Tuesday 19 October 2021
Mashele targets Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN
South African long-distance runner Precious Mashele has welcomed the news that both the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN (Sunday 31 October) and Absa CAPE TOWN 12K CITYRUN (Sunday 21 November) will be actual events in 2021.

Mashele has his sights set on making an impact in both races, with the first being the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN on 31  October, which incorporates the South African 10km Championships, a title Mashele has won the last two times the championships were held (2018/19).

“I am excited for Durban. It has been a tough year for us, so being able to race again is really good news,” said Mashele from Poland where he had just finished 4^th in the Poznań Half Marathon.

Poznań was yet another milestone for Mashele, taking 24seconds off his Half Marathon best to clock 60:00. It has been quite the year for Mashele, posting lifetime bests in the 5000m (13:11.65), 10 000m (27:55.87) and now in the Half Marathon (previous best 60:24 run at the World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland in 2020). Mashele also won his first National Half Marathon title in May this year to add to the SA 5 000m crown he defended from 2019.

Having to chase opportunities, Mashele was able to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 5000m, an experience he freely admits was extraordinary. “It was strange with all the testing and security measures; a very weird Olympic experience and the competition was on another level. I learned much in Tokyo and used that in Poland and will use that for the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN on 31 October.”

Mashele is looking to win the prestigious race for the first time in his career, having placed 4^th in 2019 with his Personal Best of 28:26. “The Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN is a big race, a prestigious race, so for me to win that will be a big feather in my cap.” Should Mashele emerge triumphant, then this would be his third successive 10km National Title on the trot.

Mashele will be up against some stiff opposition.  Training partner, Desmond Mokgubu who was also in Tokyo for the Olympics, but for the marathon, has also confirmed he will be in Durban as well a resurgent Ryan Mphahlele.

Mphalele took the South African running community by storm when he raced Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei to the final 400m of the 3000m in the Grand Prix Race in Pretoria on 08 March 2018. Cheptegei would go on to be crowned 5000m and 10 000m Commonwealth Games Champion and break the 15km World Record and has subsequently added World Cross Country, World 10 000m and Olympic 5 000m titles to his name. Mphalele picked up an injury in 2019 and has only of recent come back to the form he showed in 2018 when he won the SA 4km Cross Country title. Mphalele won that very same title again this year, beating up and coming talent, Mbuleli Mathanga to the line. Mphalele has unfinished business in Durban. In 2018 at the DURBAN 10K CITYRUN he ran 28:46 for 8^th in his only ever appearance on the roads.

Boasting an elite and mass race, with the incorporation of the Athletics South Africa 10km Championships, the prize money has been divided up into an event prize purse and an ASA 10km Championships prize purse.  Only athletes who are entered by their respective province for the ASA 10km Championships stand to win both parts of the prize money.

The total prize purse is R253 800.00 (R155 000.00 event prize purse and R98 800.00 ASA 10km Championships prize purse).  

EVENT INFORMATION:  Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN

CHARITY SUPPORT:  When entering the 2021 Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN online runners have the option to make a change by supporting five Durban based charities:  the Durban & Coast SPCA, iThemba Lethu, Reach For A Dream Foundation (RFAD), TREE and LIV Village.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has once again partnered with GivenGain.   When entering the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN online, runners can donate or start their own fundraising page to support a cause that lies close to their hearts.
Facebook: Durban10k
Instagram: @Durban10k 
Hashtag:  #RunYourCity
Websites:  www.durban10k.com
About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 

A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015.  A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises three unique events namely the Absa CAPE TOWN 12K CITYRUN (launched in 2015), the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2017) and the Absa JOBURG 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2016).
A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants.
For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/

Monday 18 October 2021
Durban charities welcome runner support at the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN
Excited to #ReturnToPlay on Sunday 31 October 2021, when entering the 2021 Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN runners have the option to make a change by supporting five Durban based charities:  the Durban & Coast SPCA, iThemba Lethu, Reach For A Dream Foundation (RFAD), TREE and LIV Village.

Stillwater Sports, the organisers of the RUN YOUR CITY Series, recently welcomed proudly African bank, Absa as the Title Sponsor of South Africa’s premium Road Running series.  The Award-Winning mass participation series will boast an exciting new look, feel and experience in 2021.

The Durban & Coast SPCA rescues abused and neglected domestic, farm and wild animals, while promoting responsible pet ownership, providing a shelter for strays, and a veterinary service for pets of underprivileged people.

“A big congratulations to both the RUN YOUR CITY Series and Absa on their recent announcement.  We’re sure that this will be a beneficial relationship for everyone involved,” says Tanya Fleischer, Durban & Coast SPCA Marketing Manager.  “We are sure that runners are beyond excited to welcome the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN as an actual event in 2021.  It’s great that things are slowly ‘getting back to normal’.  We are thrilled to be a charity of the 2021 event.  All funds received will be put towards caring for animals, whether it be petrol for inspectorate vans to get to animals in need, filling animal food bowls at our SPCA, providing warm blankets for animals or treating stray animals in our clinic.  Every donation, no matter the size, means the world to us and helps us immensely. Please continue to help us be the voice for the voiceless. And of course, please enjoy your race and be safe!”  For further information on the Durban & Coast SPCA please visit:  www.spcadbn.org.za

Since 2000, iThemba Lethu has been a transition home for many abandoned and vulnerable babies and children, providing a safe, loving and nurturing place as we work to re-unite them back into their biological families or find them new forever families through the process of adoption.

“With Absa being one of South Africa’s largest commercial banks we were delighted to hear that they are now the Title Sponsor of the RUN YOUR CITY Series,” says Melissa Leslie, iThemba Lethu Co-Ordinator.  “We are confident that with the support of Absa the event will grow in leaps and bounds.  The fact that we are able to hold an in-person event of this nature after 18 months of lockdown is wonderful. Being able to be in a space with likeminded people does something for the human spirit.  It’s a privilege to be a charity for this great nation building event that creates unity and brings together fellow South Africans in a common love of running.  We encourage runners to join us as we show the country the true Durban spirit.  Run for kindness and run for unity.”  For further information on iThemba Lethu please visit:  www.ithembalethu.org.za

Established in 1988, Reach For A Dream seeks to inspire hope and help children to believe in the power of dreams. 

“It is always exciting to welcome a new sponsor on board, especially one that wishes to partner with an event that highlights the beautiful cities that we have in SA,” says Kerry Donkin, Reach For A Dream Foundation Regional Manager.  “Absa is a well known bank and we are excited to have them as part of this wonderful series.  We are extremely excited to be joining our community once again for an ‘actual’ CITYRUN in Durban. We have missed engaging with the participants of the event and cannot wait to see you all out on the road.  Over the years the funds raised through our partnership with the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN has helped to fulfil dreams for children with life threatening illnesses. We are privileged to be a part of such a beautiful series, that highlights and supports local charities.”  For further information on Reach For a Dream please visit:  www.reachforadream.org.za

Founded in 1984, TREE (Training and Resources in Early Education) is a non-profit organisation that specialises in Early Childhood Development (ECD), Resource and Training development of/for the ECD Workforce with a special focus on Women Empowerment. 

“We are excited that a major brand like Absa is now backing the RUN YOUR CITY Series and we are ecstatic that the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN will be an actual event in 2021,” says Ruby Motaung, TREE Director.  “We can’t wait to physically get out there and walk/run with our peers, take in the Durban sights and just enjoy being healthy and outdoors.  TREE is always humbled to be partnered with an amazing brand.  This is the 4^th year that we’ve been selected as a beneficiary of the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN.  This event allows us to expose more people to our cause and in turn we receive more support from our communities.  Being a non-profit and being solely reliant on donations, we are always grateful to receive donations of any kind. It is these donations that helps TREE improve the gaps caused by the lack of ECD (early childhood development) support within our rural communities. ECD is a crucial component of a child’s development during birth to 5 years.  Through ECD centres and programmes we are able to develop children to their best potential.”  For further information on TREE please visit www.tree-ecd.co.za

Based in the community of Cottonlands, just outside of Verulam in Durban (KZN), LIV Village was founded in 2010 and first opened to mothers and children in August 2011. 

“A big thank you to Absa for investing in an event that allows Durbanites to explore the streets of their home city,” says Lindi Meyer, Head of LIV2Run.  “We are super excited by the fact that the 2021 event will be an actual event.  We feel extremely fortunate to be partnered with this event that shares our heart for athletes.  The support that we receive from people in our region, country and all over the world means a lot to us. And we see our supporters as our global family.  The funds raised will go towards the provision of holistic residential care for orphaned and vulnerable children.  Our goal is to rescue a child, restore a life, raise a leader and release a star.  To all Durban based runners, grab a friend and join us at the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN.  It’s going to be so much fun!”  For further information on LIV Village please visit www.liv-village.com

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has once again partnered with GivenGain.   When entering the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN online, runners can donate or start their own fundraising page to support a cause that lies close to their hearts.  

EVENT INFORMATION:  2021 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

Facebook: Durban10k
Instagram: @Durban10k 
Hashtag:  #RunYourCity
Websites:  www.durban10k.com
About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 
A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015.  A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises three unique events namely the Absa CAPE TOWN 12K CITYRUN (launched in 2015), the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2017) and the Absa JOBURG 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2016).
A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants.
For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/

08 October 2021
Absa welcomed as Title Sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series!
Stillwater Sports, the organisers of the RUN YOUR CITY Series, are excited to welcome proudly African bank, Absa as the Title Sponsor of South Africa’s premium Road Running series.  The Award-Winning mass participating series will boast an exciting new look, feel and experience in 2021.

“We are thrilled to welcome Absa as the Title Sponsor of what has become South Africa’s most celebrated Road Running series. We look forward to working with Absa’s team as we take the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to the next level.  We can’t wait to welcome runners to the start line in Durban and Cape Town in 2021, and Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg in 2022,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the RUN YOUR CITY Series. 

“With our motto of #RunYourCity, we believe that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will continue to set the standard for international level events in Africa, welcoming not only thousands of runners across South Africa to the starting line but also world class athletes from around the world hoping to break records on African soil.  A formidable influencer and leader in its field, not only does Absa drive high performance to achieve sustainable results, but the brand also focuses on bringing possibilities to life.  These are just a few of Absa’s key values that perfectly align with that of the RUN YOUR CITY Series.  Celebrated nationally, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is a diverse Road Running series that integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants.”

“We are determined to continue pushing the boundaries and challenge the status quo as we encourage all South Africans to #RunYourCity,” continues Meyer.  “We will be implementing a number of innovative changes and event enhancements, that will see our valued Sponsors and Partners be part of a series of events that is stronger than ever before.  To add to the excitement, we are pleased to announce that both the Absa Durban 10K CITYRUN and Absa Cape Town 12K CITYRUN will be actual events in 2021.  Entries are, however, limited due to COVID regulations.  So, we urge our loyal community and newcomers to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!  We look forward to working with Absa’s team as we take the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to the next level.  We can’t wait to welcome runners to the start line in Durban and Cape Town ready to #RunYourCity.”

“We are delighted about the four-year partnership with the RUN YOUR CITY Series running events in South Africa. The partnership will provide us with a platform to get everyone involved in a meaningful way to create shared value for the communities in which we operate. Furthermore, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series partnership is not only about getting active, but it will help the bank enable our colleagues to be an active force for good in their communities ensuring that they are part of bringing Africa’s possibility to life and fostering a culture of action,” said Absa Executive, Geoff Lee.

ENTRIES ARE OPEN for the 2021 Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN (taking place on Sunday 31 October 2021) and Absa CAPE TOWN 12K CITYRUN (taking place on Sunday 21 November 2021).

EVENT INFORMATION:

Facebook: Durban10k / Ctown12 / Joburg10K
Twitter: @Durban10k / @CTown12 / @joburg10K
Instagram: @Durban10k / @capetown_12 / @Joburg10K
Hashtag:  #RunYourCity
Websites:  www.durban10k.com / www.thecapetown12.com / www.joburg10k.com
About Absa

Absa Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups. 

Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.

Absa operates in fourteen countries. The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States.

For further information about Absa Group Limited, please visit www.absa.africa

About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 
A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015.  A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises three unique events namely the Absa CAPE TOWN 12K CITYRUN (launched in 2015), the Absa DURBAN 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2017) and the Absa JOBURG 10K CITYRUN (launched in 2016).

A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants.

For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/

Tuesday 10 August 2021
RUN YOUR CITY Series welcomes Vawter Hard Seltzer as a partner!
Stillwater Sports is excited to welcome Vawter Hard Seltzer, an exciting new range of spirit coolers: vodka and sparkling water with natural fruit flavors, as a partner of South Africa’s most iconic road running series, the RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) Series.

“Revolutionizing the sport of road running since 2015, the RYC Series is a diverse road running series that integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Series.  “Taking place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, the series promotes a healthy lifestyle, with runners being encouraged to get outdoors and stay active.  We are proud to welcome Vawter Hard Seltzer as a partner in 2021.  Low in sugar, alcohol and calories, Vawter Hard Seltzer allows runners to spend some much-needed time with friends after their run, without having to feel guilty.  Even better you will still feel fresh for training in the morning.  It’s about finding the perfect balance.”

“We are excited about this partnership with the RUN YOUR CITY Series to introduce our perfectly balanced Hard Seltzer that embodies Light Living. With only 3.5% alcohol content, lower sugar content and with only 29 kcals per 100ml, the new range allows South Africans the opportunity to balance fun times with responsible choices. The range includes three deliciously-fun, and refreshingly-light natural flavours: juicy Grapefruit, refreshing Cucumber, and zesty Lemon & Lime.”

EVENT INFORMATION: 

EXCITING NEWS:  The RYC Series Running Club on Strava allows runners to connect with like-minded individuals, track all their training runs, keep up to date with RYC Series information, access training tips and the discussion forum, and be notified of upcoming events and challenges, while standing a chance to win spectacular prizes.  “Join” the RYC Series Running Club on Strava via the following link  https://www.strava.com/clubs/rycs  If you have not yet done so, you will need to create a Strava Account before you can join the RYC Series Running Club.  Once joined, you can sign up for any event and/or challenge that you wish to participate in.

Facebook: @vawterseltzer / Joburg10K / Durban10k / Ctown12
Instagram: @vawterseltzer / @Joburg10K / @Durban10k / @capetown_12
Hashtag:  #RunYourCity
Please Note:  Vawter Hard Seltzer is not for sale to persons under the age of 18.  Drink Responsibly.
For further information on the RUN YOUR CITY Series email entries@joburg10k.com, entries@durban10k.com, entries@thecapetown12.com or visit https://runyourcityseries.com/

Wednesday 28 July 2021
Run Your City Series 2021 event calendar updated!
The organizers of the Run Your City Series have confirmed that the Joburg 10K CITYRUN will take the form of a Virtual Race on Friday 24 September 2021, while the Durban 10K CITYRUN and Cape Town 12K CITYRUN are still scheduled to take place as actual events on Sunday 31 October 2021 and Sunday 21 November 2021 respectively!

“Staging a world class event requires months of planning and preparations,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Run Your City Series.  “The current state of the pandemic and uncertainties surrounded by new waves of virus mutations, negatively impacts the planning process and ultimately jeopardizes the quality of the event.  Taking the size of the Joburg 10K CITYRUN into consideration, one of the main requirements would be to stagger the start of the race.  Although it sounds simple enough, it would have a knock-on effect.  Not only would runners be standing around for hours waiting for their start, but an event that usually lasts a maximum of 3 hours (from start to finish) would easily drag on for 6 hours if not longer.  Keep in mind that the city would have to shut down for this duration.  Closing the city for so long would be unfair both towards runners and residents.” 

“Instead of cancelling the Joburg 10K CITYRUN, which is the first event on the existing Run Your City Series calendar for 2021, we are excited to offer runners a fun alternative by going virtual and letting the Heritage Day Celebration continue,” confirms Meyer.  “As it is a virtual race, participants from all over South Africa will be able to unite (virtually) in a spirit of camaraderie, pride and celebration.  The entry fee will include an official performance event t-shirt, a participation medal, a race number and access to the Event App, to mention just a few offerings.  We are excited that South Africans can celebrate National Heritage Day with thousands of runners nationwide.”

Meyer adds, “Until further notice we will continue with our plans to host the Durban 10K CITYRUN and Cape Town 12K CITYRUN as actual events on Sunday 31 October 2021 and Sunday 21 November 2021 respectively.”

EVENT INFORMATION: 

PLEASE NOTE:  The event organizers will at all times adhere to Government Regulations regarding COVID-19.  All runners must protect their health and safety and that of others by social distancing while running. Runners are encouraged to stay up to date on the latest news and guidelines from their local and national authorities.
Facebook:  @Joburg10K / @Durban10k / @Ctown12
Instagram:  @Joburg10K / @Durban10k / @capetown_12
For further information on the Run Your City Series visit https://runyourcityseries.com/

Wednesday 14 July 2021

Run Your City Series welcomes #RYCStrideTribe Ambassadors!
After an intense 6-week “Ambassador Search Campaign” that required entrants to prove that they are the Run Your City (RYC) Series’ #Number1 fan, Event Organisers are excited to release the names of the three runners that will join the #RYCStrideTribe in 2021!

The three die hard fans are:  Nonhlakanipho Tau (Randburg, Johannesburg), Shayna Smith (Kloof, Durban) and Ashley Crouch (Kuilsriver, Cape Town).

“The #RYCStrideTribe Ambassador Search Campaign was the source of a lot of excitement on social media,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the RYC Series.  “We would like to thank each person that applied to be an ambassador.  Your creativity and drive did not go unnoticed, and in essence you are all already part of the #RYCStrideTribe.  There could, however, only be three winners.  After much deliberation we are excited to welcome Nonhlakanipho, Shayna and Ashley to our team as 2021 #RYCStrideTribe Ambassadors.  We loved your submissions and are proud to be working with you as we take the RYC Series to new heights.”

“Being chosen as a #RYCStrideTribe Ambassador is a humbling experience, one for which I am truly grateful,” says Nonhlakanipho Tau.  “The RYC community consists of all types of runners (and walkers) from beginners to elites.  We celebrate each other's achievements, big or small, and we share discoveries in various cities through great initiatives like the RYC Series Running Club on Strava.  This is what fuels my love for the RYC Series beyond the three top class events that are hosted annually.  I’ve always wished to use my running journey to inspire others and now as a #RYCStrideTribe Ambassador I believe that I will be able to achieve my goal.”

According to Ashley Crouch, it’s the friendly RYC Team, exciting Running Club Challenges on Strava and awesome events like the PUMA Nitro Demo Runs and the annual Cape Town 12K CITYRUN that attracts him to the RYC Community.  “The RYC Series makes everyone feel welcome irrespective of who they are, where they are from or what pace they run at,” says Crouch.  “It is a community of runners that helps to bring the best out of you even during these challenging times. It means a lot to be chosen as a #RYCStrideTribe Ambassador.  I will always strive to be an example by trying to inspire and motivate others to become the best running/walking version of themselves. Not only will I continue to chase new PBs, but I will also help others to reach their new PB.”

“Being chosen as a #RYCStrideTribe Ambassador is a dream come true,” says Shayna Smith.  “It’s such an incredible opportunity to showcase my authentic self and be able to show that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and your capabilities.  I love working and connecting with people and this platform is guaranteed to boost my confidence to give runners and walkers the faith and belief that there are no borders to their ambitions and goals.  I can’t wait to share my love and passion for the sport, while assisting others on their fitness and health journey.”

EXCITNG PUMA PRIZE:  PUMA has been the proud apparel partner of the RYC Series since the inception of the first event, the Cape Town 12K CITYRUN in 2015.  In addition to becoming #RYCStrideTribe Ambassadors not only will Nonhlakanipho Tau, Shayna Smith and Ashley Crouch each receive an impressive PUMA hamper to the value of R15 000, they will also be eligible for a 20% in-store discount at any PUMA Retail Store for a period of 12 months.
Facebook: @PUMASouthAfrica / Joburg10K / Durban10k / Ctown12
Instagram: @pumasouthafrica / @Joburg10K / @Durban10k / @capetown_12
Hashtag:  #RUNPUMA #RunYourCity #RYCStrideTribe
For further information on the Run Your City Series email entries@joburg10k.com, entries@durban10k.com, entries@thecapetown12.com or visit https://runyourcityseries.com/