The streets of “The Friendly City” were electric on Sunday as world-class performances headlined the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, with Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir delivering a historic debut and South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt successfully defending his crown.
Jepchirchir comes agonisingly close to sub-30 breakthrough
Although narrowly missing her goal of becoming the first woman to break the 30-minute barrier for 10km on African soil, Jepchirchir lived up to her pre-race favourite status in spectacular fashion.
After an explosive start, she passed halfway in 14:49, with training partner Faith Cherono just metres behind. Paced by local hero Melikhaya Frans, Jepchirchir powered through challenging windy conditions over the final 5km to cross the line in a commanding 30:15 — a new SA All-Comers record.
Cherono claimed second place in 30:44, while South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba secured third in 32:13 — marking her fourth podium finish in her last five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series starts.
“I was looking to run sub-30 minutes but because of the wind in the last 5km it was tough for me,” said Jepchirchir after the race. “But I’m still feeling good and I want to come back to run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series again in Cape Town in May.”
Wildschutt adapts and dominates
In the men’s race, defending champion Wildschutt once again proved his class.
With pacemakers Ryan Mphahlele and Luan Munnik withdrawing at the last minute due to illness and injury respectively, hopes of a sub-27-minute record attempt faded before the gun.
Undeterred, the 27-year-old US-based athlete adjusted his strategy. Just before halfway, Wildschutt surged away from the fastest man in the field, Isaac Kibet Ndiema (26:55 PB), creating a decisive gap.
He crossed the finish line in 27:47, successfully defending the title he claimed in 2025. Ndiema finished second in 28:01, while debutant Tshepo Tshite impressed with a third-place finish in 28:09.
“The organisation is great, and it has nothing to do with them when pacemakers cancel,” Wildschutt said. “It’s not in their control. These were just the circumstances. There was no way I’d run sub-27 alone on a windy day. But I gave up a lot of time to be here, so I didn’t want to be a quitter.”
Looking ahead, Wildschutt remains ambitious.
“If I have the right training partners, pacemakers and good conditions then it is possible. Absolutely possible. There are a few things that I want to experiment with. Hopefully, I’m going to get another opportunity.”
Praise from organisers and sponsors
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, praised both elite winners.
“Adriaan had to adjust his strategy from chasing the clock to racing for the win. That’s the mark of a true professional. He assessed the situation, adapted, and still delivered fantastic racing for everyone out on the course,” said Meyer.
“Brenda also produced an exceptional performance and came incredibly close to becoming the first woman to run under 30 minutes on African soil, which speaks volumes about the level of competition we witnessed today.”
Absa Group Head of Sponsorships Jabulile Nsibanyoni added:
“It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets, with many different reasons for running and pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals. Your stories have inspired us all.”
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates
The action continues across South Africa:
- Sunday, 10 May 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
- Sunday, 12 July 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
- Sunday, 23 August 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
- Thursday, 24 September 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
For more information, visit: www.runyourcityseries.com
Follow the conversation:
Facebook & Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Bonus moment: Chery vehicle winner
One lucky participant, Kamva Mbambato, drove home in a brand-new Chery vehicle valued at R269 900, courtesy of the event’s official Vehicle Partner, Chery South Africa.
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