By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Seen here: Brenda Jepchirchir. Photo: Supplied
Fresh off a stunning victory at the prestigious Valencia 10K in January – a performance that propelled her to the top of the 2026 world rankings – Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir has confirmed her highly anticipated South African debut. The world-leading star will toe the line at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Gqeberha, South Africa – 1 March 2026
South African road running fans are in for a rare treat as world-leading 10km star Brenda Jepchirchir prepares to make her much-anticipated South African debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Fresh from a sensational victory at the Valencia 10K in January — where she stormed to the win in 29:25, the fastest time in the world so far this year — the 20-year-old Kenyan arrives in Nelson Mandela Bay as the current world No.1 over 10km. Her decision to race in Gqeberha further cements the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series’ growing reputation as one of the world’s premier platforms for fast, elite-level road racing.
Jepchirchir’s Valencia performance not only shattered the sub-30-minute barrier for the first time in her career, but also elevated her to joint-fourth on the all-time global women’s 10km list, instantly making her one of the most sought-after athletes on the international circuit.
Seen here: The start of the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Photo: Supplied
“I’ve heard great things about the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and the Gqeberha 10K,” said Jepchirchir.
“The course is known for being fast, the organisation is excellent, and the competition is strong. I’m excited to experience racing in South Africa and to be part of such a high-energy event.”
Despite heavy interest from race organisers around the world, Jepchirchir chose South Africa — following in the footsteps of global icons such as Genzebe Dibaba and Yelamzerf Yehualu — because of the series’ proven ability to produce world-class times on African soil.
Her breakthrough run in Valencia was the product of months of disciplined preparation, and with recovery complete, Jepchirchir has already returned to full training. She says consistency has been the defining factor in her rapid rise.
“It was an amazing feeling and a very special moment for me,” she explained.
“Valencia is such a competitive race, so winning there and breaking 30 minutes for the first time meant a lot. The biggest factor has been consistency. Over the last six months I’ve been able to train well, stay healthy and build momentum.”
Looking ahead to Gqeberha, Jepchirchir is clear-minded about her approach.
“On 1 March, the goal is to put together a strong race, compete well and see what time is possible on the day. If conditions are right, I’d love to run fast again, but the focus must also be on execution and racing smart.”
Race organisers believe her presence elevates the event to new heights.
“We’re excited to welcome Brenda Jepchirchir to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
“To have the current world No.1, fresh off a sensational win in Valencia, choose to make her South African debut at our event speaks volumes about the stature of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Her presence raises the bar once again and guarantees an exciting, world-class race on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Jepchirchir’s appearance adds star power to an already electric season opener, where elite athletes and thousands of recreational runners will share the iconic coastal streets of “The Friendly City” in a celebration of speed, competition and community.
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates
- Sunday, 01 March 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
- Sunday, 10 May 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
- Sunday, 12 July 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
- Sunday, 23 August 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
- Thursday, 24 September 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
With a combined prize purse of R1.686 million and innovative South African athlete incentives on offer, the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is poised for another landmark year — and all eyes will be on Gqeberha as the world’s fastest women kick off the season in style.
Follow the series:
Facebook & Instagram: @Gqeberha10k | @CapeTown10k | @Durban10k | @Tshwane10k | @Joburg10k
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Website: www.runyourcityseries.com
