'I'll try to push it hard' - Prisca Chesang ready fly at Absa SUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Where many promising youngsters struggle with the step up from dominant junior to success in the senior ranks, this is not the case where Prisca Chesang is concerned. At just nineteen years old, the two-time World U20 Championships bronze medalist is one of the rising stars of women's distance running after announcing her graduation to the senior ranks with an impressive seventh place (34:42) in the senior women’s race at the World Cross Country Championships in Australia in mid-February.

"The motivation I get from the senior athletes," was her answer when asked how she has been able to adjust so quickly to racing the seniors. "Athletes like Joshua (Cheptegei) keep on motivating me and encouraging me so much so that's what keeps me going," she said as she prepares to take on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday.

Prisca Chesang (Uganda) boasts an impressive 10km personal best time of 30:19 and will make her Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K debut on Sunday 14 May 2023. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The Ugandan will start as the favourite when she takes on the likes of Glenrose Xaba, Neheng Khatala and Fortunate Chidzivo in the point-to-point race run from Milnerton to the Cape Town CBD. Her compatriot and training partner Stella Chesang set an SA All-Comers record (30:40) when she won last year's edition of the race ahead of world record holder Genzebe Dibaba. Prisca says it was Stella who convinced her to come and race in South Africa, while providing her with valuable intel on how to emerge victorious.

"I prepared well. I trust my training which I do with strong training partners like Stella and others. We also have a good coach and management team who plan our races. I was told that the course is good. I'll try to push it hard. I'll do my best," said the woman who comes into this race on the back of a 32:34 to win the Think Big Run The Bridge 10km race in Hobart Australia in March.

Precious Mashele (South Africa), Melikhaya Frans (South Africa), Denis Kipngetich (Kenya) and Elroy Gelant (South Africa). PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Hitchcock.

In the men's race all eyes will be on South Africa's Precious Mashele who will spearhead the field after running a national record of 27:35 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K last month. Mashele will take on Kenya's Denis Kipngetich, World Championships marathoner Melikhaya Frans and the decorated Elroy Gelant. Catch the action live on SuperSport (209) from 07H50 on Sunday 14 May.