Cherop triumphs in TSHWANE to win second consecutive Absa RYC race, while Kibet takes men's title

Kenyan Doreen Cherop outsprinted defending champion Glenrose Xaba over the closing stages to claim the women’s title at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 23 August 2026, while compatriot Salem Kibet held off a strong South African challenge to lead a total of five men under 29 minutes, as the race delivered another thrilling spectacle at the Union Buildings.

After running stride for stride with Xaba for much of the race, Cherop made her decisive move in the final kilometre to break clear and win in 31:35. Xaba finished just three seconds behind in 31:38, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Chemutai completed the podium in 31:59.

"I'm happy with my performance. It was a great race," said Cherop who also won last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. "I pushed in the first half and realised Glenrose was strong. So I made my move in the last kilometre and when she didn't respond, I pushed even harder."

Cherop won her second consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race after winning in Durban on 12 July. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

The Kenyan also praised the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for creating opportunities for African athletes.

"We will keep coming if the organisers keep organising such beautiful races. I want to thank the race organisers. This event was well organised."

Xaba, who is building towards next month's World Athletics Road Running Championships, took plenty of confidence from her runner-up finish.

"The competition was tough. I'm glad I was able to fight until the finish. I realised in the last 200m I still had energy, but it was too late to close the gap," admitted Xaba.

Unlike last year's dramatic photo finish between Kabelo Mulaudzi and Ethiopian Aklilu Asfaw, the men's race saw one athlete control the race and win with a timely strike. Kibet crossed the line alone in 28:45, narrowly missing Kamohelo Mofolo's course record of 28:40 set in 2024.

After finishing in second place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, Kibet went one better at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"The record was on my mind, but I lost it," Kibet admitted. "I'll prepare for it next time because I now know the course."

Kibet was part of an early pack that followed early pace setter Neil van der Merwe. After dropping Van der Merwe, the pack was eventually whittled down to Kibet himself and Boxer Athletics Club teammates Chris Mhlanga and Zenzile Pheko before he launched the decisive attack in the closing stages. Pheko fought back to secure second in 28:55, with Mhlanga third in 28:56, as Joshua Mengich finished fourth in 28:57.

"I've been preparing for this race for almost a month. My preparation made me perform this way. The course was hard, but I'm happy I managed to win," Kibet said.

The lead men including reigning Comrades Marathon champion George Kusche, in full flight at the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

For Pheko, the result marked his first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series podium finish. "I'm happy, and so are my family and coach. I didn't want to put myself under pressure because I knew I had prepared well. I'm happy with my second place."

Reflecting on another successful Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer said:

"Congratulations to Salem Kibet and Doreen Cherop on their outstanding performances at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. The quality of racing on display today was world-class, with athletes pushing the pace and delivering a nail-biting contest from start to finish. A big congratulations also goes to the thousands of runners who came out to experience the energy of the Series in the nation’s capital. On this high note, we now turn our attention to Johannesburg, where we look forward to celebrating National Heritage Day together with thousands more runners at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on 24 September."

"Well done to all that participated in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava. A huge congratulations to all the winners. It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets of the capital city, each with different reasons for running and pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals," said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa. "Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to the race in 2026. Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers who made this another memorable race."