The 16-year-old produced the fastest mile ever run by an athlete his age in Africa as more than 900 runners took part in the Curro Street Mile.
Pretoria, South Africa (18 June 2026) – Sixteen-year-old Tiisetso Malungane delivered a performance for the record books on Youth Day, producing the fastest mile ever run by a 16-year-old on African soil at the Curro Street Mile.
The Curro Hazeldean learner stopped the clock in an impressive 4:03.85. And for those who have followed his rise through the junior ranks, the performance was the latest sign of a talent continuing to push boundaries. Over the past year, Malungane has broken national U16 and U17 records across the 800m, 1 500m and 3 000m distances, claimed ASA Age Group titles and come within seconds of a national youth record that has stood for more than four decades.
Rather than competing in a junior-only event, Malungane lined up alongside some of the country’s top senior middle-distance runners and held his own on the same course, over the same distance, on the same streets.
His record-breaking run became the standout moment of the 2026 Curro Street Mile powered by ASICS, which attracted more than 900 participants and 45 elite athletes on Youth Day.
Held on open roads rather than a traditional athletics track, the event continues to offer a unique platform where young runners and elite competitors share the same racing experience.
Cindy van der Merwe, Curro Sport Portfolio Manager, says on the race and what it represents.
“This is more than just a race. It is a celebration of athletics in its purest form, one mile, no track, no barriers, just raw talent and speed through the streets.”
Athletes ranging from seven years old to seasoned national champions took part, while transport was provided for 206 runners from Hammanskraal, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Atteridgeville, Olivenhoutbosch and Mamelodi, ensuring more young athletes had the opportunity to compete.
The elite races also delivered quality performances across both fields.
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South African Pickleball Eyes Next Generation After World Cup ExperienceIn the women’s race, national 1 500m champion Karabo More claimed victory in 4:49.58 ahead of Glenrose Xaba (4:51.34) and Carina Swiegers (4:52.00).
The men’s contest featured a highly competitive field that included Musawenkosi Mnisi, Johannes Morepe and Keanu Domingo, showcasing some of the country’s strongest middle-distance talent.
On a road shared by beginners, school athletes and national stars and the teenager who produced a run that made history.
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