28 Apr Mulaudzi targets PB as Masai eyes SA All-Comers record in Cape Town 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed
South African road running will shift into top gear in the Mother City when Kabelo Mulaudzi returns from injury to headline a deep field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday, 10 May.
Mulaudzi missed the series opener in Gqeberha earlier this year, though his recent national triumph on the track has restored confidence ahead of his return to the roads. The Central Gauteng Athletics athlete claimed the 10,000m title at the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships in 28:52.56, securing his first major track crown.
“I’m very happy to win the 10 000m title – my first on the track. I’ve never won anything on the track since I started running, so I’m very happy,” he said.
That performance, achieved in a controlled tactical race, marked an important step in his recovery following a lengthy injury layoff. It also confirmed that the athlete who dominated last season’s series has regained both rhythm and race sharpness.
Mulaudzi enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, winning four of five series races and setting a personal best of 27:41 over 10km. He returns to Cape Town with measured expectations, aware of the quality assembled on the start line.
“It’s a good thing to invite the fast Kenyans because they push the pace and we’ll run fast times. My target is to finish on the podium as always. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself though. The win will be a bonus for me because it’s not easy to defend a title. If I can run under 27:45 or a personal best I’ll be happy.”
Among the leading challengers is Kenyan runner Felix Kibet Masai, who arrives in strong form and will make his South African 10km debut. Masai set a personal best of 27:24 in France earlier in April before claiming victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon.
He now turns his attention to a faster course, targeting the South African All-Comers record of 27:16 held by Joshua Cheptegei.
“I’m very thankful for taking the victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon. I’m looking forward to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. My target is to run 27 minutes flat on the course. Some of the South African athletes I’m training with in camp told me the course is quite flat and fast, so I’m excited to test myself there,” said Masai.
The Cape Town route, starting in Milnerton and finishing in the city centre, has a reputation for producing quick times, particularly when the early pace is sustained. With both Mulaudzi and Masai comfortable running at the front, the race could develop into a sustained high-tempo contest.
Series founder Michael Meyer said the return of Mulaudzi adds significant depth to the field.
“Having Kabelo back in the field after injury, especially following his breakthrough national 10,000m title, is fantastic for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and for South African road running. We’re excited to see what he can produce in Cape Town.
“On the international side, Felix arrives in outstanding form and brings an exciting new dimension to the race. He has made no secret of his ambition to run fast on his SA 10km debut, and to test himself against the course and conditions in Cape Town.
“He will also be targeting Joshua Cheptegei’s SA All-Comers Record which adds another compelling storyline to what promises to be a high-quality men’s race. When you combine that with Kabelo’s return and the depth of the elite field, we’re looking forward to a truly memorable edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.”
The 2026 series began with Adriaan Wildschutt winning in Gqeberha in 27:47, setting an early benchmark for the season.
Attention now shifts to Cape Town, where a competitive field and a fast course present an opportunity for quick times. Mulaudzi will look to build on his return from injury with a strong performance, while Masai’s record attempt adds further intrigue to what shapes as one of the standout races on the domestic calendar.
