Karabo Mailula targets top-three finish in Spar Grand Prix series

The final leg of the prestigious 10km series will take place at Marks Park Sports Complex in Johannesburg on Sunday at 8am, with a sold-out field of runners expected to light up the streets of Jozi.

The 23-year-old Mailula heads into the race full of confidence after a string of impressive performances.

Mailula has been a regular feature in the top ten across the Grand Prix circuit, producing strong runs in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Gqeberha — where she achieved her best result, finishing fourth in a personal best time of 32:43.

“My goal is to make sure I finish in the top three overall in the series,” said Mailula, who is coached by Violet Semenya and runs in the colours of the University of Pretoria. 

“If I can manage another top-four finish in the final leg, I’ll achieve that goal.”

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Currently in her final year of a teaching degree at the University of Pretoria, Mailula says this season has been the best of her young career.

She recently won the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross-Country Trials in Tshwane, clocking 30:16 to dominate the five-lap race at the Tshwane University of Technology. 

Just a week earlier, she captured victory at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km, further cementing her status as one of the country’s most consistent performers this season.

She has also won the University Sport South Africa (USSA) 10 000m and cross-country titles and delivered a strong performance at the World Student Games in Germany.

“So far, it’s been a great year, and it can only get better if I secure a top-three finish in the series,” she said. “My recovery programme has been excellent, I’m not feeling tired, and I embrace the pressure that comes with running so many races. I love and enjoy it.”

Mailula credits her training partner, South African 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba, for playing a key role in her development. “I learn a lot from Glenrose. She’s such a great motivation and a perfect example of what hard work can achieve,” she said.

With Taylor Kavanaugh — who finished second in Gqeberha — confirming that she will skip the Joburg race, Mailula will face tough competition from four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn and Ethiopia’s Salem Gebre, who finished just ahead of her in the previous leg.

Mailula’s consistency and hunger for success have made her one of the brightest prospects in South African women’s road running — and a top-three finish on Sunday would be the perfect reward for her stellar season.