Mokoka targets masters 10km World Record at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Image: Action Photo

Inspired by Bernard Lagat’s legendary feats a decade ago, Stephen Mokoka is determined to make history as the fastest 40-year-old over 10km when he lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

“It’s a goal. The World Masters 10km record was run by Bernard Lagat in 2015 in Manchester and I was present on that day. I remember running away from him because I didn’t want to be beaten by a master. But time flies. Ten years later, I’m here. It’s my turn now,” said Mokoka reflecting on the Great Manchester Run where he produced the erstwhile SA Record of 27:38 to finish as the runner-up.

To eclipse the mark set by the legendary Kenyan-turned-American, Mokoka will have to run faster than 27:48 which would be the second fastest time of his decorated twenty year career. The 40-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club top runner draws confidence from his encouraging performance at last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. The 4-time Olympian took third place in 28:06, which was the fourth fastest 10km performance of his life.

“I’m doing well for now. Over the next few weeks, I aim to get stronger,” said Mokoka, who joined Hendrick Ramaala’s Zoo Lake training group for two long runs as part of his buildup to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. “For the past two years, I’ve been running 27:57 or 27:55, so I’m just a few seconds off that record. This time, I’ll have to dig a little deeper. I’m hoping Durban gives us good weather, like Cape Town did. Hopefully, I can break that Masters World Record, and I’m grateful to Absa and Stillwater Sports for the opportunity.”

Also aiming for her best 10km performance in years is Tayla Kavanagh. After two challenging, injury-plagued seasons, the 24-year-old is beginning to show flashes of the form that earned her victory at the 2021 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in a lifetime best of 32:10. Kavanagh clocked 33:01 to finish sixth at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on 11 May and is feeling positive about breaking the 33-minute barrier for the first time in over two years.

Image: Action Photo

“I’ve just maintained a positive mindset, knowing that setbacks pave the way for a greater comeback. I’ve been really patient and trusted the process,” explained Kavanagh. “My performance in Cape Town was a real confidence boost. I was super happy. Overall, I’ve been in a good mental space, and being in a happy place has helped me perform better. It’s definitely encouraging to run a good time and know that I still have more in the tank and can go even further. Things are looking good, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

“We are incredibly excited to see Stephen Mokoka chase the title of the fastest 40-year-old over 10km at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Stephen has been a proud supporter of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES since its inception in 2015, and it would be a truly special moment to see him set a new record on our Durban course. It’s also fantastic to welcome Tayla Kavanagh back — a former winner in Durban — and we look forward to seeing her achieve her goals. Having both Stephen and Tayla on the start line promises competition of the highest calibre and an unforgettable race day for fans and athletes alike.”

EVENT DATES: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Date:	Sunday 13 July 2025
Start Time:	08:00
Start Venue:	Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (MY)
Finish Venue:	Durban Beachfront (Golden Mile)
Entry Fee:	Licensed Runner: R255.00 Temporary License: R50.00 Entry Includes: Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Event Performance T-shirt Absa Entrant Gifts: Drawstring Bag, Peak Cap and Versus Socks Race Number with Timing Chip Amazing route entertainment from start to finish Lively local entertainers and performance groups 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Finisher’s Medal

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA. 

Prize Purse: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R1 610 000.00 in 2025. Each of the five events will feature a total prize allocation of R322 000. Of this, R252 000.00 will be dedicated to the Open Category, with R126 000.00 awarded to the Top 10 Open Men and R126 000.00 to the Top 10 Open Women. The top male and female finishers in each city will receive R30 000.00 each, with R25 000.00 going to second-place finishers and R20 000.00 to third-place finishers. 

Additionally, R70 000.00 will be allocated to Age Categories. The Age Category prize pool will reward the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ age groups."

South African Athlete Incentives: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES also has an unprecedented “SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule” for 2025. Applying to all five races, the incentive schedule offers bonuses for exceptional performances. In the men’s category, bonuses will start for times faster than 28 minutes, with a substantial R200 000.00 bonus for breaking the 27-minute barrier. For women, bonuses begin for times faster than 32:08 minutes, with an impressive R200 000.00 incentive for breaking the 30:23 mark.

To further raise the stakes, a bonus of R50 000.00 will be awarded to the South African athlete who breaks the SA 10km record (at the time of the race). It is important to note that the R50 000.00 will be awarded to the fastest time.