Mulaudzi edges Asfaw in historic photo finish, Xaba sets new course record at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Image: Tobias Ginsberg

The 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K drew an impressive field of 10 000 runners on Sunday, 24 August, with participants gathering at the foot of the majestic Union Buildings to kick off the iconic race. Kabelo Mulaudzi extended his winning streak, securing a third consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES victory in an impressive time of 29:00, while Glenrose Xaba delivered a commanding performance to successfully defend her title in 31:50.

Mulaudzi and Aklilu Asfaw produced the closest finish in the history of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, with a photo finish ultimately confirming Mulaudzi as the overall winner in 29:00. Ethiopia’s Asfaw secured his first-ever Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES podium, while compatriot Abdilmejid Mohammed claimed third place in 29:10. Mulaudzi’s victory marked his third consecutive Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES title – making him the first man to achieve this remarkable feat.

"The finish was so close. I wasn't sure who won the race.I started panicking when it came down to a sprint finish because he was close to me. I'm really happy to win because my family also came to watch the race. I want to thank Stillwater Sports, Boxer, and PUMA for their support. East African athletes are strong, but we must not allow them to beat us here at home. We need to push hard as South Africans," said Mulaudzi, who is coached by Richard Mayer.

Having already made history by becoming the first South African in a decade to win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May, Mulaudzi achieved another milestone in the nation’s capital by becoming the first man to secure seven straight RUN YOUR CITY SERIES podium finishes following his triumph in Durban last month.

After the race, the 27-year-old Mulaudzi, who competes under the Boxer Athletics Club banner, was thrilled to take home the R30 000 prize money, calling it a close call.

“It’s so amazing to win three in a row. I’m speechless. I’m grateful to win because this is what I wanted. In 2023 I was meant to win three in a row, but I didn’t do it because I came third in my third race in Joburg. So I’m over the moon,” he said.

In the women's race, defending champion Glenrose Xaba dipped under 32 minutes for the second year running as she stopped the clock in 31:50 to eclipse her own course record. She was followed home by Kenya’s Rebecca Mwangi, who finished almost a minute later with a time of 32:41, while Selem Gabre rounded out the podium in 33:05.

"I'm happy with the result, and my body was responding very well,” said Xaba. “The competition was strong, but the plan was to go through halfway in under 16 minutes which I managed to do. My message to all the young girls who are inspired by me is to keep pushing and to stay consistent.”

“Congratulations to Kabelo Mulaudzi and Glenrose Xaba on delivering a spectacular showcase of world-class racing in the Capital City. A heartfelt well done also goes out to the rest of the elite field, and to the 10 000 runners whose incredible energy made this day truly unforgettable. We extend our deepest gratitude to our valued sponsors and partners for their unwavering support in bringing this event to life. With Tshwane behind us, we now look ahead with excitement to closing off the 2025 season on a high note at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on 24 September - National Heritage Day – as we once again come together to celebrate running, community, and South Africa’s rich diversity,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

Image: Tobias Ginsberg

As title sponsor, Absa shares in the pride and excitement of bringing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES to Tshwane for the third consecutive year. 

“Well done to all that participated in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and joined Team Absa Walk Run on Strava. A huge congratulations to all the winners. It was inspiring to see so many people taking to the streets, with many different reasons for running, pushing themselves to achieve their individual goals," said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa. “Your stories have inspired us all, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to our event. Thank you to our colleagues, volunteers, partner sponsors, and organisers who made this event possible.”

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA. 

Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle: Norman Moseamedi was the lucky participant to drive home in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT to the value of R269 900.00 courtesy of the event’s official Vehicle Partner, Chery South Africa. 

RESULTS: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Date: Sunday 24 August 2025

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia, Tshwane

Finish Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia, Tshwane

ELITE MEN

1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 29:00, 2 Aklilu Asfaw (Ethiopia) 29:00, 3 Abdilmejid Mohammed (Ethiopia) 29:10, 4 Joseph Seutloali (Lesotho) 29:13, 5 Simon Sibeko (South Africa) 29:19, 6 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa) 29:22, 7 Pakiso Mthembu (South Africa) 29:32, 8 Namakoe Nkhasi (Lesotho) 29:37, 9 Chris Mhlanga (South Africa) 29:50, 10 Joel Mmone (South Africa) 29:55

ELITE WOMEN

1 Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 31:50, 2 Rebecca Mwangi (Kenya) 32:41, 3 Selam Gebre (Ethiopia) 33:05, 4 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 33:40, 5 Irvette Van Zyl (South Africa) 33:41, 6 Karabo More (South Africa) 34:03, 7 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 34:37, 8 Carina Swiegers (South Africa) 35:15, 9 Zanthe Taljaard (South Africa) 35:24, 10 Florence Nyaingiri (Kenya) 35:30