Mulaudzi seals Absa Run Your City hat-trick in dramatic Tshwane finish

Kabelo Mulaudzi completed a hat-trick of Absa Run Your City 10K Series wins in spectacular fashion in Tshwane, beating Ethiopia’s Akilu Asfaw in a photo finish with both men credited with 29 minutes.

The Boxer Athletic Club runner, who had already triumphed in Cape Town and Durban, was neck and neck with Asfaw approaching the finish line, with both appearing to break the tape simultaneously.

“The finish was so close. I was not sure who had won, but we would see when the results came out,” Mulaudzi admitted afterwards, before learning he had secured the victory.

“If it’s me who won, I am happy… I am happy to win three Absa races in a row. I’m really happy because my family came to watch. I want to thank Stillwater Sports and Michael Meyer, my sponsors PUMA, and my club Boxer for their support.”

Mulaudzi, coached by Richard Mayer, acknowledged the challenge posed by international competitors. “These guys from outside are strong, but we must not allow them to win here at home. We need to push hard as South Africans.”

The hat-trick was especially sweet for Mulaudzi, who narrowly missed out on the same feat two years ago. “I’m over the moon. I am very happy because I remember in 2023 I could have won three in a row but I did not win the last one. Today I got it, and I am very happy.”

In the women’s race, defending champion Glenrose Xaba dipped under 32 minutes for the second successive year, clocking 31:50 to beat her own course record. Kenya’s Rebecca Mwangi finished nearly a minute later in 32:41, with Selem Gabre third in 33:05.

“I’m happy with the result, and my body was responding very well,” said Xaba. “The competition was strong, but the plan was to go through halfway in under 16 minutes, which I managed. My message to all the young girls who are inspired by me is to keep pushing and to stay consistent.”

The final Absa Run Your City 10K of the season will take place in Johannesburg on Heritage Day.