'These kind of performances remind us why we created the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES' - All the records that fell in Durban

With high expectations for record-breaking performances, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K did not disappoint, as multiple barriers were shattered on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

Finishing behind Kabelo Mulaudzi who produced a career best 27:41 to win his second consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES race of 2025 was Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo, who in crossing the finish line in 27:47 set a new national 10km record for the Mountain Kingdom.

Mofolo battles with Mulaudzi on his way to setting a new 10km record for Lesotho. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"What we witnessed at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday was nothing short of extraordinary," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "The performances were world-class, and it's a proud and truly special moment for us as organisers to see such incredible results on African soil."

Six men in total broke the 28 minute barrier, a first of it's kind for the African continent. Included amongst those six was 1500m Olympic semi-finalist Ryan Mphahlele who started the race as a pacemaker and hung on for sixth position in a maiden sub 28:00 clocking and lifetime best 27:59, while Tanzania’s Benjamin Ratsim rounded out the top ten in 28:22 which was an SA All-Comers Junior Record.

Stephen Mokoka clocked 28:37 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, smashing David Chawane’s SA 40+ record by almost a minute, winning the veteran’s category by more than 90 seconds. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

Aiming to become the fastest 40-year-old 10km runner of all time, Stephen Mokoka fell short, but was nevertheless good value for money. Although the four-time Olympian failed to dip under the 27:48 set by Bernard Lagat in Manchester in 2015, he still ran well under 29 minutes, as he clocked 28:37 to smash David Chawane's SA 40+ record by almost a minute

and win the veteran’s category by more than 90 seconds.

"Kabelo Mulaudzi’s brilliant personal best, Kamohelo Mofolo’s national record for Lesotho, and Stephen Mokoka's phenomenal veterans' run - smashing a long-standing SA record - were standout achievements," Meyer added.

Jesca Chelangat, Janet Mutungi, Rebecca Mwangi and Clare Ndiwa in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Photo Credit: Gavin Ryan.

The women's race was just as fast. Three women finished inside 31:00 - another first for an African race. Running for the first time on South African soil, Kenya's Clare Ndiwa made a resounding SA debut as she produced a lighting fast 30:50 in a tight finish against compatriot Janet Mutungi who came home just three seconds after her. Pre-race favourite and 2022 champion Jesca Chelangat was third in 30:58 as the Kenyans swept the podium.

"To see such depth and speed in the women’s race, with three athletes breaking 31 minutes for the first time ever on the continent, is phenomenal. These kind of performances remind us why we created the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES - to elevate African road running and provide a platform where athletes can push boundaries and make history. It's an incredibly proud moment for all of us."