Mulaudzi eyes back-to-back 10km titles

Mulaudzi eyes back-to-back 10km titles

SA middle-distance runner Collen Mulaudzi has set his sights on defending his Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km title after winning the inaugural race in Durban last year.

The 31-year-old Tshwane-based runner crossed the line in 28 minutes and 30 seconds to bag the cash prize of R15 000, and is licking his lips at the increased pot of R30 000 for this year™s race.

2022 Comrades gold medallist Nkosikhona Mhlakwana is among the entrants and is expected to give Mulaudzi a run for his money but the defending champ is optimistic he can retain his title.

"Obviously our focus is a win, as you remember that I won it last year, so what I'm going to the next Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km for is just to win it, like last year when the race started, so if I win it then I'll be happy," said Mulaudzi.

"So far my preparation is going well, the team that I have behind me - with coach Michael Seme - we're doing well with preparations, and we're just hoping all goes well during this phase so that, when we get to the race, we are ready because guys are faster this year.

"I don't think I can say I'm going to defend [the title] because last year's field won't be the same this year, so you can't defend a new thing. So, I'm going there with an expectation of doing well, like winning the race."

By Charles Baloyi