Chris Mhlanga is gearing up for the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, ready to start his season with a bang. After an outstanding 2024, where he was one of only two athletes to secure a top-ten finish in every Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES race, Mhlanga is eyeing his first-ever sub-28-minute 10K.
The Boxer Athletics Club star has been in solid form this year, securing impressive finishes, including a runner-up spot at the Motsepe Foundation Race to Gender Equality 10K earlier in March. With the fast Gqeberha course known for breaking records—Precious Mashele set the men’s SA 10km record there in 2023—Mhlanga is confident he’s ready to take on the challenge.
“I’ve been training hard, and I’m looking forward to pushing the pace in Gqeberha,” Mhlanga said. “I’m aiming for a new personal best, or even dip under 28 minutes. The 3000m race I’ll be running a week before should give me that final burst of speed.”
Known for his consistent top-five finishes in major 10K races across South Africa, Mhlanga has set a personal best of 28:24 at last year’s record-breaking Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. With coach Hendrick Ramaala and training partners like Precious Mashele by his side, he’s been motivated to take things up a notch.
“Being around guys like Mashele keeps me on my toes. The training is tough, but it helps push me towards faster times,” he added.
Lebo Phalula Defies Age, Still Running Strong
Also making waves ahead of the series is 41-year-old Olympian Lebo Phalula, who continues to show that age is just a number. Phalula grabbed the fifth spot at the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix in Cape Town, clocking in at 34:14—just 13 seconds off her own South African veterans’ 10K record.
Phalula, who first set her 10K career best of 32:27 in Gqeberha back in 2014, attributes her success to staying disciplined and keeping a positive mindset. “When I say I want something, I focus on that goal and don’t think about my age. Age doesn’t stop me from running fast,” she shared.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, shared his excitement about both athletes. “Chris is in fantastic form, and it’s exciting to see him targeting that sub-28-minute time in Gqeberha. As for Lebo, she’s truly an inspiration—still performing at the highest level. Both are fantastic athletes, and we’re excited to see them race in Gqeberha.”
What’s Coming Up in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES:
- Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K – Sunday, 13 April
- Start Time: 07:00
- Location: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
- Entry Fees:
- Licensed Runner: R255.00
- Temporary License: R20.00
- Perks Include:
- Event T-shirt
- Finisher’s Medal
- Race Number with Timing Chip
- Refreshments, entertainment, and more!
Prize Purse & Athlete Incentives:
The 2025 series has a total prize purse of R1,610,000. Each of the five events boasts a prize pool of R322,000, with the Top 10 Open Men and Women each sharing in R126,000.
New for 2025: R200,000 bonuses for men running sub-27 minutes and women breaking 30:23. There’s also an additional R50,000 bonus for the South African athlete who breaks the national 10K record during the series.
Don’t miss out on the action at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 13 April—a chance to see some of South Africa’s best athletes push their limits in the heart of the city.
For all the latest updates and to enter, visit www.runyourcityseries.com.
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