Taylor Kavanagh eager to run PB in Africa’s biggest 10km race

The Hollywood Athletics Club star will line up for the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km on Sunday at 7am, hoping to take advantage of one of the strongest fields ever assembled on African soil. 

Kavanagh, whose lifetime best of 31:26 was set in Cape Town, believes racing against world-class athletes chasing a sub-30-minute finish will push her to the fastest run of her career.

"I would say it's a pretty big day on the calendar, Absa Run Your City Durban is always a special one. There's a lot of energy and hype around it and people come from all over to take part. It's going to be a really good day if the weather is good."

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Kavanagh believes racing on a home route will give her an extra advantage. 

The Durban-born athlete says the support from family, friends and local fans could make a big difference as she takes on race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir, who has a personal best of 29:25.

The 25-year-old has been one of the busiest runners on the local circuit this season, competing almost every weekend. 

However, Kavanagh says her race programme is carefully managed to ensure she stays fresh and avoids burnout during a demanding year.

With South African 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba not competing in Durban, the self-coached Kavanagh will carry the country's hopes against the powerful Kenyan challenge. 

She says she is ready to embrace the pressure and is looking forward to the opportunity to test herself against some of the world's best athletes.

"I definitely miss Glenrose not being here this weekend, but it's nice to see her spread her wings with more races overseas, so well done to her for taking those opportunities.

"There is no pressure, and whether Glenrose is here or not I will try my absolute best."