"I felt like a celebrity!" - Positive memories fuel Mailula’s Absa JOBURG 10K title defence

Although she admits that 2026 has not been her best season, defending champion Karabo Mailula cannot help but feel hopeful as she recalls the biggest 10km victory of her career, a moment she hopes to relive when she defends her title at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

“Winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K meant a lot,” she said, reflecting on the 33:44 she ran to win the race ahead of Kenya’s Florence Nyaingiri on Heritage Day last year. “I was so popular and received congratulations from so many people - some of whom I didn’t even know. I felt like a celebrity. I really enjoyed the race.”

Mailula celebrates victory at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

Yet, the Boxer Athletics Club ace is cautious ahead of the 2026 edition of the hilly race, which is run along Johannesburg’s M1 and M2 highways. Even after clocking 33:01 to grab third place at the competitive Hollywoodbets Durban 10km on Sunday, 30 August, Mailula remains circumspect, explaining that a niggling injury is weighing on her mind.

“My aim here [at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km] was just to finish the race and run under 33:10, so I achieved my goal. But I’m honestly not sure about my fitness level at the moment. I’ve been resting because of my knee injury. I’m still in the process of recovery, so I’m not perfect.”

Mailula on the podium after taking third position at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km on 30 August, 2026. Photo Credit: Hollywoodbets Durban 10km.

The 24-year-old University of Pretoria Honours graduate is hoping that what she may lack in physical conditioning, she can make up for mentally by drawing on her deep well of positive Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series memories to carry her on race day.

“I really enjoy the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. It’s an inspiring event and everyone wants to be there - especially in Joburg, where there is a lot of support. I remember finishing in eighth position at the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, which was the first time I managed to place in the top ten in a big race. Since then, I’ve just stuck there to make sure I’m always in the top ten, even if I’m not on the podium.”