Kabelo Mulaudzi claims victory in the Absa Run Your City 10km race for the first time in two years

The 28-year-old, coached by the legendary Richard Meyer, delivered his breakthrough performance on a fitting occasion, which was the 10th anniversary of the popular race series.

Mulaudzi pocketed a R30,000 winner’s prize after finishing ahead of Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo (27:53) and veteran Stephen Mokoka, who took third place in 28:06 in what was one of the fastest and most competitive races seen in Cape Town on Mother’s Day.

"I am very happy with my performance today because I wanted to run my PB. Today was just my day.

"My plan in this race was to go and attack from the start. I was pushing my pace the entire time, but even the guys around me were pushing me all the way," said an ecstatic Mulaudzi. 

READ: Stephen Mokoka on the 10th anniversary of the Absa Run Your City 10km

The Boxer Running Club star was initially unsettled when Mofolo surged ahead early, putting pressure on the chasing pack. 

Doubting it was going to be his day, he nevertheless dug deep, caught up with Mofolo, and took command of the race in the final 2km.

"To be honest, I was quite scared because I saw Mofolo coming for me, but I just told myself to push a little bit harder to finish stronger," Mulaudzi claimed. 

The national 5000m bronze medallist described the race as highly tactical, with a pack of runners continuously chasing Mofolo. 

He believed it would ultimately come down to strategy and who had the strongest desire to win.

While his coach Richard Meyer paced anxiously along the finish line, shouting and praying that this would be their moment, Mulaudzi had only one thought in mind, and that was to finish the race and dedicate it to his late mother, who passed away when he was just 14 years old.

"In the last 2km, I used the memory of my late mother to power me to the finishing line. She passed away when I was still very young, so I think this is a great gift for her today," expressed the South African cross-country champion.

The Alexandra-based runner enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2023, winning three races and making history in his career.

However, 2024 brought challenges as he struggled with injuries and a dip in form, finishing a disappointing 20th in last year’s Cape Town race. 

This year, though, he made a stunning comeback, once again experiencing the thrill of success.

Mulaudzi is now setting his sights on the upcoming Run Your City race in Durban this July, aiming to better his previous time.