Taylor Kavanagh sets her sights on SA 10km record

Speaking to SABC Sport, Kavanagh said she is now targeting the national mark of 31:12, set by Glenrose Xaba at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km race in 2024.

The 25-year-old heads into the challenge full of confidence after claiming back-to-back Spar Women’s 10km Challenge victories in her hometown of Durban. Kavanagh believes her consistent performances this year have put her in a strong position to start chasing the national record.

"I never put too much pressure on myself or speak about my goals too loudly, but I will say that I'm always curious about improving my times, and the 10km record is something in sight and an achievement I'll love to get to this season. I feel like I'm not too far away from it, although it is still a bit of a reach."

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While the national record remains a long-term ambition, Kavanagh says her immediate focus is on the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she hopes to qualify for the women's 5000m final.

She says her goal is to produce her best performance on one of the biggest stages of her career.

Kavanagh clocked an impressive 31:32 to win the Spar Women’s 10km race in Durban at the weekend. 

She opted to skip the national 5km road running championships in Gqeberha the previous day, choosing instead to focus on the 10km after already securing qualification for the World Championships later this year.

The Durban-born athlete says preparing for the 5000m and 10km events goes hand in hand, and she believes racing over both distances will help her build towards the Commonwealth Games.

She is determined to make the most of the opportunity to compete for South Africa.