Edward Mothibi leads the who's who list on track for the last Absa Run Your City race of the year

THE LAST OF THE five-race Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES takes place in Johannesburg on Heritage Day with the start list set to contain the who’s who of South African road running.

One of those is former Comrades Marathon winner Edward Mothibi of Nedbank Running Club. Slender, as the 2019 champion of the world’s most famous ultra marathon is fondly referred to, has confirmed his participation for next Wednesday’s race as the curtain comes down on what has been a memorable season of the popular 10km series.

The multiple Comrades Marathon gold medalist has run the two previous editions of the Jozi race and did well to finish in the top ten on both occasions despite competing against specialists in the shorter distances. He is looking to once again use the race as a speed-tester prior to beginning his ultra-marathon training.

“It’s September so the body has rested enough after Comrades. I hope that even this year, my body will respond accordingly because that’s the last race where I want to run well before starting the build up to Comrades again,” Mothibi says.

He has been in action recently and missed out on a top ten finish at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K, his 31:02 only good enough for 11th place. But for an ultra marathon specialist, that time is pretty good and the rest of the field better be prepared because it would be embarrassing for the 10km specialists to be beaten by a Comrades runner.

For Mothibi, the 10km races are very important as they do not only help him with his speed-work but are also a significant part of his recovery post the arduous Comrades Marathon.

 “The body is recovering well, which I can see by the way I’m running my speed sessions. After Comrades I just wanted to try and concentrate on my speed to build it up because the age is also catching up with me,” the 40-year-old explained “So it’s best that I do more 10km and 21km races.”

Two years ago, the athlete who runs out of Rustenburg finished fifth at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K – an indication that he could well be a threat this time around too. His victory in the very hilly Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon in a time of 1:08:53 talks to the man’s strength and speed, ingredients that are necessary if one is to shine in the Jozi run..

“Maybe I have an advantage as well because it is a hilly course and Rustenburg has a lot of hills. I also think I’ve got the luck of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. I hope that luck continues.”

The organizers are pleased that Mothibi has decided to grace their race yet again, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Series Michael Meyer saying ‘it is fantastic to have Edward Mothibi line up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K.”

He described Slender in glowing terms:  “Edward is a world-class athlete who has proven to possess both endurance and speed, and what better way to sharpen that speed than by racing in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.

His participation highlights the Series’ ability to attract and challenge athletes across all distances, from 10km specialists to marathon champions. We wish Edward the very best of luck come race day and look forward to witnessing another exceptional performance.”

Race details:

Date: Wednesday, September 24

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Lilian Ngoyi Street

Finish Venue: Rahima Moosa Street