'I'm in a happy space' - Self-coached Kavanagh smashes PB at Sanlam Cape Town 10km Peace Run

Following a difficult injury-riddled three years, during which she struggled to recreate the mercurial form that saw her win the national 10km title in lightening quick 32:10 in October 2021, Tayla Kavanagh is finally making good on her considerable promise. The Hollywood Athletics Club top runner clocked a lifetime best 31:41 to win the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 10km Peace Run on Saturday 18 October by over a minute from Carina Viljoen (33:05) and Irvette Van Zyl (33:32).

Kavanagh crossing the finish line in 31:41 which is the fourth fastest 10km time ever run by a South African woman. Photo Credit: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon media.

“The race went really well. I ran better than what I expected. I am super happy to execute the plan and walk away with a PB. The race was quite windy out there - a bit more windy than I would have liked but I decided to conserve energy on the way out when it was windy and then push as hard as I could on the way home where I tried to get the most out of my legs. I’m really happy with the overall outcome,” she said moments after become South Africa’s fourth fastest 10km female athlete of all time.

For the success she has enjoyed in 2025 which includes dipping under the 32 minute barrier twice - she produced her maiden 31 minute 10km clocking at the Totalsports Women’s Race Durban in early August - and setting a new 5km personal best (15:43 for third position at last weekend’s Boxer Super Run Durban), Kavanagh credits her friends and family who supported her brave decision to become a self-coached athlete at the beginning of the 2025 season. Speaking to #TheTopRunner, the 24-year-old explains that she is finally beginning to understand her body which makes her the right person to take decisions on what her body can handle in training.

Kavanagh takes the congratulations of second and third placed Viljoen and van Zyl. Photo Credit: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Media.

“It’s been a really good year for me. I’ve been focussing on consistency and today’s performance is on the back of running a few consistent races. It’s about believing in myself and knowing that the best was going to come. In training I’ve been doing really nicely. I’m very thankful for a very supportive system of friends and family. I’ve been in a really happy space this year and I think this has helped me to perform. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

By contrast, the men’s race was a lot slower in the absence of some of the country’s best 10km performers. Cape Town-based Deon-Lee Hendricks defended his title as he took line honours in 29:27, ahead of SA 1500m champion Luan Munnik (29:42) and Bruce-Lynn Damons (29:57). The top three where the only men to break the 30 minute barrier.