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

The milestone race is set to take place in Cape Town on Sunday at 9 am and Mokoka made history as the inaugural winner of the event when it debuted in 2015 as a 12km race, securing his place in the competition’s legacy.

A decade later, the 40-year-old veteran continues to hold his own, going toe-to-toe with the next generation of athletes who admire him.

"I can say I'm always grateful for the invitation but the memories I can say I share it's three podium finishes. I think two 12k twice and then 10k, I think it's four podium finishes,” Mokoka said.

“So, I can say for me, especially joining sub28, it's one of the most memorable moments for me. I think for two consecutive years now I've been running 27 minutes so I can say that’s special for me.

“I don't have to run 27 minutes outside the country, all I need is just an opportunity outside the country to come and compete. So, that is so special."

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Mokoka believes that this popular road running series has played a key role in helping local runners achieve faster times and elevate their performance to a higher level.

"It has elevated road running in the country, specifically because the guys now commit and we get fast times. In the beginning of this series, we used to have guys from outside to come and pull us through but we've seen again last year, there was a performance where by it was the mainstream of South African runners,” he added.

“So, I can just say it's been amazing and hopefully it grows like that and other guys grow within the system."