'I've got the luck of the Absa Joburg race' - Comrades champion Mothibi sets sights on Absa JOBURG 10K Top 10

Five-time Comrades Marathon gold medallist Edward Mothibi is looking forward to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Wednesday, 24 September 2025. He describes the race as one of the highlights of his year, using it as a crucial speed test before shifting his focus to preparations for the upcoming ultramarathon season. Mothibi, who has earned two consecutive top ten finishes against 10km and 21km specialists at the annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES season finale in Joburg, is positive about delivering another striking performance on National Heritage Day.

“I think by that time it’s September so the body has rested enough after Comrades. I hope that even this year, my body will respond accordingly because that’s the last race where I want to run well before starting the build up to Comrades again,” says Mothibi.

Mothibi in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K in 2024. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

By finishing just outside the top ten during Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km, the 2019 Comrades Marathon champion, who ran 31:02 for eleventh position, demonstrated that the modern ultramarathoner must be armed with speed as well as endurance. After taking fourth position at The Ultimate Human Race in June, Mothibi emphasizes that incorporating 10km races plays an essential role in his post-Comrades recovery.

“The body is recovering well, which I can see by the way I’m running my speed sessions. After Comrades I just wanted to try and concentrate on my speed to build it up because the age is also catching up with me. So it’s best that I do more 10km and 21km races.”

The 40-year-old Rustenburg-based athlete who grabbed fifth position at the 2023 edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a threat once again after showing both speed and strength to win the very hilly Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon in 1:08:53.

Mothibi running alongside training partner Tete Dijana on the way to collecting a gold medal during the 2023 Comrades Marathon. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

“Maybe I have an advantage as well because it is a hilly course and Rustenburg has a lot of hills. I also think I’ve got the luck of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. I hope that luck continues.”

“It’s fantastic to have Edward Mothibi line up and perform so well at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Edward is a world-class athlete that has proven to possess both endurance and speed, and what better way to sharpen that speed than by racing in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. His participation highlights the Series’ ability to attract and challenge athletes across all distances, from 10km specialists to marathon champions. We wish Edward the very best of luck come race day and look forward to witnessing another exceptional performance.”