Precious Mashele embraces East African challenge in Absa Run Your City Cape Town leg

Mashele believes the challenge from the East African runners may help him approach or even break his own national 10km record, which would secure him a R50 000 bonus along with the R30 000 winner’s prize.

"When I run alongside the East Africans, I clock faster times and distance myself from the South African competitors," Mashele said during an interview with SABC Sport. 

"I view this as another chance to measure my abilities against some of the premier athletes globally. Without the East Africans, there are rapid races, and perhaps they could even assist me in approaching or surpassing my personal best – who knows? 

"I am prepared and confident I can secure another podium place finish."

Recently, Mashele claimed third place in 28:19 at the first Absa Run Your City 10km in Gqeberha, and also took home bronze in the 5 000m at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior Track and Field Championships.

He recorded a time of 13:35.19, finishing behind Elroy Gelant and winner Adriaan Wildschutt at the Msuduzi Athletics Stadium in Pietermaritzburg last week.

Sporting the colours of the Boxer Running Club, Mashele, a 2020 Tokyo Olympian, recently competed for South Africa at the All-Africa Games in Ghana, securing a top-8 spot in the 10 000m final in a time of 13:46:19. 

He remains optimistic about his future performance, and believes his peak form is just around the corner.

"My fitness level is coming along alright – I’m about 70% there. I’m happy with my preparations for the Cape Town race and thrilled to have won a bronze medal at the national championships,” he concluded.

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