Faith Cherono to race Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in fastest women’s field ever assembled on African soil

Faith Cherono, Image: courtesy of Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES

Stillwater Sports, organisers of South Africa’s premier 10km road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, have confirmed that Kenya’s Faith Cherono will line up alongside Brenda Jepchirchir at the start of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 1 March 2026 - cementing the race as the fastest women’s 10km field ever assembled on African soil.

Cherono, who began her career as a 5000m athlete and cross country runner, initially caught the attention of the road running public when she ran a then personal best 30:50 to claim fourth position at the 2022 Adizero Road To Records race in Germany. But after taking some time off, the 27-year-old came back to the sport, where a gradual return to form saw her produce a scintillating lifetime best of 30:06 at last month’s Valencia 10K.

“Valencia's 10km course is very fast and there are many strong athletes to run with. I am grateful to have made a comeback after a break which was health-related. My improvement in Valencia was a result of lots of hard work with my teammates including Brenda (Jepchirchir). It took a lot of time to fight back and I am thankful to have made it,” said Cherono, reflecting on a memorable performance at the highly competitive Spanish race which now makes her the sixth fastest 10km female athlete of the 2026 season.

Boosted by that run, Cherono’s world ranking makes her highly sought after by race organisers around the world. The East African says she opted to make her South African debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because there’s something special about an African competing in a world class event on home soil.

“I enjoy racing around the world and I am happy to head to South Africa. Running fast on African soil, supporting serious and professional race organisers is important to me as a Kenyan woman.”

This affinity for racing on the continent she calls home is likely to fuel Cherono when she laces up to take on a course that has produced a number of national records including two SA Men’s 10km records. And after claiming a determined fifth place behind winner Agnes Ngetich in the elite women’s 10km race at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour event in the Rift Valley on Valentines Day, Cherono is not ruling out the possibility of producing the first ever sub 30 minute 10km clocking by a woman on African soil.

“I did well over the weekend in the gruelling Sirikwa Cross Country in Eldoret, Kenya. I fought very hard and I was happy with the result especially because I was still in full training as I wrap up my preparations for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. I really hope we will have a big day and run as fast as possible.” 

“Having Faith Cherono confirm her entry alongside Brenda Jepchirchir is a defining moment for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Founder. “Their presence elevates the calibre of competition to an unprecedented level and firmly establishes this as the fastest women’s 10km field ever assembled on African soil. We are incredibly proud to bring world-class racing to Gqeberha and to give South African fans the opportunity to witness history in the making.”

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

2026 PRIZE PURSE AND SA ATHLETE INCENTIVES: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R1 686 000.00, complemented by innovative SA athlete incentives designed to ignite standout performances and unforgettable moments in 2026.