Fresh from her dominant victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K this past weekend, Kenya’s Diana Chepkorir has confirmed that she will take part in the next Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race of the season, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
The diminutive Kenyan put in a big performance as she tackled the Nelson Mandela Bay wind head-on to record a memorable gun to tape victory on Sunday 7 April.
“I’m so happy because the course was so hard and the weather was too cold,” Chepkorir told reporters after crossing the finish line on Beach Road in an impressive time of 31:15. “I’m happy with the time because today it was not possible to run 30 minutes or faster because of the weather,” explained the athlete who is the holder of a 29:56 personal best 10km and is one of only seventeen women to have broken the 30 minute barrier.
Her first race on South African soil has left her yearning for more. Speaking moments after her world class run, the 22-year-old said she is looking forward to returning to South Africa. “I enjoyed it. It was good. I will come again.”
While Chepkorir will be returning to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in pursuit of a fast time, South Africa’s Elroy Gelant will use the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K as part of his Olympic preparation. The 37-year-old produced one of the best 10km performances of his 20-year career when he took second place in 28:17 – the second fastest 10km clocking of his life.
The Boxer Athletics Club man who just missed out on automatic Olympic qualification when he ran a lifetime best of 2:08:56 at the Zurich Marathon in Sevilla, Spain in February, says he will be using the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to ensure that he makes a third consecutive Olympic appearance.
“I’m in much better shape,” said Gelant. “The next priority now is to qualify for the Olympic Games. Being an Olympic year and because I’ve been to the Olympics twice before it’s almost an automatic switch to get my mindset right. You still need to push yourself to maybe a 27:10 to be competitive at the Olympics. But I’ll give it another chance at the South African Marathon Championship late in April in Durban. I want to secure my spot.”
“After their impressive performances in Gqeberha, we’re thrilled to welcome Diana Chepkorir and Elroy Gelant to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Their presence promises to elevate the level of competition in the Mother City, and we can’t wait to see them compete again.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
| 1. COMPLETED / Sunday 07 April 2024 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Men’s Winner: Vincent Kibet Langat (Kenya) 28:01 Women’s Winner: Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) 31:15
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| 2. Sunday 12 May 2024 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K |
| Start Line: Marine Drive, Milnerton | |
| Finish Line: Lower Long Street opposite Absa Building | |
| Entry Fee:
· Licensed Runners: R245.00 · Temp License: R50.00
Entry Includes: · Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt · Absa Drawstring Bag · Absa Peak Cap · Absa Socks · Race Number with Timing Chip · Amazing Sponsor Route Entertainment Points · Lively Route Entertainment Points · 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route · Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service · Pre and Post Event Entertainment · Transport Service (to start and from finish) · Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Finisher’s Medal |
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| 3. Sunday 07 July 2024 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K |
| 4. Sunday 25 August 2024 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K |
| 5. Tuesday 24 September 2024 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K |
EXCITING NEWS: In 2024, each of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events will showcase unique, city-specific medals, adding a personalized touch to the participant experience reflective of the host city’s essence and character.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has welcomed the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events in 2024. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com