Seen Here: Filex Masai Kibet in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July where he finished 9th in the Elite Men’s category. Photo Credit: Action Photo
BLOEMFONTEIN – Kenyan distance runner Filex Masai Kibet is targeting his first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series victory when the inaugural Mangaung 10K takes to the streets of Bloemfontein on Sunday, 25 October, in an event expected to showcase international talent and shine a spotlight on the Free State’s emerging road-running stars.
The race marks a significant milestone for the province, bringing one of South Africa’s premier 10km road-running series to Mangaung and offering local athletes an opportunity to compete alongside elite runners from South Africa and abroad.
Masai returns to South Africa in impressive form after setting a personal best of 27:19 at the Prague 10km Night Race on 5 September, where he finished fourth. The performance has strengthened his confidence as he prepares to improve on his ninth-place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July, where he clocked 28:13 on his series debut.
His recent performances underline his potential to challenge for the top honours in Mangaung.
“I’m very happy with my results in Prague. After that PB I knew that I would be focusing on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race,” said Masai.
“I’m looking forward to giving a good performance and being on top of the podium.”
The Kenyan runner previously spent several months training and competing in Cape Town, a period that included victory at the 2026 Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON in April.
Reflecting on his experience of South African racing, Masai praised the organisation and atmosphere of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, describing it as a world-class competition that encouraged his return.
His presence in Mangaung is expected to add an international dimension to the inaugural event, while raising the competitive stakes for local athletes eager to test their abilities against established distance-running talent.
Seen Here: Anale Gabuza in action. Photo Credit: Supplied
Gabuza eyes personal best on home soil
Among the local athletes looking to make their mark is 22-year-old Anale Gabuza, an Athletics Free State standout who is preparing for his first appearance in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
The self-coached distance runner, who holds a 10km personal best of 33:10, is targeting a time below 31 minutes as he prepares to line up against some of the country’s leading runners.
Gabuza recently represented Athletics Free State at the ASA Cross Country Championships in Pretoria, further demonstrating his commitment to developing his competitive career.
For the young athlete, however, the Mangaung race represents more than an opportunity to improve his time. It is a chance to measure himself against runners he has long admired and gain valuable experience on a high-profile stage.
“I’m very excited because it will be my first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race. It has always been my wish to participate in the series,” said Gabuza.
“I’m prepared and ready. If all goes well on the day, I will be happy with a sub-31. The elite runners are going to push me, and I’m confident I’m going to clock a new PB.”
His ambitions reflect the potential impact of bringing elite road-running competitions closer to athletes who may otherwise have limited opportunities to compete in events of this calibre.
Gabuza believes the Mangaung race will help elevate road running across the province, particularly by creating greater visibility for developing athletes from rural communities.
He also expressed gratitude to organisers Stillwater Sports for bringing the series to the Free State, describing the opportunity to compete alongside internationally recognised runners as a significant moment for local talent.
Race expected to boost Free State road running
For Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series founder Michael Meyer, the Mangaung event represents an investment in both elite competition and the development of South African running talent.
Meyer said the inclusion of Mangaung creates an opportunity for local athletes to gain exposure, measure themselves against stronger fields and draw inspiration from international competitors.
“The opportunity to welcome international talent like Filex Masai Kibet to Mangaung, alongside some of the Free State’s most promising athletes, is what makes this inaugural event so special,” said Meyer.
He added that the series aimed to go beyond delivering high-performance racing by inspiring the next generation of runners and opening doors for athletes across different communities.
The inaugural Mangaung event expands the series’ footprint into the Free State, adding another major city to a road-running platform that has grown since its launch in 2015.
The series comprises events in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Johannesburg and now Mangaung. Its 2026 calendar has featured strong performances from local and international athletes, reinforcing the competitiveness of South Africa’s 10km road-running circuit.
The Mangaung race follows the Gqeberha, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg events, with the Cape Town leg cancelled earlier in the year because of a severe weather forecast.
Race details and community participation
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K will start at 07:00 on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College in Bloemfontein. The finish line will be on Kings Way.
Entry costs R255 for licensed runners, while a temporary licence costs an additional R70.
For Mangaung, the significance of the event extends beyond the finishing times and podium positions. Its arrival provides an opportunity to grow the local running community, encourage participation and introduce emerging athletes to a competitive environment that can support their long-term development.
With Masai pursuing a maiden series title and Gabuza seeking a breakthrough personal best, the inaugural race promises a compelling contest between international ambition and local determination.
As Mangaung prepares to welcome the series, the spotlight will be on whether Masai can convert his recent form into victory — and whether the province’s emerging athletes can seize the opportunity to announce themselves on one of South Africa’s biggest road-running stages.
Event: Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Start time: 07:00
Start venue: Sir George Grey Street exit, Grey College, Bloemfontein
Finish venue: Kings Way, Bloemfontein
Entry fee: R255 for licensed runners; temporary licence R70
Website: www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp: 072 042 7613
Follow: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
