'My results this year speak for themselves' - 3x USSA titles, sub 33min 10km and Absa RYC victory. Mailula reflects on breakthrough 2025

For the success she has enjoyed this season, Karabo Mailula says she has been motivated by the desire to join one of South Africa's top professional road running clubs in 2026. Mailula set out at the beginning of the year aiming to run well enough to attract sponsors. Now, after a season that has put her firmly on the national radar, the 23-year old believes she has delivered on that promise she made to herself.

2025 has been a breakout year for the middle-distance sensation from Soshanguve. Yesterday (3 October) the University of Pretoria teaching student won her third University Sports South Africa crown when she breasted the tape at the university cross country championships held at the Tshwane University of Technology. This after she stormed to the USSA Half Marathon and 10 000m crown in May, to earn a spot in the team that represented SA at the World Student Games in Germany in July, where she clocked a personal best 33:06.34 in the women's 10 000m.

Karabo Mailula wins the #USSACrossCountryChamps Gold Medal in a time of 36:16. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

Then Mailula finished second behind training partner Glenrose Xaba in the 10km event at the ASA Cross Country Championships in Middelburg on 6 September, claimed a maiden Absa RUN YOUR SERIES victory at the JOBURG 10K on September 24 a fortnight later, before breaking 33 minutes for the first time when she clocked a career best 32:43 t grab fourth position at the SPAR Women's Challenge Gqeberha three days later.

"I think this is my best year. I did it to market myself. I'm completing my degree and will be graduating next year. So I'm marketing myself to get a sponsor. I'm also looking for a club to run for. It was my goal to run well in major races like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES and SPAR Women's Grand Prix to show potential sponsors what I can do," she told #TheTopRunner.

Mailula wins her very first Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES race. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

The athlete, coached by Caster and Violet Semenya, explained that she is ticking the right boxes and is happy with the trajectory her career is taking. Despite flying the Tuks flag with distinction though, Mailula who won the 2024 FISU World University Games cross country title, has done so without the backing of a bursary. Her studies are supported through NSFAS, making her achievements all the more remarkable.

"I came to Tuks and saw Caster. I joined her group and she told me about the road races. I took a chance and realised I have potential. I then started doing road running. But Tuks doesn't pay for anything. I'm not on a bursary. My fees are paid by NSFAS."

Mailula on top of the podium at the USSA Cross Country Championships which also doubled as the Athletics South Africa trials ahead of the World Cross Country Championships which take place in the US in January 2026. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

Mailula now hopes her consistent performances this year will be enough to secure the professional support she needs to take the next step in her career.

"I would be grateful if sponsors and professional clubs see what I see. My aim is to do well so that I can be recognised and hopefully secure sponsorship and sign for a club. I don't come empty handed. My results this year speak for themselves. I believe I'm a great athlete. I can deliver good results. I will represent them with distinction and pride and will also make them trend."