Eight years after sharing the start line with Ugandan distance-running superstar Joshua Cheptegei on the streets of Durban, South Africa’s Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi are set to reignite their rivalry at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K this  Sunday, 12 July.

The experienced duo will once again test themselves against the two-time Olympic champion, with Mokoka eager for another showdown and Mulaudzi relishing the opportunity to measure himself against one of the greatest distance runners of his generation.

…Cheptegei became the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier on South African soil…

Mokoka finished sixth in the 2018 edition in 28:18, when Cheptegei became the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier on South African soil, winning in an SA All-Comers Record of 27:16. The race also saw Julien Wanders finish second in 27:32, setting a new European 10km record.

Reflecting on that memorable race, Mokoka said Cheptegei’s presence elevated the event and helped inspire a new generation of South African runners, including a young Mulaudzi. “It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I am looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.

The 41-year-old, who was the holder of a 27:38 SA 10km record, believes Cheptegei’s return offers emerging athletes a rare opportunity to compete against one of the world’s best while underlining the global stature that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has achieved.

“It’s a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder,” added Mokoka. “It also shows how far the Series has come. If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you’re creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class.”

Mulaudzi, who has won six of the 10km events since that 2018 race against Cheptegei, in which he clocked 29:17 for 13th place, credits the Series for helping launch his career onto the international stage. “I am extremely grateful to the Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally,” said Mulaudzi.

“My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Series is every bit as world-class.” Now one of South Africa’s leading road runners, Mulaudzi is excited to once again line up against Cheptegei and hopes the Ugandan’s presence will inspire him to better his lifetime best of 27:41, set at the Series in 2025.

Mulaudzi added, “I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It is a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field.”

“Joshua Cheptegei’s return to Durban is a major boost for the event and South African road running,” says Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the Absa Series. “His unforgettable performance in 2018, when he became the first athlete to break 28 minutes on South African soil, showcased the calibre of competition our Series attracts. Having world-class athletes race alongside South Africa’s best not only elevates the event but also inspires local runners, raises performance standards, and strengthens the Series’ reputation as a world-class platform.”

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