Edward Mothibi gears up for the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km
21st September 2025
By
Former Comrades Marathon champion Edward Mothibi has set his sights on a top-10 finish at the final leg of the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km, which will take place on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September.
The sold-out race, which has attracted over 10,000 entrants, kicks off at 8 am from Lilian Ngoyi Street and finishes at Rahima Moosa Street in Newtown.
The first elite male and female runner to cross the line will each walk away with R30 000.
Mothibi, who works at Impala Platinum Mines in Rustenburg, is best known for his endurance over ultra distances, but sees shorter races as the perfect preparation for next year’s Comrades Marathon.
Last week, he tested his fitness at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km, narrowly missing the top 10 with an 11th-place finish in 31:02.
The five-time Comrades gold medallist told SABC Sport that he is confident of making the top 10 this time and hopes to secure his third career top-10 finish in the Run Your City series.
“The race in Joburg was good, but a little too fast for me, and I just missed out on the top 10. My body is recovering well since running the Comrades in June, and it’s responding positively to training. Age is catching up with me, so it’s best I focus more on 10km and 21km races,” Mothibi explained.
At this year’s Comrades, the 41-year-old finished fourth in 5:31:41, running in the colours of Nedbank Running Club. His close friend and training partner, Tete Dijana, claimed victory in 5:25:28.
Mothibi, who has been running at the highest level for over a decade, credits discipline, training, and healthy living for his success and longevity.
“Firstly, it’s all about setting your goals and sticking to them. After Comrades, I shift my focus to speed work and training. I eat well and make sure I take care of my body.
“By September, the body has had enough rest, and this Joburg race is always my last event of the year. I love it, and I always seem to perform well here,” he said.
Mothibi also offered advice to those planning to run next year’s Comrades Marathon, stressing the importance of early preparation.
“It’s better to start now and not wait until the beginning of the year. Watch your diet carefully and be mindful of what you eat,” he advised.
