'I'm very happy' - Elroy Gelant reflects on Olympic success and confirms Absa TSHWANE 10K entry

While reflecting on his Olympic performance, Elroy Gelant highlighted the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as a crucial factor in his remarkable showing at the Games. Competing in his third Olympics in Paris, the 37-year-old clocked an impressive 2:09:07 on Saturday, 10 August, securing a celebrated 11th place finish—the best by a South African man since Josiah Thugwane's gold medal victory at the Atlanta Games in 1996.

"I'm really satisfied with my race. I’m very happy with my performance. The course was brutal in terms of the hills," said Gelant. "The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series assisted me a lot in terms of leg speed. I was relaxed during the first few kilometres during the first half of the race because of the leg speed I obtained during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which formed part of my whole Olympic structure."

Gelant leads Precious Mashele on his way to victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K where he ran a lifetime best 27:47. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

The Boxer Athletic Club top runner has dominated the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series taking second place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in April, second again at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May in a maiden sub-28-minute finish (27:54) and victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a lifetime best 27:47.

Feeling no ill-effects from the third sub 2:10 marathon clocking of 2024, Gelant is committed to lining up in the series once again at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 25 August where he took fourth position during last year’s inaugural event.

Gelant poses with fellow SA Marathoner Stephen Mokoka after completing the Olympic Marathon in Paris. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I'm good. I’m niggle free and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series," confirms Gelant. "I'm doing some easy jogging for now. Maybe the first one (Absa RYC TSHWANE 10K) I can start by finding my rhythm again and then go full force in the last one (Absa RYC JOBURG 10K) on 24 September. I’m happy with my buildup."

"We are thrilled to welcome Elroy Gelant back to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K after his incredible performance representing South Africa in the Marathon at the Olympics," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "Watching Elroy compete on the world stage was truly inspiring, and it's a privilege to have him line up with us in Tshwane. Elroy is a true legend of the sport and has done so much for South African athletics. His participation not only elevates the competition but also inspires the next generation of runners. We can't wait to see him in action again!"