Ugandan smashes South African All-Comers Record

UGANDA’s Joshua Cheptegei was touted as the race favourite at the inaugural FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN – and the 21-year-old World Championship 10 000m silver medallist delivered, when he smashed the South African All-Comers Record of 27:55 set by Richard Limo in Port Elizabeth in 2004. Cheptegei crossed the line in 27:28 for the fourth fastest time in the world this year, as well as a Ugandan National Record.

“The wind came up and did affect us, but I am very happy. A national record and my personal best, yes I am very happy. We were running hard, we wanted a fast time. The first few kilometres were not consistent in terms of splits, so I wanted to make sure we ran more consistently. Also I felt good and I could see the others were struggling a bit,” said Cheptegei after the race.

Mokoka who was chasing his own SA Record finished in 4th in 28:34. “This was a hard run. Overall I am happy, but it was hard.”

Just as in the men’s race, it was a Ugandan who took the women’s race in a National Record. Mercyline Chelangat had the race of her life, improving her best time of 33:17 by a massive 1 min 40 sec to clock an incredible 31:37 for the second fastest time ever on South African soil behind the 31:33 of Elana Meyer in 1991 – ironically also in Durban.

Paskalia Chepkorir finished second, ten seconds back (31:47) with Dorcas Tuitoek rounding out the podium (32:11). First South African across the line was Dominique Scott-Efurd who finished in 33:26.

“It has been a long season, almost 13 months of racing with no break, so I am quite happy with today,” says Scott-Efurd. “But it was hard and the wind did add to the challenge. But I loved racing in Durban and hope to be back again. This race is incredible and it was amazing to be part of it.”