-28-minute performances. After battling injuries last season, the Alexandra-based runner has returned with renewed form and focus.

“Last year was tough with injuries, but I’ve bounced back strongly,” he said. “I need to improve my finishing, but this is one of my fastest races yet.”

He credited his coach, Richard Meyer, with guiding his resurgence through carefully structured training and race planning.

Rivalries and Respect

The race also deepened Mulaudzi’s friendly rivalry with Mofolo.

“Our rivalry began in Tshwane when he beat me, but I’ve now managed to beat him twice in a row,” Mulaudzi noted with a grin. “I’m happy for him setting a national record. He pushed me today.”

With momentum clearly on his side, Mulaudzi is targeting a clean sweep of the Absa series. His upcoming schedule includes the Central Gauteng Athletics Provincial 10km Championships, followed by the Run Your City 10km and the Durban Hollywood 10km in Tshwane this August.

“My goal is to win the remaining Absa races and stay healthy and injury-free,” he said.

If his current form holds, it may only be a matter of time before “Mr. Podium” becomes “Mr. Record” as well.