One of the greatest runners of all time: Joshua Cheptegei to headline the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Stillwater Sports, the Event and Experience Specialists behind the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, is proud to announce that multiple Olympic and World Champion, and current world record holder in both the 5 000m and 10 000m, Joshua Cheptegei, will headline a world-class field at what promises to be the greatest 10km race ever run on African soil when he lines up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

“South Africa has always been a special place for me to compete,” said Cheptegei who set the SA All-Comers record of 27:16 on the way to a memorable win during the 2018 Durban leg of the RUN YOUR CITY Series. “There is something unique about racing on African soil, and Durban in particular has an incredible atmosphere, rich culture, and passionate people. I have great memories of running there and I’m excited to return.”

Cheptegei  admits that winning the RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2018 was a defining moment in his career. “After overcoming injury, that race helped restore my confidence and reinforced my belief that I could compete at the highest level. It gave me a positive mindset and played an important role in shaping the athlete I became. Later that year I went on to break the 15km world record which made 2018 even more memorable for me.”

Speaking on the landmark announcement, Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, reflected on the magnitude of welcoming the Ugandan global running icon to Durban. “Joshua is one of the greatest distance runners of all time and, without question, the greatest 10km runner of his generation. To again welcome an athlete of his calibre to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is truly special. This is only the first of a series of announcements that will result in what we believe to be the greatest 10km race ever staged in Africa.”

Returning to Durban as the owner of an impressive 26:38 10km personal best, Cheptegei undoubtedly has the ability to not only improve on his SA All-Comers record but also become the first man to run a sub 27 minute 10km on African soil.

“It would be an honour to see history made on African soil, but my focus is simply on running a good race, enjoying the experience, and celebrating the sport with the people of Durban,” Cheptegei admits modestly. “My message to everyone taking part is to enjoy the moment, have fun, and be grateful for the opportunity to race together.”

Meyer emphasises the broader impact of the multiple Olympic and World champion’s decision to race on his home continent.

“For South Africa, for Africa, and for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, having an athlete of Joshua Cheptegei’s stature race on our soil is a significant milestone. It reaffirms our commitment to bringing the world’s best athletes to our events and creating opportunities for African runners to compete against the very best in the sport.

To see an athlete break 27 minutes for 10km on African soil would be a powerful statement about what is possible in distance running on the continent and would inspire the next generation to dream even bigger. More importantly, we hope that Joshua’s participation will motivate the young athletes lining up alongside him and those watching from the sidelines. His journey is a reminder that success is built through discipline, patience, consistency, and an unwavering belief in ones goals. Every champion starts somewhere, and with dedication and hard work, extraordinary dreams can become reality.”

In closing Meyer adds: “The quality and depth of this year’s field will firmly establish the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K as the greatest 10km ever staged on African soil. We are excited to welcome Joshua to Durban and are confident that runners and spectators alike will relish the opportunity to witness one of the sport’s true legends in action.

With a field of this calibre, the possibility of history being made – including the first sub-27-minute 10km on African soil – is very real, and we believe the event will be remembered as a landmark moment for African road running.”

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series  

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