Deborah Chemutai takes first Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km victory

Kenyan runner Deborah Chemutai won her maiden Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km title, finishing first in 32:50 at the sold-out Heritage Day race.

Competing in only her second event in the series, Chemutai improved on her third-place finish in Tshwane last month to claim top spot in the City of Gold.

She led an all-Kenyan podium, with compatriot Mercy Jelimo taking second in 33:10 and Easter Borura finishing third in 33:27.

Karabo Mailula was the first South African across the line, placing sixth.

Chemutai said she was pleased to secure her first victory in the series after overcoming a demanding course and difficult conditions.

“I’m very happy that I won this race because it was tough, and I gave my best despite the difficult course,” she said.

The Kenyan said the hot weather made the race particularly challenging and stopped her from recording a faster time. She was nonetheless delighted to finish first, especially as she had not expected to win.

Chemutai also praised the organisation of the Absa Run Your City series, having competed in events in both Tshwane and Joburg.

She said the organisers had delivered another successful race.

Having also taken part in several local competitions, Chemutai used the opportunity to offer advice to South African women distance runners.

She encouraged them to maintain discipline and continue training hard if they are to reach the standard set by Kenyan athletes on the international road-running scene.

“All I can say is that you have to stay disciplined and train hard every day, and there is nothing else needed except for that.”