Kenyans Salem Kibet and Doreen Cherop dominate Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10km

Kibet pulled away in the final kilometre to win the sold-out race, which attracted 10 000 runners.

He missed the course record by just five seconds after his brave run that won him the hearts of the crowd.

Zenzile Pheko led the South African challenge, finishing second in 28:55, while Chris Mhlanga was third in 28:56. 

Running in hot conditions, Kibet admitted that the Tshwane course tested him more than expected.

“The race was good, but the course was hard because of the weather. We are used to training in cold weather, but it was really hot today,” said Kibet.

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The lanky Kenyan had prepared for almost a month and was determined to make his second visit to South Africa a winning one.

“I needed to perform and I have managed it. The course is very hilly and flat, and that made it difficult. We run on flat courses most of the time,” he said.

Kibet, who also competed in the Two Oceans Half Marathon earlier this year, revealed that the course record was firmly in his sights.

“It was in my mind. We were supposed to do it, but next time I will smash it when I come back,” he said.

 The 10km victory is Kibet’s latest success in South Africa, and he praised the organisation of the race.

“This is the second time that I have come to South Africa and the organisation is brilliant. The Two Oceans course was probably harder than this one,” he added.

Kibet also shared a glimpse into the hard-working culture behind Kenya’s distance-running success, saying training is part of their daily routine.

“We train hard to win, but we also train hard every day and enjoy it. I am preparing to run a marathon in Portugal in October. For now, I am going back home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya completed a clean sweep as Doreen Cherop won the women’s race in a new course record of 31:35.

Cherop finished ahead of South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba, who was the first local athlete across the line in 31:38. Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai claimed third place in 31:59.