"It's a great opportunity for emerging athletes" - Mokoka, Mulaudzi set for Cheptegei reunion at the Absa DURBAN 10K

Eight years after lining up alongside Ugandan distance-running legend Joshua Cheptegei on the streets of Durban, South African standouts Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi are looking forward to renewing their rivalry when they take on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

The experienced duo will once again test themselves against the two-time Olympic champion, with Mokoka eager for another showdown and Mulaudzi relishing the opportunity to measure himself against one of the greatest distance runners of his generation.

Mulaudzi driving the pace on the way to victory and and a personal best 27:41 at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

Mokoka finished sixth in the 2018 edition in 28:18, when Cheptegei became the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier on South African soil, winning in an SA All-Comers Record 27:16. The race also saw Julien Wanders finish second in 27:32, to set a new European 10km record. Reflecting on that memorable race, Mokoka said Cheptegei’s presence elevated the event and helped inspire a new generation of South African runners, including a young Mulaudzi.

"It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world's biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again," says Mokoka.

Mokoka in action against Cheptegei during the 2018 RUN YOUR CITY Series. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

The 41-year-old who was the holder of a 27:38 SA 10km record believes Cheptegei's return offers emerging athletes a rare opportunity to compete against one of the world’s best while underlining the global stature that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has achieved.

"It's a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder," adds Mokoka. "It also shows how far the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has come. If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you're creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class."

Mokoka is looking forward to returning to the streets of Durban for another showdown against Cheptegei. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

Mulaudzi, who has won six RUN YOUR CITY 10km events since that 2018 race against Cheptegei where he clocked 29:17 for 13th position, credits the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for helping launch his career onto the international stage.

"I am extremely grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally," says Mulaudzi. "My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is every bit as world-class."

Now one of South Africa’s leading road runners, Mulaudzi is excited to once again line up against Cheptegei and hopes the Ugandans presence will inspire him to better his lifetime best of 27:41, set at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2025.

In closing, Mulaudzi adds: "I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It's a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field."