Zenzile Pheko sets sights on maiden Absa Run Your City 10km win

By Charles Baloyi
27th October 2026

South African cross-country champion Zenzile Pheko believes he is getting closer to winning his maiden Absa Run Your City 10km title after an impressive season in the popular series.

The talented 20-year-old finished second in Tshwane and Johannesburg before claiming third place in the final race in Mangaung on Sunday, clocking 28:54 despite battling illness.

Pheko also enjoyed success on the national stage, winning a South African cross-country title and showing that he can compete with the country’s best distance runners.

He believes his consistency and training alongside experienced runner Kabelo Mulaudzi have helped him take his performances to another level.

“I am very happy with my performance this season. I have been consistent and produced impressive performances. I am training well and in good shape.

“I train at the same place as Kabelo Mulaudzi, who is helping me a lot. I am learning a lot from him. I told him I was not feeling well during the race, but he told me to hang in there, and I managed to finish in the top three.

“I am definitely sure that next year, maybe in Gqeberha or Cape Town, I can win the race,” Pheko told SABC Sport.

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His next assignment is the Boxer Super Run 5km at Marks Park Sports Club in Johannesburg on 9 November.

The race offers R20 000 to the winner, making it one of the most lucrative 5km races in South Africa.

Pheko is confident he can challenge for another podium finish after his performance in Mangaung, although he admits that the hills in Johannesburg will present a tough test.

“For now, knowing that I ran well in Mangaung, I think I am capable of securing another podium finish in the next race. There are too many hills in Johannesburg, but I will prepare well and try to win the race. In Durban, I was sick and could not run well,” he said.

Pheko’s performance in Mangaung was particularly impressive given that he had missed four days of training because of illness before the race.

While some runners might have opted to withdraw, the youngster showed his determination by pushing through the discomfort to secure another top-three finish.