Star-studded field set to light up Absa Run Your City Durban 10km

Kenya's Brenda Jepchirchir arrives as the favourite after clocking a personal best of 29:25.

She won the Gqeberha leg of the series in March in 30:15 despite battling strong winds and cold conditions.

Jepchirchir returns to South Africa determined to run even faster on Durban's quick course, where she hopes to become the first woman to break the 30-minute barrier on African soil.

She will face tough competition from fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech, who owns a personal best of 30:56, and Jackline Rotich, whose lifetime best stands at 31:29.

Lesotho's Neheng Khatala has also confirmed her participation after finishing third at last weekend's Spar Women's 10km Challenge in 32:09.

The North-West University student has a personal best of 31:44 and will be aiming for another strong performance.

South Africa's national 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba will miss the race because of international commitments, but the home challenge will be led by the in-form Taylor Kavanagh.

Kavanagh, who owns a personal best of 31:26, has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning back-to-back Spar Women's 10km Challenge races as well as continental, national and provincial titles.

She heads into the Durban race full of confidence and is expected to be among the leading contenders.

READ: Taylor Kavanagh sets her sights on SA 10km record

For Jepchirchir, the race is about more than just victory after narrowly missing her goal of breaking 30 minutes in difficult conditions in Gqeberha and she believes Durban offers another opportunity to make history.

"Winning the race on my debut was a very special experience. It was my first time racing in South Africa, and although the strong wind created challenging conditions, I remained patient and focused on running my own race," Jepchirchir told SABC Sport.

"To be part of a race that could make history on African soil is both exciting and motivating. If the conditions are favourable and the race unfolds well, I believe breaking the 30-minute barrier is possible."