Absa Run Your City 10km series promises lucrative payday

The popular series featuring five 10km races across Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg off in the Friendly City on 13 April, where the first male and female runners to cross the finish line will each earn R30,000. 

Since its inception in 2015, the series has revolutionised local road running, and this year, each event boasts a dedicated R322,000 prize fund. 

Stillwater managing director and series founder Michael Meyer told SABC Sport that their aim is to elevate road running standards across the continent.

“We believe the prize purse will not only motivate runners but also push them to exceed their limits. We are thrilled to announce a total prize pool of R1.6 million for 2025," said Meyer. 

"The winners will receive R30,000, with second-place finishers earning R25,000 and third-place finishers taking home R20,000—excluding additional bonuses. 

"We mean business this year, and it's up to the athletes to seize the opportunities available."

In the men’s race, runners who finish under 28 minutes will earn R40,000, while breaking 27:45 secures R80,000, and a sub-27:30 will net R120,000.

Dipping below 27:15 rewards runners with R160,000, and a standout R200,000 is up for grabs for those who break the 27-minute barrier.

Additionally, any athlete who breaks the men’s national record of 27:35—set by Precious Mashele in Gqeberha in 2023—will pocket an extra R50,000.

In the women's category, R50,000 awaits the first athlete to break Glenrose Xaba's national record of 31:12, while women finishing under 32:08 will earn R40,000.

Those clocking below 31:42 will receive R80,000, and a sub-31:15 secures R120,000, with anything under 30:50 earning R160,000, and the ultimate prize of R200 000 is for those who beat the 30:32 mark. 

Xaba, who earned over R2 million in prize money in 2024, expressed her appreciation for the incentives as she prepares for the upcoming series in Gqeberha. 

“These incentives are crucial because they reward athletes for running fast times. My goal this year is to run as fast as possible, as it increases my chances of representing South Africa in international competitions," she told SABC Sport. 

"They also motivate me to stay at the top and push myself to break my own national 10km record. If I achieve that, it would be a dream come true."

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