By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Action Photo
Seen Here Deon-Lee Hendricks in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 01 March 2026. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Cape Town, South Africa — Fresh off a career-defining performance at the national championships, rising distance runner Deon-Lee Hendricks has set his sights firmly on breaking the elusive 29-minute barrier at the upcoming Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
The 28-year-old heads into the race in peak form after securing silver in the 10,000m at the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships in Stellenbosch, where he clocked a personal best of 28:55.93 — narrowly missing out on gold behind Kabelo Mulaudzi.
A Season of Confidence and Growth
Hendricks’ recent performances signal a major turning point in his career, not just physically but mentally. Having previously battled race-day anxiety, he now approaches competition with a renewed sense of belief and purpose.
“The difference this season is mindset,” Hendricks said. “For the first time, I line up without fear. I believe I can compete at the front.”
His confidence has been shaped by guidance from coach Jacques van Rensburg and elite training exposure alongside top athletes, including South African record holder Adriaan Wildschutt.
Seen Here Deon-Lee Hendricks in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 01 March 2026. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Momentum Builds Ahead of Cape Town Showdown
Remarkably, Hendricks’ silver-medal performance came just days after completing the Two Oceans Half Marathon, where he posted an impressive 1:08:39. The quick turnaround underscores both his endurance and current conditioning.
He carried that momentum into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in March, finishing 15th in a strong field and clocking 29:27 — his second-fastest 10km time to date.
Now, with Cape Town’s fast course and competitive field ahead, Hendricks believes the conditions are ideal for a breakthrough.
“I want to run 28 minutes,” he said. “I’m not just there to participate — I want to be in the lead group and run a smart, aggressive race.”
Backed by Belief
Race organisers are equally optimistic. Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the series, highlighted Hendricks’ transformation as one of the standout stories of the season.
“Deon-Lee’s growth has been remarkable,” Meyer noted. “He’s moved beyond the fear that once held him back and is now competing with confidence and intent. That mindset, combined with his current form, puts him in a strong position heading into Cape Town.”
Seen Here Deon-Lee Hendricks in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 01 March 2026. Photo Credit: Action Photo
A Defining Opportunity
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, starting in Milnerton and finishing in the Cape Town CBD, is expected to feature a world-class field, offering Hendricks the perfect stage to test himself against elite competition.
As part of the broader Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the race continues to attract top local and international talent, blending high-performance racing with mass participation.
Eyes on a Breakthrough
With confidence at an all-time high and form to match, Hendricks enters the Cape Town race not just chasing a time, but redefining his place among South Africa’s top distance runners.
If his trajectory continues, 10 May could mark the moment he finally dips below the 29-minute mark — and firmly announces himself as a force in South African road running.
