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Long-distance athlete Kabelo Mulaudzi is targeting a new South African 10km record in the upcoming Absa Run Your City Gqeberha leg next month.
Precious Mashele broke the record, which stands at 27 minutes and 35 seconds, in April 2023 last year – also in the Gqeberha leg.
Mulaudzi showcased speed and competitiveness, clinching victory in three of the five races in the Run Your City series, but now has his sights on surpassing the national record on 7 April.
"As I prepare for the race, my sole focus is on surpassing the South African 10km national record. I aim to clock a time of under 27 minutes, aiming for nothing less than breaking that record," Mulaudzi expressed to SABC Sport.
Winning the race alone carries a lucrative incentive of R200 000 from race organisers Stillwater Sports, with an extra R50 000 bonus awaiting him should he break national record.
"I’m concentrating on the Absa series, and qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris later this year as an added goal. My primary event will be the 10 000m in track and field," he added.
"I aim to participate in all five races of the series, and I’ll also incorporate additional races as opportunities arise. The prospect of bonuses serves as extra motivation for me to push myself further, but my ultimate aim is to pursue the South African 10km record."
Mashele has also confirmed his participation in the upcoming event, with anticipation mounting as he gears up for a fiercely contested race against his rival.
Both athletes are set to clash once again in the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in the 10 000m event set to take place in Pietermaritzburg next month.
Their rivalry promises to elevate the competition throughout as they push each other to their limits.
"I respect Precious as a fierce competitor, but I plan to run my race and take it from there. I have been waiting for this series for a long time, and I am ready to give it my best shot and maybe that record will happen," Mulaudzi further highlighted.
