Having shed the doubt that once held him back, SA Championships silver medalist Deon-Lee Hendricks is embracing the best form of his career and setting his sights on something bigger at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday 10 May 2026.

Fresh off a personal best of 28:55.93 in the 10 000m at the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships in Stellenbosch, Hendricks came within just over three seconds of victory, finishing runner-up to Kabelo Mulaudzi.

“…Falling short by three seconds hurt, but it also showed me exactly what I need to work on.”

“The goal was to win,” Hendricks admitted. “But after racing the Two Oceans Half Marathon just a week before, I shifted focus slightly and aimed for a fast time. With three laps to go, I went for it, and I gave everything. Falling short by three seconds hurt, but it also showed me exactly what I need to work on.”

That performance came just four days after he clocked 1:08:39 at the Two Oceans Half Marathon, a turnaround that speaks volumes about both his physical condition and growing self-belief.

Now 28, and coached by Jacques van Rensburg, Hendricks credits a shift in mindset, shaped in part by training alongside SA record holder Adriaan Wildschutt, for unlocking a new level in his running.

“For the first time, I’m not scared when I step onto the start line,” he said. “I see myself as a front-runner now. I trust my training, my coach, and the people around me. Training with Adriaan and Nadeel has given me belief – they’ve shown me what’s possible.”

That confidence is already translating into results. Hendricks opened his Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series campaign with a 29:27 finish – his second-fastest 10km – at a windy Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in March.

But he believes his real statement is still to come.

“I’m chasing fast times now,” he said. “Cape Town is the race where I want to put it together. I want to run with the leaders, race smart, and really be part of it – not just hang on. Every time I race, I’m all in. No matter the conditions, I want to deliver.”

And with his confidence at an all-time high, Hendricks is clear about his next milestone: “I want to run 28 minutes.”

Backing Hendricks’ form, Michael Meyer believes the rising star is ready for more. “Deon-Lee’s growth this season has been inspiring. He’s moved past the fear that once held him back and is now fully backing his ability,” said Meyer. “A SA Championships silver medalist already, he’s hungry for more, and we expect him to carry that momentum into the Cape Town event and test himself against a world-class field.”

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