Star-studded Elite Women’s Field raises the stakes at the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Having already unveiled Ugandan distance running superstar Joshua Cheptegei alongside a world-class elite men’s field, Stillwater Sports, the Event and Experience Specialists behind the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, have raised the bar once again by confirming a stellar line-up of elite women for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

With the likes of Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir (10km personal best 29.25), Beatrice Chepkoech (10km PB 30.56) and Jackline Rotich (10km PB 31.29), Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (10km PB 31.44), and South Africa’s own Durban local Tayla Kavanagh (10km PB 31.26) set to take to the streets of Durban, the race continues to cement its reputation as the greatest 10km spectacle on African soil.

Although narrowly missing her goal of becoming the first woman to break the 30-minute barrier for 10km on African soil at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026, Brenda Jepchirchir lived up to her pre-race favourite status when she crossed the finish line first in 30:15. Now she returns to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July with the same goal.

“Winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on my South African debut was a very special experience,” admits Jepchirchir. “It was my first time racing in South Africa, and although the strong wind created challenging conditions, I remained patient and focused on running my own race. The support from the spectators and organisers was incredible, and it made the victory even more memorable. I left Gqeberha feeling inspired and excited to return to South Africa to compete again.”

“To be part of a race that could make history on African soil is both exciting and motivating,” continues Jepchirchir. “Running alongside an athlete of Joshua Cheptegei’s calibre is a tremendous honour. He is one of the greatest distance runners of our generation, and his presence highlights the quality and prestige of this event. If the conditions are favourable and the race unfolds well, I believe breaking the 30-minute barrier is possible. It would be a significant milestone in my career, and I would be proud to contribute to what could become one of the greatest days in African road running history.”

Excited to make her debut in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, 3000m steeplechase World Record holder Beatrice Chepkoech says the opportunity to compete in Durban alongside some of the world’s greatest distance runners was simply too good to pass up.

“I chose South Africa as the destination for the start of my season and my return to competition following maternity because of the country’s incredible sporting culture,” says Chepkoech. “South Africa has produced phenomenal athletes such as Caster Semenya and Akani Simbine, whom I greatly admire. Being part of what is regarded as the strongest 10km field ever assembled on African soil is something very special. Every athlete dreams of contributing to a legacy that will endure in the sport, and I’m honoured to be part of this historic occasion. My goal on race day is to finish strongly, see how my body responds, and use the race as an important test as I build towards the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to competing alongside such a world-class field and putting on a great show for the spectators.”

Also making her South African debut in Durban, Jackline Rotich says that her preparation for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has gone very well.

“I completed a focused four-week training cycle specifically geared towards Durban, and I’m pleased with the shape that I’m in,” says Rotich. “Although this will be my South African debut and I had initially hoped to arrive earlier, circumstances meant that my plans had to change. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the organisation of the event and the support from the spectators lining the streets of Durban. The standard of racing in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is well known, and with my current form, my goal is to fight for a place on the podium on race day.”

Neheng Khatala returns to Durban with fond memories and confidence, having set her national 10km record at the event in 2024 before delivering another impressive performance in 2025.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has always been a special race for me. The course, the atmosphere, and the level of competition seem to bring out the best in me. Setting my national record there in 2024 was a memorable moment. My target on race day is to run a strong and competitive race. I would love to challenge my personal best and continue showing the progress I have made in training,” says Khatala.

South Africa’s Tayla Kavanagh believes the presence of world-class athletes in Durban will create the ideal conditions for exceptional performances while highlighting the growing international stature of the event.

“It’s incredibly valuable to have athletes like Brenda Jepchirchir competing on South African soil. Racing against women of that calibre raises the standard, gives local athletes something to aspire to, and ultimately helps us improve our own performances while doing it in front of our home supporters,” says Kavanagh. “It’s exciting to see Joshua Cheptegei return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. I remember sharing the start line with him back in 2018, and having an athlete of his stature and achievement back in South Africa brings a real sense of excitement and inspiration to runners at every level.”

Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series Founder, Michael Meyer says the confirmation of another world-class women’s field further reinforces Durban’s position as the home of Africa’s premier 10km road race.

“Following the confirmation of Joshua Cheptegei and an exceptional elite men’s field, we are excited to also unveil a women’s lineup of the highest international calibre,” says Meyer. “The depth and quality of this field reflects the continued growth of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K as a global racing destination. Importantly, South Africa’s elite athletes will once again have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best on home soil, creating an invaluable platform for competition and inspiration. With the calibre of athletes on the start line, we believe there is a genuine opportunity for a woman to break the 30-minute barrier for 10km on African soil.” 

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series  

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