Kabelo Mulaudzi eyes podium at Absa Run Your City Cape Town leg

Kabelo Mulaudzi eyes podium at Absa Run Your City Cape Town leg

South African cross country champion Kabelo Mulaudzi is setting his sights on a top-three finish at the upcoming Absa Run Your City Cape Town leg scheduled for 12 May.

Despite missing out on the recent Gqeberha 10km leg due to a knee injury, Mulaudzi has confirmed his participation in the Mother City event, where the prize pot stands at R30 000 for the winner, and a further R50 000 should Precious Mashele's SA record be broken.

A competitive field will see Gqeberha winner Vincent Langat of Kenya second-placed Elroy Gelant and third-placed Mashele, as well as former SA 10km record holder Stephen Mokoka gunning for the prize.

Despite the pressure, Mulaudzi is confident of finishing inside the top three, tipping two of his counterparts as the favourites to cross the line first.

"I will focus on my race in Cape Town. I am racing against the best in the country in Elroy and Precious, and to me, the two are the favourites to win the race," said the 26-year-old, who managed three wins of the five-leg series last year.

"The preparations have been going well, and I have recovered from injury; I no longer feel pain in my knee. If I make the podium, I will be over the moon. We could see a fast race, and the field is competitive."

With victories in four 10km races, securing the cross country title, and a commendable second-place finish in the Joburg race, Mulaudzi's potential cannot be underestimated.

“Yes, I have clinched victories in the past competitions. However, as I’ve mentioned, the vibe and pace on race day will ultimately steer the outcome," he insisted.

"I want to relish the experience, especially since I couldn’t participate in the initial event.  I will challenge my limits and gauge my performance, yet, I hold profound respect for my fellow competitors. 

"I plan to run my race and embrace whatever unfolds, perhaps securing a podium finish and a commendable time."

READ: Elroy Gelant reclaims the SA marathon title with a new course record