Seen Here: Neheng Khatala in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K earlier this year. Photo Credit: Action Photo
MANGAUNG — Lesotho’s record-breaking distance runner Neheng Khatala is preparing to bring her impressive 10km form to the Free State, while local favourite Lizandre Mulder is eager to use the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K to inspire a new generation of runners and showcase the province’s vibrant culture.
The historic event takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, introducing the popular road-running series to Mangaung and creating an opportunity for elite athletes, recreational runners and communities to share in a major sporting occasion.
For Khatala, the race carries a special significance. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete will make her Mangaung debut just 150km from Maseru, the capital of her native Lesotho, giving supporters from home an opportunity to watch her compete on South African soil.
“I am really excited because Mangaung feels close to home. This will be my first time racing in Mangaung, so I am really looking forward to the experience,” says Khatala.
“Being from Lesotho, having the opportunity to race so close to Maseru is special because I know there will be people from home who can come out and support me.”
Khatala brings formidable form to the Free State
Khatala arrives in Mangaung as one of the most consistent performers on the South African 10km road-running circuit.
The Mountain Kingdom’s fastest-ever 10km athlete, with a personal best of 32:01, has clocked times under 32 minutes and 10 seconds on four occasions this season, demonstrating the consistency that has established her among the leading names in the discipline.
Her versatility also extends to longer distances. In April, Khatala finished eighth in the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON, underlining her ability to compete across a demanding range of road-running distances.
She has also recently begun a new chapter under American coach James McKirdy, focusing on continued development and consistency rather than chasing times in every race.
“I think consistency comes from staying disciplined and trusting the process. It has been a really positive new chapter for me. I am still learning and building with my coach,” she says.
“Every race is different, so I try not to put too much pressure on myself to chase a time every time I compete. I focus on executing my race well and giving my best on the day.”
For Khatala, the Mangaung race will be about more than the clock. She is looking forward to embracing the atmosphere, representing Lesotho proudly and giving her travelling supporters something to celebrate.
Mulder ready to represent her hometown
While Khatala brings international experience and outstanding road-running form, Mangaung’s own Lizandre Mulder will have the advantage of local support as she takes on the inaugural event.
The Boxer Athletics Club athlete has made an impressive transition to the 10km distance following achievements on the track and cross-country circuit.
Mulder was the 2025 University Sports South Africa 3000m steeplechase champion and has won two silver medals at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships.
She recorded a personal best of 35:18 at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban in June before securing bronze in the senior women’s 10km at the ASA Cross Country Championships last month.
Now, the University of the Free State PhD student is relishing the prospect of competing in a major road race in her home city.
Although the official course had not yet been made publicly available at the time of the announcement, Mulder believes the route could provide favourable conditions for fast performances.
“I haven’t seen the official race course, as it hasn’t been made publicly available yet, but considering that it starts at Grey College High School and ends close to our mall, athletes can expect fast times on the course,” she says.
Seen Here: Lizandre Mulder in action in the senior women’s 10km at the ASA Cross Country Championships last month. Photo Credit: Cecilia Van Bers
More than a race: a celebration of Free State culture
Beyond the competitive stakes, Mulder hopes the event will energise the local athletics community and introduce visitors to the character and hospitality of the Free State.
She says the arrival of a race of this calibre has generated considerable excitement among Bloemfontein runners, who are keen to welcome athletes and supporters from across South Africa and beyond.
“The Bloemfontein road-running community is just different from any other place I’ve ever been. The whole of Bloemfontein is extremely excited to be hosting a race of this calibre because we’re not used to having such big races in the Free State,” says Mulder.
“I’m sure the vibe will be phenomenal! I hope this race exceeds all expectations and that everyone travelling from far and wide gets to experience and enjoy the culture of the Free State.”
Her comments reflect the wider ambition behind bringing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to Mangaung: to combine elite competition with community participation and a celebration of the host city.
A new chapter for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the series, believes the combination of Khatala’s regional following and Mulder’s local connection captures the spirit of the inaugural event.
“Having athletes of Neheng and Lizandre’s calibre lining up for our inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is incredibly exciting,” says Meyer.
“Neheng’s connection to Lesotho and the strong support she is expecting from across the border, together with Lizandre’s pride in representing her hometown, perfectly captures what this race is about.”
He adds that the objective is to deliver an exceptional racing experience while bringing together athletes and communities from across the region.
“We want to create a world-class racing experience while giving athletes and communities from across the region an opportunity to come together and celebrate the sport.”
Race details
The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with the race scheduled to start at 07:00.
The start venue is the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College, with the finish on Kings Way in Bloemfontein. The entry fee is R255 for licensed runners, with a temporary licence available for an additional R70.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Khatala as she looks to extend her impressive season and on Mulder as she represents her hometown on a major road-running stage.
Yet the significance of the inaugural event reaches beyond the elite results. It represents an opportunity for Mangaung to embrace a new sporting tradition, for local athletes to compete on home ground and for visitors to experience the Free State through the shared language of running.
On 25 October, Mangaung will not simply host a 10km race — it will welcome a new chapter in South African road running, powered by local pride, regional talent and the spirit of community.
For event information, visit www.runyourcityseries.com.
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