Kabelo Mulaudzi managed to demonstrate tactical skill to retain his title in the men's 10-kilometer race. In the women's race, Kenya's Deborah Chemutai dominated, beating Karabo Mailulu from South Africa.
At the Heritage Day celebration, Mulaudzi finally achieved a breakthrough of the season by successfully defending his Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K title. The athlete from the Boxer Athletics club showed a confident performance, winning with a time of 28:48. He was able to hold off strong pressure from his clubmate Zenzile Feko, who finished four seconds behind. Stephen Kangete from Kenya shared the podium with Feko.
However, for Mulaudzi, the significance of this victory was broader than just another gold medal. After battling a hamstring injury and difficulties regaining form, which he had in his outstanding 2025 season, this win served as a pleasant reminder of his capabilities when fully fit.
After the race, Mulaudzi stated: 'Honestly, I struggled this year, but I am happy with my performance today and that I defended my title, so I am very happy.'
The 10K distance proved challenging due to Johannesburg's high altitude conditions and constant pace changes, forcing the leading group to constantly adjust their actions. Mulaudzi avoided the temptation to react to every opponent's maneuver, focusing instead on executing his own race plan.
In the women's race, only Kenyan athletes took the podium: Deborah Chemutai won with a time of 32:50, Mercy Jelino finished second (33:10), while Esther Borura secured bronze with a time of 33:27.
Mulaudzi explained his strategy: 'When I sped up, they sped up with me; when I slowed down, they slowed down, so I had to concentrate on my race and wait for the right moment. That is what I did today.'
After a season where progress was repeatedly interrupted by injuries, such patience was particularly important. Mulaudzi reported that he has fully recovered from the hamstring issue that limited him. He added: 'Honestly, I have fully recovered. I felt much better.'
This victory also confirmed the correctness of the patient approach adopted by him and coach Richard Meyer during difficult months. Instead of rushing his return for immediate results, they trusted the process and waited until Mulaudzi was ready.
Mulaudzi admitted that he had shown very good results last year, which caused difficulties this year. He emphasized the need for patience and waiting for the right moment. He insisted that he did not feel the pressure associated with having to defend the title, especially considering that many athletes were in excellent shape. Instead, he focused on his own preparation and waited for his chance.
This victory restored his confidence, and now he is shifting his focus to the remainder of the season. He plans to participate in the Boxer 5km race before the final Absa Run Your City event in Mangaung in the middle of next month, having decided not to compete in the Hollywood Joburg 10K.
'Honestly, my confidence is high. I won the race today, so I am very happy,' he said. Mulaudzi also thanked Meyer, Puma South Africa, and the Boxer Athletics club for their support throughout the challenging campaign. His message to athletes going through similar difficulties was simple: 'You must wait for the right moment. You must be patient and keep training. Believe in yourselves.'
In the women's race, besides the Kenyan podium, Karabo Mailulu became the first South African representative with a time of 34:44, and Irvette van Zyl crossed the finish line seven seconds later.
