'I'm over the moon' - Mulaudzi triumphs in historic photo finish as Xaba sets new course record at Absa TSHWANE 10K

Kabelo Mulaudzi and Aklilu Asfaw produced the closest finish in the history of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, with a photo finish ultimately confirming Mulaudzi as the overall winner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Ethiopia's Asfaw who was given the same finishing time as Mulaudzi (29:00) secured his first-ever Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES podium, while compatriot Abdilmejid Mohammed claimed third place in 29:10. Mr Podium's victory marked his third consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES title – making him the first man to achieve this remarkable feat.

A memorable finish to the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K saw Kabelo Mulaudzi take the victory over Ethiopia's Aklilu Asfaw on a photo finish. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"The finish was so close. I wasn't sure who won the race.I started panicking when it came down to a sprint finish because he was close to me. I'm really happy to win because my family also came to watch the race. I want to thank Stillwater Sports, Boxer, and PUMA for their support. East African athletes are strong, but we must not allow them to beat us here at home. We need to push hard as South Africans," said Mulaudzi, who is coached by Richard Mayer.

Having already made history by becoming the first South African in a decade to win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May, Mulaudzi achieved another milestone in the nation’s capital by becoming the first man to win three consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES races following his triumph in Durban last month. After the race, the 27-year-old Mulaudzi, who competes under the Boxer Athletics Club banner, was thrilled to take home the R30 000 prize money, calling it a close call.

"It's so amazing to win three in a row. I'm speechless. I'm grateful to win because this is what I wanted. In 2023 I was meant to win three in a row, but I didn’t do it because I came third in the third race. So I’m over the moon," he said.

Xaba controlled the women's race from start to finish. She defended her title and broke the course record she set in 2024 by one second. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

In the women's race, defending champion Glenrose Xaba dipped under 32 minutes for the second year running as she stopped the clock in 31:50 to eclipse her own course record. She was followed home by Kenya’s Rebecca Mwangi, who finished almost a minute later with a time of 32:41, while Selem Gabre rounded out the podium in 33:05.

"I'm happy with the result, and my body was responding very well," said Xaba. "The competition was strong, but the plan was to go through halfway in under 16 minutes which I managed to do. My message to all the young girls who are inspired by me is to keep pushing and to stay consistent."

10 000 runners making their way through the streets of Tshwane. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"Congratulations to Kabelo Mulaudzi and Glenrose Xaba on delivering a spectacular showcase of world-class racing in the Capital City. A heartfelt well done also goes out to the rest of the elite field, and to the 10 000 runners whose incredible energy made this day truly unforgettable," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

As title sponsor, Absa shares in the pride and excitement of bringing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES to Tshwane for the third consecutive year.  "Well done to all that participated in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava. A huge congratulations to all the winners. It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets, with many different reasons for running, pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals. Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to our event. Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers who made this event possible," said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa.