Kenyans to assist top SA runners to achieve fast times at the Gqeberha 10km

The race will kick off at 7 am, and more than 10,000 runners are expected to fill the streets of the Friendly City.

Organizers, Stillwater Sports, have spared no effort in making this sold-out event one to remember, with a prize of R30,000 awaiting both the first man and woman to cross the finish line.

To add to the excitement, top Kenyan runners will join the race, making it a truly global event.

Following Gqeberha, the series will continue in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg.

However, all eyes will be on Gqeberha this weekend as elite runners Gideon Kipngetich and Mercy Jebet Korir take to the streets.

Eastern Cape marathon record holder Melikhaya Frans, a local athlete, has confirmed his entry into the upcoming race.

Coached by two-time Athletics South Africa Coach of the Year Mike Mbambani, Frans trains on the route daily and is considered one of the top contenders for the podium.

Meanwhile, America-based middle-distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt, who holds three national records in the 5000m, 10,000m, and 3000m, will be aiming to break the 10km national record of 27 minutes and 35 seconds, set by Precious Mashele in Gqeberha in 2023.

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National cross-country champion Kabelo Mulaudzi and national half-marathon champion Elroy Gelant will also benefit from the strong competition, with the potential to clock fast times alongside the likes of Kipngetich.

Kipngetich, who set a personal best of 28:42 to claim second place in his debut in Tshwane, went on to win the Joburg 10km race, ending the series on a high note last year.

Now, he's returning to race the first sea-level event of the season this weekend, brimming with confidence and among the favourites to take the win.

"So far, so good. I'm happy with my preparations for the season.

"I had a great time running in Tshwane and Joburg, and what stood out for me was the impressive turnout of runners supporting the event.

My goal is to win the race, run a sub-27-minute time, and finish at the top of the podium," said the talented Kenyan. "My training is going well, and I'm looking forward to another visit to South Africa," he added.

Frans, the local talent and a sub-28-minute runner, is eager to challenge himself against the athletes visiting the Eastern Cape.

"Training has been going well despite a minor niggle, and I’ve held back from racing too hard as a precaution.

I'm fully recovered from the injury I sustained five weeks ago and I'm aiming for a time of 28:30," shared the 22-year-old national half-marathon champion.

South Africa's 10km and marathon record holder, Glenrose Xaba, who recently defended her national 10,000m title, will be joined by her training partner, Karabo Mailula, as they aim to challenge Korir, the favourite to win the women’s race.

Korir, who claimed victory in the Two Oceans half-marathon on Sunday with a time of 1:17:06, is now targeting another win in the 10km. "I’m here to win again. 

The plan is always to win," said Korir, who prefers letting her performance on the road do the talking rather than engaging in much pre-race chatter.