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South African marathon champion Bennett Seloyi is eyeing his first podium finish at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km when the series concludes in Johannesburg on Heritage Day.
The Central Gauteng Athletics star kicked off his season by winning the national marathon title and now hopes to close it on a high with a top-three finish in the country’s most popular 10km road running series.
The sold-out event, which will feature more than 10 000 participants, starts on Lilian Ngoyi Street at 8am and finishes on Rahima Moosa Street.
Although his main focus remains on improving his marathon personal best, Seloyi says the Joburg 10km will serve as a speed test and part of his buildup for a major marathon later this year.
“My body is slowly adjusting to the 10km races, and I want to run as many as possible. I know I’m more of a long-distance runner, but these shorter races are teaching me a lot. I’m chasing a top-three this time after a few top-10 finishes this year, and my coach is happy with my attitude and discipline,” Seloyi told SABC Sport.
The 24-year-old comes into the race with confidence after finishing fourth at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in 28:05. He believes that performance has prepared him well for another fast run in Johannesburg.
“I’m healthy and in good shape to push myself against some of the best runners in the country. The coach is happy with my fitness, and everything I’m doing now is part of my marathon preparation. I have the legs for the long-distance races, but I need to get used to these shorter distances to be competitive,” he explained.
Seloyi has dipped under 29 minutes twice this year in the Run Your City series, with a personal best of 28:12 that earned him eighth place in Durban in July.
“I have my eyes on the top three, but I can’t guarantee it. I just want to give it a go and see what happens after the race,” Seloyi added
