top of page
2025 Absa RYC D10K Banner.png

Mokoka targets masters 10km World Record at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

  • Writer: Mosibodi Whitehead
    Mosibodi Whitehead
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Inspired by the exploits of Bernard Lagat a decade ago, Stephen Mokoka is determined to make history as the fastest 40-year-old over 10km when he lines up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 13 July.


"It's a goal. The World Masters 10km record was run by Bernard Lagat in 2015 in Manchester and I was present on that day. I remember running away from him because I didn't want to be beaten by a master. But time flies. Ten years later, I'm here. It’s my turn now," said Mokoka reflecting on the Great Manchester Run where he produced the erstwhile SA Record 27:38 to finish as the runner-up.

Stephen Mokoka placed 5th overall in the Elite Men’s Race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2024 in an impressive time of 27:56. In May this year Mokoka placed 3rd overall at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in a deserving time of 28:06. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.
Stephen Mokoka placed 5th overall in the Elite Men’s Race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2024 in an impressive time of 27:56. In May this year Mokoka placed 3rd overall at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in a deserving time of 28:06. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

To eclipse the mark set by the legendary Kenyan-turned-American, Mokoka will have to run faster than 27:48 which would be the second fastest time of his decorated twenty year career. The Hollywood Athletics Club top runner draws confidence from his encouraging performance at last month's Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K. The 4-time Olympian took third place in 28:06, which was the fourth fastest 10km performance of his life.


"I'm doing well for now. In the next few weeks I aim to get stronger," said Mokoka who visited Hendrick Ramaala's group for two long runs at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg as part of his buildup to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. "For the past two years I've been running 27:57 or 27:55 so I'm a few seconds away from that record. This time I have to dig a little bit deeper. I hope Durban gives us good weather like Cape Town did. Hopefully I can run that Masters World record and I’m grateful to Absa and Stillwater Sports for the opportunity."

Mokoka in training during one of his long runs at the Zoo Lake Park in Johannesburg. Photo Credit: Zintle Mokoka.
Mokoka in training during one of his long runs at the Zoo Lake Park in Johannesburg. Photo Credit: Zintle Mokoka.

Also targeting her best 10km return in years is Tayla Kavanagh. Following a difficult last two years riddled with injury, the 24-year-old is beginning to show glimpses of the form that saw her win the 2021 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a lifetime best 32:10. Kavanagh produced 33:01 for sixth position at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 11 May and is upbeat  about running her first sub 33 minute 10km in over two years.


"I've just kept a positive mindset in knowing that setbacks pave the way for a greater comeback. I’ve been really patient and trusted the process," she explained. "After Cape Town's performance it really was a confidence boost for me. I was super happy. Overall I've been in a good mental space and being in a happy space has helped me to perform better. It's a definite confidence boost to run a good time and know that I still have more left and can reach further than that. Things are looking good and I’m excited for what lies ahead."


Kavanagh in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K where she produced an encouraging 33:01. Photo Credit: Action Photo.
Kavanagh in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K where she produced an encouraging 33:01. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

"We are incredibly excited to see Stephen Mokoka chase the title of the fastest 40-year-old over 10km at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "Stephen has been a proud supporter of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES since its inception in 2015, and it would be a truly special

moment to see him set a new record on our Durban course. It’s also fantastic to welcome Tayla Kavanagh back — a former winner in Durban — and we look forward to seeing her achieve her goals. Having both Stephen and Tayla on the start line promises competition of the highest calibre and an unforgettable race day for fans and athletes alike."

Comments


Subscribe Form

Thanks for submitting!

©2020 by The Top Runner. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page