'I want to write my own history' - All systems go as Xaba and Hoff chase records at Absa DURBAN 10K

Having already dipped under 32 minutes twice this year, Glenrose Xaba will be aiming for her fastest time of the season - while keeping an eye on her own South African record - when she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 13 July 2025. Ethiopia’s Debash Desta will also be one to watch as she attempts to break the 31-minute barrier for only the second time in her career. In the men’s race, the legendary Shadrack Hoff has the chance to become the fastest 50-year-old South African man over 10km - if he can dip under the 31:03 mark.

As one of South Africa’s busiest athletes, Xaba has had to endure a demanding 2025 schedule. In addition to winning national titles over 5000m and 10 000m, the Boxer Athletics Club star has been a regular fixture on the local 10km racing circuit, producing wins at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (32:00) and the Durban leg of the SPAR Grand Prix (31:54), while taking third at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (31:56).

Xaba stops the clock in 32:00 to win the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 11 May in 32:00. Photo Credit: Mark Sampson.

"Consistency, determination and discipline is the only key," Xaba explained when asked how she keeps on churning out world class times month after month. "The body is feeling ok since I prepared it from the beginning of the season because I knew that it would have a lot of races."

Lining up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 13 July, SA’s fastest marathon (2:22:22) and 10km (31:12) athlete of all time will have her sights set on repeating the performance she produced last year to take fourth position and better Olympic 10 000m silver medalist Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old national record. Xaba knows that the sold out event is an opportunity to collect valuable ranking points as she tries to qualify for the 5000m or 10000m at the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

"Yes. That’s the plan," was her response to questions about the possibility of setting a new SA Record. "I want to write my own history and follow in the footsteps of Elana Meyer, Poppy Mlambo and Namibia's Helalia Johannes by becoming one of South Africa's best."

Debash Desta in action during the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K where she finished on the podium. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

But with Kenya's Jesca Chelangat and Ethiopia’s Debash Desta confirmed to participate, the 30-year-old will have her work cut out for her if she is to finish as the best. Desta is the holder of a 30:58 personal best and ran 31:00 to claim second place at the same event last year. She is determined to give a good account of herself come Sunday.

"The season is going well. I'm moving towards more half marathons but I always enjoy the 10km races"says Desta. "My preparations went well and I worked very hard in training because I know it will be a fast race because conditions in Durban are always good and it is a beautiful course. The aim is to always finish on the podium, and I will be happy if I can

get a new PB."

Hoff is aiming to break 31 minutes at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

Also aiming to take advantage of the conditions is the legendary Shadrack Hoff. Now 52 years old, the former SA 5000m record holder could become the fastest 50-year-old South African man to run 10km if he can eclipse the 31:03 run by Johannes Kekana at the 2022 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Having spent some time training with Elroy Gelant’s

group in Potchefstroom, Hoff believes that he is in sub 31 minute shape.