In-form Debash Desta set to shine at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Following her win at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in August this year, Ethiopia’s 18-year-old Debash Desta has now set her sights on the final leg of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K that will take place on National Heritage Day (Sunday 24 September).
Desta showcased her exceptional form in Tshwane, surging ahead of the competition just 3km into the race and ultimately finishing in 32:14, a remarkable feat that matched her personal best despite the hilly course. Boasting a 71min half marathon, Desta has taken a liking to South African road running, have gone 1st and 2nd in her two outings and will be looking to make it two wins from 3 races come Sunday 24 September.
“We were really pleased with Debash’s last performance in Tshwane. She looked comfortable throughout the race, and we hope she can do the same in Joburg. She’s a great talent, and we’re very excited to be involved in her development,” said Ryan Schutte of Newton Agency, the management company of Desta.
Desta’s assertive racing style guarantees a swift pace right from the start. Given the relatively flatter course compared to the one in Tshwane, there’s a strong likelihood that Desta could approach a sub-32-minute finish and potentially set a new personal best.
South African, Melikhaya Frans, raises his hand:
Melikhaya Frans, a three-time SA Representative in the Marathon and Half Marathon has also entered the fray for the final leg of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. The popular Frans, who hails from Gqeberha, is known for his hard approach to racing and will keep the pace honest on Sunday 24 September. Boasting a 10km best of 28:16 from 2021, Frans has unfinished business at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K after having to settle for 7th in 2022.
After having to withdraw from the World Marathon Championships after 30km, Frans is now hungry for a competitive race to rekindle his season. He’s expected to pose a formidable challenge on race day, making it a demanding contest for his competitors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Debash Desta and Melikhaya Frans to the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Both athletes have shown fantastic racing prowess, and we can’t wait to see their performances at the Joburg race. It’s going to be an exciting day of racing through the streets of Jozi.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
| Date: | Sunday 24 September 2023 |
| Start Time: | 08:00 |
| Start & Finish Venue: | Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg |
| Entry Fee: | Standard Entry: Licenced Runners R240.00Unlicenced Runners R240.00 plus Temp Licence R60.00 Standard Entry Includes:Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirtAbsa Peak CapAbsa Drawstring BagAbsa SocksAbsa Shoelaces DHL Water BottleRace Number with Timing ChipLively Sponsor Route Entertainment PointsAmazing Route Entertainment Points from Start to Finish2 x Refreshment Stations on RouteTog Bag Drop and Collect ServiceAbsa RUN YOUR CITY Series Finisher’s MedalTransport Service (to start and from finish) |
CHARITY SUPPORT: When entering the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K online entrants can choose to support four local charities: 1. Reach For A Dream Foundation (RFAD), 2. Cotlands, 3. Johannesburg SPCA and 4. Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.
PRIZE PURSE: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series boasts an impressive, combined Prize Purse of R 1 560 000.00 in 2023. Each of the five events will be assigned R312 000.00 in prize money of which R252 000.00 will be allocated towards the Open Category (R126 000.00 going to Top 10 Open Men’s and R126 000.00 to Top 10 Open Women’s), and R60 000 towards Age Categories (Junior, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69 and 70+ Age Categories). To view the prize purse breakdown please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/
WIN A CHERY TIGGO 4 PRO URBAN VEHICLE: One lucky entrant will go home with a stylish Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban Vehicle valued at over R308 900.00 compliments of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and event partners Chery South Africa and Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance.
To be in the running to win this fantastic prize the following three boxes need to be ticked: you need to enter the event (and pay the entry fee), collect your race number (during the stipulated race pack collection times) and be on the start line on event day.
PHOTO CREDIT: Felix Dlanga