South African Long-Distance Athletes Make History at Absa Run Your City 10km Race

The Absa Run Your City 10km race in Durban witnessed historic performances by South African long-distance athletes Elroy Gelant and Glenrose Xaba on Sunday.

Gelant clinched the men’s title in a personal best time of 27 minutes, 47 seconds, while Xaba shattered the South African record in the women’s race, finishing in 31 minutes, 12 seconds.

Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:53), the defending champion, finished second, with Thabang Mosiako (27:54) rounding out the podium.

“It’s great to win my first race in the Absa Run Your City series,” said Gelant, who along with Mokoka will represent South Africa in the Olympic Marathon in Paris on August 10.

“It took a lot of courage in the last part of the race with Kabelo (Mulaudzi) on my heels. However, I am glad I pushed through to the end. This came from a combination of discipline and hard work in my workouts,” he added.

Gelant believes the victory will considerably increase his confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26.

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Xaba’s record-breaking performance beat Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old national record by one second. She thanked her squad, coaches, and mentor Elana Meyer for her success.

“Thank you, Elana Meyer, for motivating me. I always looked at your times and those national records and told myself I can do anything, I am strong, and I will train very hard and keep believing in myself,” she said.

Meyer told News24 Sport on Saturday that she was glad Xaba was finally able to better her record. She believes her record has held for far too long, and it was just a matter of time before Xaba smashed it.

“I’m really happy for Glenrose. She has always been someone who consistently performed well and worked hard,” said Meyer.