Mokoka to cash in on R100k bonus for breaking Masters World Best at Absa DURBAN 10K

Inspired by Stephen Mokoka's intention to target the Masters 10km World Best at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 13 July 2025, the organisers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series have put forward a substantial R100 000 incentive for Mokoka to break the 27:48 barrier.

"The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has always strived to create a platform for our local athletes to shine on home soil and to incentivise exceptional performances," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "When Stephen Mokoka shared his goal of breaking the Masters world record earlier this year, we knew we wanted to support him in a meaningful way."

Mokoka in action at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K where he ran 28:06 to finish in third position. Photo Credit: Mark Sampson.

After producing the fourth-fastest performance of his career (28:06) to claim third place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 11 May, 40-year-old Mokoka realised he was within striking distance of the 27:48 Masters World Best, set by America's Bernard Lagat at the 2015 Great Manchester Run in the United Kingdom. Having competed in that very race - where he clocked a lifetime best and then-South African record of 27:38 - the Hollywood Athletics Club standout identified the lightning-fast Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K course as the ideal stage to become the fastest 40-year-old 10km runner in history.

"I'm grateful to Stillwater Sports and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. The opportunities we get through the series truly make our lives easier," said Mokoka. "To break the record, Bernard Lagat had to travel all the way from America to run in Manchester, UK. So, I'm thankful to have an opportunity like this on home soil - especially now, with the younger guys performing so well over 10km. These days, you can't get onto a podium with a 28:10 easily. A platform of this magnitude excites me, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead."

Mokoka's association with the Absa RYC goes back to when it was first launched in 2021. Photo Credit: Stillwater Sports.

What lies ahead are two weeks of putting the finishing touches on a 10km-specific training programme, which Mokoka began after completing the Totalsports Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon on 5 April. Under the guidance of legendary coach Michael 'Sponge' Seme, Mokoka - who is a 2:06:42 marathoner at his best - has followed a strict speed-focused regime over the past two and a half months. This has included sessions with Hendrick Ramaala's Zoo Lake Group, all of which has left the veteran athlete confident in his chances of claiming the R100 000 bonus.

"My coach decided I had to go back to the drawing board. It’s not easy, but I’ve got young guys at UJ in the Sponge Group who are doing a great job of burning my chest and legs,” Mokoka laughed. “It’s also been great to visit other groups. At Zoo, the course is tough - nine laps gave me 400m of elevation. I can see why the Precious Masheles and Chris Mhlangas are so strong on the hills. With the way I’m training now, I’m hopeful. I’ll be grateful for whatever comes, but hopefully, the weather in the City of Ethekwini plays along - and I can get that Masters record."

In closing, Meyer adds: "Stephen has been a strong supporter of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES since its inaugural event in 2015. The R100 000 incentive is our way of showing appreciation, while recognising both his ambition and his remarkable contribution to South African road running. It would be an honour to celebrate such a monumental achievement with Stephen right here in Durban, on 13 July, at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K."