Elroy Gelant aims to finish the year strong with three upcoming races

Despite a long and demanding season, the 38-year-old, coached by Jean Verster, continues to show determination.

Last month, Gelant marked his birthday with a fourth-place finish at the Run Your City race in Tshwane, just days after an exhausting Olympic Marathon where he secured an impressive 11th place in Paris.

It was the first time he missed a podium finish on the domestic circuit this season, a testament to the toll the Olympic marathon took on the University of North West lecturer.

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With the fastest 10km time by a South African this year, clocking 27:55, Elroy Gelant is already back in training and poised to wrap up his season with three key races.

On Heritage Day, he’ll tackle the challenging Run Your City Joburg 10km, known for its gruelling hills, including the climb up Constitutional Hill.

A week later, on 29 September, he will compete in the Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km, the richest 10km race in South Africa, with a R37,500 prize for the winner.

He will then conclude his season next month at the sold-out Cape Town Marathon, which has drawn over 20,000 participants.

"I’m having an incredible year, thanks to the strong support system around me, and I honestly feel like I'm aging like fine wine. For me, it's all about discipline and hard work. I feel more energized and youthful, and I'm really enjoying my time on the road. Although I was a bit fatigued after running the Olympic marathon, I'm back and ready to finish the year on a high," Gelant shared with SABC Sport.

He added, “I really enjoyed the Absa series, and it's important to finish strong. My goal is to run another sub-28 and secure a podium finish before heading to Durban, where I’m aiming for fast times. I’ve also had my sights set on the Cape Town Marathon for a long time. It will be my fourth marathon of the year, following Valencia in February, the national championships, and the Olympics. It all comes down to staying healthy, preparing well, and taking good care of yourself," said Gelant.