"I didn't know I had broken the record until I crossed the finish line" - Kavanagh becomes first SA Woman to dip under 31 mins
South African distance running star Tayla Kavanagh capped an outstanding European campaign by breaking the South African women’s 10km record at the tRunsylvania International 10K in Brașov, Romania yesterday (Sunday 4 October). Kavanagh, clocked 30:50 to finish fifth in a competitive field and take 22 seconds off Glenrose Xaba’s previous national record of 31:12, while she also become the first South African woman to run under 31 minutes for 10km. The Hollywood Athletics Club top runner said she was unaware she had broken the record until she crossed the finish line.
“I’m incredibly happy to have broken the 10km national record. I came into the race with the mindset of running as fast as I could. I didn't know until I crossed the finish line that I had broken the national record,” said Kavanagh. “I think it will still take some time to sink in that I'm the national record holder. I had a lot of interviews and doping to go to, so things have been busy this side,” she told #TheTopRunner
This performance is particularly significant given Kavanagh’s previous struggles with injuries, which disrupted her progress during 2024 and 2025 in particular. The 25-year-old thanked her family, friends, club and the wider running community for the tremendous support that she has received.
“There have been ups and downs throughout the years. However, I'm truly grateful that my hard work, dedication and beliefs have resulted in good performances this year. Huge thanks to everyone for the love and support, it means so much to me. I'm looking forward to heading to South Africa soon and having a good rest.”
The 10km record is Kavanagh’s second South African record in just over a month. Two weeks ago, at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, she ran 14:51 for 5km to finish in fourth position as she became the first South African woman to break the 15-minute barrier. Kavanagh said she approached both races with the intention of making the most of the opportunity to take on world class performers in highly competitive races on the international stage.
“I had a consistent year of racing. I have built nicely throughout the season. So knowing that I had two races left in Europe this season, at this time of the year I wanted to give everything that I could. I'm super grateful to have achieved two national records. I believe this season has been a result of many seasons of hard work.”
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