Absa Run Your City 10km set to deliver Africa’s fastest race in Durban

Race organisers Stillwater Sports have assembled one of the strongest international fields ever seen for the event, with some of the biggest names in world distance running set to battle it out on Durban’s fast course.

Leading the line-up is Uganda’s 10,000m world record holder and multiple Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, whose participation was confirmed earlier this month.

Cheptegei will be joined by Kenya’s Felix Masai and Gilbert Kiprotich, adding even more quality to an already stacked men's field.

Masai has a personal best of 27:24, while Kiprotich has run 27:43.

Uganda’s Emmanuel Kibet, who owns a personal best of 27:37, has also accepted an invitation to compete alongside his celebrated teammate.

Lesotho national record holder Kamohelo Mofolo, with a best time of 27:47, returns to Durban hoping to improve on the city's quick course after an impressive performance last year.

South Africa’s top road runner Kabelo Mulaudzi will also be among the elite athletes. After winning four races in the Run Your City series last season, Mulaudzi, who has a personal best of 27:41, will be aiming to challenge Maxime Chaumeton’s South African 10km record of 26:55.

With such a high-quality field, Mulaudzi believes the conditions are perfect to produce a fast time.

Masai, who won the Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town earlier this year, says sharing the start line with Cheptegei is a special opportunity.

"Joshua Cheptegei is one of the greatest distance runners of all time, and racing against him lifts the standard of the entire field. My goal is to give my best performance. I always enjoy competing in South Africa."

READ: Prudence Sekgodiso targets podium finish in Doha

Mofolo, who has developed a great rivalry with Mulaudzi over the past few years, believes Durban is capable of producing something memorable.

"Every race in Durban has the potential to be special, and I'm honoured to be part of such a strong field. My goal is to stay with the lead group and run a competitive race. Competing against someone like Joshua Cheptegei is a great opportunity because he is an incredible athlete. I'm excited to learn from one of the best while sharing the start line with him."

Mulaudzi, who missed the opening race of this year's series in Gqeberha because of injury, is excited to return to competition and test himself against the world's best.

"I'm really excited to be back and part of this event. It's always special to race in South Africa against world-class athletes. I enjoy challenging myself against the best, and lining up with Joshua Cheptegei is something I'm looking forward to. I hope his presence brings out the best in me and everyone else in the race."