"I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00" - Kiprotich leads strong contender field to challenge Cheptegei at Absa DURBAN 10K

Excitement is building ahead of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 12 July 2026, as a world-class men's field prepares to take on Ugandan distance running superstar Joshua Cheptegei in what promises to be the most competitive 10km road race ever staged on African soil. Chasing the multiple Olympic and World Champion - and current world record holder over both 5 000m and 10 000m - Joshua Cheptegei, is a formidable line-up of international and local talent set to light up Durban’s fast streets.

The Kenyan duo of Felix Masai (10km PB 27:24) and Gilbert Kiprotich (10km PB 27:43) lead the East African challenge, while Lesotho's national record holder Kamohelo Mofolo (10km PB 27:47) is guaranteed to ensure relentless pressure from the outset. South Africa’s national standout, Kabelo Mulaudzi (10km PB: 27:41), will further strengthen the world-class field set to deliver a thrilling showdown on Durban's fast and scenic course, while several other South African contenders are also expected to make their mark.

Adding more talent to the men's elite field, Joshua Cheptegei will be joined by his Ugandan training partner, Emanuel Kibet (10km PB 27:37) who will be sure to set the early pace in what promises to be one of the greatest 10k races the African continent has ever seen!

According to Felix Masai, racing against Joshua Cheptegei is a huge honour.

Masai on his way to victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

"He is one of the greatest distance runners of all time, and competing alongside him raises the level of the entire field. My race target is to give my best. I like competing in South Africa," admits Masai who won the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon in April.

Gilbert Kiprotich acknowledges both the magnitude of the occasion and the historic possibility that lies ahead.

Kiprotich believes he is in shape to become the first man to run a 26 minute 10km on African soil. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I'm feeling well after the Lisbon Half Marathon. I took some time to recover before shifting my focus to preparing for racing in South Africa. Looking back to the Half Marathon, where I recorded a 10km split of 27:01, and considering how the second half of the race unfolded, I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban. We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day. I feel inspired by the opportunity to race against Joshua Cheptegei. He is a world-class athlete, and competing alongside him will provide valuable experience and contribute significantly to my development as a professional athlete."

Kamohelo Mofolo who set Lesotho's national 10km record at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K speaks with pride about being part of a world-class lineup that brings together some of the fastest athletes on the continent and beyond.

"The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is a flat, fast course with few turns, and if the conditions are right it allows for very quick times," says Mofolo. "Every race here feels like it has the potential to be something special, and I’m honoured to be part of such an impressive lineup. My goal is to run a strong, competitive race and stay connected to the field throughout. Racing against athletes like Joshua Cheptegei is a great opportunity because he is an amazing runner, and I'm excited to learn from the best while sharing the start line with him."

Mofolo celebrates a new 10km record (27:47) for Lesotho at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. He is looking forward to running even faster at the same event in 2026. Photo Credit: Stillwater Sports.

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has played a significant role in Kabelo Mulaudzi’s development as a professional athlete, providing a platform that has not only elevated his performances locally but also opened valuable opportunities to compete on the European circuit, where he continues to grow and test himself against the world’s best.

"I am grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created a platform for me to obtain an invitation to a big international race," admits Mulaudzi who is also the defending champion of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. "I am extremely excited to be part of this event and it is always great to run in South Africa against the world's best athletes. I have always enjoyed the challenge of racing against better athletes than myself and it is great to be lining up with Joshua. I hope that he will help bring out the best in me and all the other athletes competing in the race."