Kabelo Mulaudzi ends drought with Joburg 10km title defence

After a frustrating year battling a hamstring injury, Mulaudzi finally returned to the top step of the podium in his fifth attempt this season.

The Boxer Running Club star won the sold-out race in Newtown in 28:48, finishing ahead of rising star and clubmate Zenzile Pheko, who clocked 28:52.

Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe of Nedbank Running Club finished third in the same time.

A relieved Mulaudzi says the victory was a reminder that he should not be written off.

"I've been struggling this year but I'm happy with my performance today and I'm very happy to have defended my title. It was a hot day in high altitude so you had to get your race strategy spot on, and you had to adjust during the race. Everyone forgot about me, so I'm just happy to be back."

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Mulaudzi, who was welcomed at the finish line by his proud coach Richard Mayer, says the race was a tactical battle.

Despite an early breakaway by Ugandan Dolphine Chelimo, Mulaudzi stayed calm, stuck to his game plan and made his move at the right time to secure a memorable victory.

Mulaudzi, who has won the national 10km cross-country title three times in a row, says he has now fully recovered from his hamstring injury.

He says this victory means much more than just another race win after a difficult season. 

Beating an in-form Pheko made the victory even sweeter.