Kabelo Mulaudzi targets seventh Absa Run Your City 10km title

The race will start at 7am on Sir George Grey Street at the exit of Grey College and finish at Kings Way in Mangaung.

More than 10 000 runners are expected to take part in the sold-out event, which marks the series’ first visit to the Free State.

Mulaudzi, who enjoyed a historic 2025 season by winning four of the five races, has already claimed victory at the Joburg 10km on Heritage Day.

He is now hoping to finish the series on a high with another win in Mangaung.

However, the national 10 000m champion faces strong competition in the City of Roses.

Kenyan star Filex Masai leads a quality elite field that includes Two Oceans Marathon winner Arthur Jantjies, Zenzile Pheko, Stephen Mokoka, Musawenkosi Mnisi and Precious Mashele.

Pheko, who finished second in both Tshwane and Johannesburg, will also be eager to end the year with a victory.

Mulaudzi told SABC Sport that every win in the popular series means a lot to him and his coach, Richard Mayer.

He hopes to deliver another strong performance despite an up-and-down season affected by injuries.

“Every win at the Run Your City series is extremely special to me and my coach, and it would be a fantastic end to a difficult year if I managed to win in Mangaung,” said Mulaudzi.

READ: Neheng Khatala describes back-to-back 10km wins as special

The 10km specialist had to withdraw from Team South Africa’s world cross country squad that competed in the United States in January because of injury problems.

He has since continued working towards his targets, with his sights also set on competing in the marathon at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Mulaudzi believes consistency in training and careful planning have been key to his success in the series over the past four years.

“I stay consistent in my performances because my training is consistent, and my coach and I work carefully to ensure peak performances at the races we target.

“The races in this series have been our main target for the last four years. I would like to get a podium finish and, if I am feeling good on the day, perhaps a win and make it a seventh career win in the series,” he added.