'I'm excited to see where this momentum takes me' - Karabo More on cloud 9 after claiming maiden SA Road title

After claiming her maiden national road running title over the weekend, Karabo More is feeling upbeat about the months ahead as she gears up for a busy racing schedule. Running in the colours of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) the 23-year-old won the 5km event at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 1 mile, 5km and 21km championships in Phalaborwa, Limpopo on Saturday 26 July to go along with the 4km cross country crown she secured in 2024.

"I feel incredibly excited, proud of myself and maybe even a bit in disbelief," More said reflecting on the dominant win which saw her cross the finish line at the Foskor F21 race in 16:37, almost 20 seconds ahead of runner-up Zanthè Taljaard of Athletics Vaal Triangle (16:56), who was followed home by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics' Busisiwe Chamane (17:19). "It's reward for all the

hard work, discipline and the setbacks I’ve overcome along the way."

More on the way to victory in Phalaborwa. Photo Credit: Michael Fragoeiro/KZN Athletics

Saturday's performance in Limpopo will have come as little surprise to those who have been following the consistent improvement of the Boxer Athletics Club runner over the last 12 months. This year alone, More who is coached by Violet Semenya, has set personal bests over 800m (2:07.68), 1500m (4:10.40), 5000m (15:51.84) and 10km (33:22) - a mark which she set at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 13 April, where she ran under 34 minutes for the first time to take seventh position.

"This year has been amazing," said the SA 1500m bronze medallist. "I think what's going right is the combination of consistent training, smart pacing and mental preparation that my coach always talks about. Mental strength is a crucial part of athletics. My coach has been instrumental in helping me fine-tune my strategy and my teammates have been a huge source of motivation and support," she said paying tribute to her training partners who include SA 10km and marathon record holder Glenrose Xaba.

Karabo More in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May this year. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

High on confidence, the reigning Boxer Super Run Durban 5km champion is raring to go as she tackles a busy second half of the season, which will be busiest during the month of August. Known as Women's Month in South Africa, August features a number of women's 10km races, where More is down to take part in the SPAR Grand Prix, Totalsports Women's Races and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in her adopted home town on Sunday, 24 August 2025.

"My calendar is packed and it scares me a lot but with my mindset I will survive. I'm excited to see where this momentum takes me in the rest of the season."

"A big congratulations to Karabo More on her outstanding victory in the 5km event at the ASA Championships this past weekend," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "It's always exciting to see young, up-and-coming stars like Karabo making their mark and joining the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. Her passion embodies what the series is all about - showcasing South Africa’s rising talent on a world-class stage. We look forward to seeing her in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, and we wish her the very best of luck for a fantastic race."