'The plan is to win the 21km race' - Mailula ready for World Student Games after PB at Absa DURBAN 10K

Rising South African road running starlet Karabo Mailula is positive that the future is bright after clocking a new personal best time of 33:01 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K race on Sunday 13 July. Despite slicing seven seconds off her previous 10km best, 11th placed Mailula couldn't find a place in the top 10 in a fast women's race where the first ten ladies dipped under 33 minutes for the first time in SA history. But the 23-year-old is not disappointed, saying her primary goal was to beat 33:08 she ran in the 2024 edition of the race where she finished sixth overall. 

Mailula in action in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

"My plan was to run a personal best time because Durban has been good to me. I always run fast. When I saw the start list before the race, I realized that I'm ranked 13th in ladies then I knew that the competition was going to be tough. I'm not surprised that I didn’t make the top 10. The first goal to beat my time, which is what was achieved,” explains Mailula, who trains alongside SA 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba.

The University of Pretoria student who hails from Mabopane in the nation's capital, has been able to focus a bit more on her burgeoning athletics career this year because she has entered the final stages of her Education degree programme which allows her more flexibility. 

"This year I'm no longer attending full-time like I was before as I'm doing practicals most of the time. I can now have sufficient time to train, unlike before where I was busy attending classes," explains Mailula, who was part of the team that represented the nation at 2024 World Cross Country team in Serbia.

Mailula on top of the podium after claiming a sprint finish victory over the North West University's Neheng Khatala in the 10 000m at the USSA Track & Field Championships. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

With more time to train, the results have been forthcoming this season. In addition to the 10km PB she ran in Durban, Mauilula also set a 33:34.05 10 000m lifetime best, while winning the half marathon and 10 000m title at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Track & Field Championships in May to earn a spot in the SA Team that will take part in the World University Games in Germany from 16-27 July. She is also considering an option to join a commercial club next year after finishing the studies. 

"My plan is to go run Half-Marathon and 10 000m. The plan is to win the Half-Marathon race and run a personal best time over 10 000m," she explained hinting at what is to come after a fruitful University Sports career that saw her win the 2024 FISU World University Cross Country 10km title.

After a good performance at the USSA Track & Field Championships in May, Mailula is confident of representing South Africa well at the FISU World University Games in Germany this week. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

"I think going forward, my plan is to get a club as I'm going to be done with University degree. If I can get a good offer from a club like Hollywood or Boxer, I'll consider it. I know that there will be pressure when you are running for a big club, as they are looking for fast times and performances, but I'm confident that I'll handle that situation when I reach it.”