The South African road-running star battled through an injury-hit season before producing a late surge to retain his title.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 September 2026) – Kabelo Mulaudzi had something to prove on Heritage Day – and by the time he reached the finish line at Mary Fitzgerald Square, the South African distance runner had made his point.
Mulaudzi successfully defended his Joburg 10K title on Thursday, 24 September, producing a late surge to claim his first victory of the year after a frustrating season affected by a hamstring injury.
The Boxer Athletics Club runner stayed patient during the early stages of the race as a chasing group tracked Ugandan pace-setter Dolphine Chelimo.
With the finish approaching, Mulaudzi made his move.
He accelerated over the final 3km, passed Chelimo and opened enough of a gap to cross the line in 28:48, just nine seconds outside his own course record of 28:39.
The victory was particularly significant for Mulaudzi after he dominated the five-race series last year, winning four of the five events. This time around, the injury had kept him away from the kind of form that had made him one of the standout names on the local road-running scene.
“I wanted to defend my title because everyone had forgotten about me. I’m happy to be back. It’s my first win of the year and in the series. I’m very happy.”
Mulaudzi’s coach, Richard Mayer, was visibly delighted as his athlete entered the finishing straight, and the runner later acknowledged the support that helped him through a difficult season.
The men’s race was part of a strong South African showing on a Heritage Day that also delivered an international winner in the women’s event.
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The Joburg race also formed part of the wider RUN YOUR CITY Series, with organisers highlighting the atmosphere created by thousands of runners and supporters who turned the event into part of Johannesburg’s Heritage Day celebrations.
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