By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Action Photo
Seen Here: Tayla Kavanagh in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in 2025.Photo Credit: Action Photo
Cape Town, South Africa — South Africa’s rising distance running star Tayla Kavanagh is entering the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in the form of her life—but with a mindset grounded firmly in process rather than pressure.
The 24-year-old has delivered a remarkable sequence of performances in recent weeks, setting personal bests across 3000m, 5000m, and 10km distances. Her standout moment came at the Cape Milers World Athletics Challenger Tour Meet in Stellenbosch, where she stormed to victory in the 3000m with a lifetime best of 8:46.86, underlining her growing versatility across track and road disciplines.
Just weeks earlier, Kavanagh had already turned heads on the road, clocking a blistering 31:33 over 10km at the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix, where she outpaced seasoned competitor Glenrose Xaba in a statement season opener.
Despite this surge in form, Kavanagh remains measured in her expectations ahead of the Mother’s Day showdown on 10 May.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the route and the competition. With this being my second 10km race of the season, I’m looking forward to putting together a strong run,” she said.
Seen Here: Tayla Kavanagh in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in 2025.Photo Credit: Action Photo
Representing Hollywood Athletics Club, Kavanagh has deliberately incorporated track racing into her 2026 campaign—a strategic shift that is already yielding dividends.
“It was a good decision. As someone without a track background, it is so good to add track to the mix this year. I think it’s assisting me to be faster on the road. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the track season, but the road is where my full passion lies,” she explained.
Her connection to the Cape Town race runs deeper than performance alone. After injury setbacks in 2023 and 2024, Kavanagh identifies her fifth-place finish at last year’s edition as a turning point in her career resurgence.
“I feel that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K last year is where I started to pick up my form again. That means it’s kind of a special race for me. I don’t have too many expectations—I’ve just been enjoying the process.”
That philosophy—prioritising enjoyment and execution over outcome—has become central to her recent success, allowing her to compete with both freedom and confidence.
Race organisers are equally enthusiastic about her trajectory. Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the series, believes Kavanagh is primed for something special.
“Tayla has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few weeks. Her string of personal bests across multiple distances shows she’s in outstanding form. If her current trajectory is anything to go by, we can expect a truly special performance in Cape Town.”
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series continues to be one of the premier road running circuits in the country, attracting elite athletes and mass participation across five major cities. The Cape Town leg, starting in Milnerton and finishing in the CBD, remains one of its most iconic races.
As Kavanagh prepares to line up on Mother’s Day, the narrative is finely balanced between expectation and restraint. Her recent performances suggest she is capable of challenging the very best—but her focus remains internal.
In a sport often defined by splits and standings, Kavanagh’s approach offers a refreshing counterpoint: run freely, trust the process, and let the results follow.
If her current form is any indication, Cape Town may well witness another defining chapter in her rapidly ascending career.
