The streets of Tshwane lit up on Sunday as 10 000 runners lined up at the foot of the Union Buildings for the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. In a dramatic men’s race, Kabelo Mulaudzi secured his third consecutive series victory in 29:00. Meanwhile, Glenrose Xaba defended her title and lowered her own course record with a blistering 31:50.
Mulaudzi Makes History in Nail-Biting Finish
Mulaudzi and Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw delivered the closest finish the series has ever seen. The two crossed the line together, forcing organisers to call on the photo finish to confirm Mulaudzi’s win. Asfaw clocked the same time for second, with compatriot Abdilmejid Mohammed taking third in 29:10.
The win means Mulaudzi becomes the first man to claim three straight series titles. He is also the first to secure seven consecutive podium finishes across the RUN YOUR CITY events.
“The finish was so close I wasn’t sure who had won,” said Mulaudzi, who runs for Boxer Athletics Club under coach Richard Mayer. “East African athletes are strong. However, we must not allow them to beat us at home. I’m really happy because my family was here to watch me.”
Having already broken a decade-long drought for South African winners in Cape Town earlier this year, the 27-year-old walked away with R30 000 prize money. He also earned a slice of history.
READ MORE: PB and Another Win for Mulaudzi at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
“It’s so amazing to win three in a row. I’m speechless. In 2023 I was meant to do it but came third in Joburg. So I’m over the moon,” he said.
Xaba Lowers Her Own Course Record
In the women’s race, Glenrose Xaba proved once again why she is South Africa’s top road runner. She stormed home in 31:50, dipping under 32 minutes for the second year in a row. Also, she shaved seconds off her own course record.
She finished well clear of Kenya’s Rebecca Mwangi in 32:41 and Ethiopia’s Selem Gabre in 33:05.
“I’m happy with the result and my body was responding very well,” Xaba said. “The plan was to hit halfway in under 16 minutes which I managed. My message to all the young girls who are inspired by me is to keep pushing and stay consistent.”
READ MORE: How You Can Train for—and Run—Your Fastest 5K
Tshwane Sets the Stage for Joburg Finale
The Tshwane 10K marked the third time the capital has hosted the race. The atmosphere from both elites and recreational runners cemented its place as one of the most electric stops on the series calendar.
With Tshwane in the books, all eyes now turn to Johannesburg for the series finale on 24 September. There, the country’s best will look to close the season on a high.
Lace up. Show up. Make it count.
Register and learn more at RunYourCity.com
