HILLCREST resident and Hollywood Athletics Club star Tayla Kavanagh emerged victorious at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km on Sunday.

Kavanagh delivered a remarkable performance to claim her maiden Hollywoodbets Durban 10km victory in 31:39, despite taking a fall shortly before the 4km mark. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete recovered quickly and battled through challenging windy conditions to secure the win.

“No matter what happens, I always tell myself you’ve got to get up and keep going. After I took a fall, that’s exactly what I told myself mentally, just get up, you’ve still got to put in the work and get the job done,” said Kavanagh.

Also read: Hillcrest’s Tayla targets strong finish in Absa Durban 10km race

Her victory was particularly special on home soil, with the Hollywood Athletics Club athlete producing one of the standout performances of the day in front of thousands of supporters.

Asked about her race strategy on the day, Kavanagh said she knew it would be windy and her plan for the race was to run well but conserve energy for the headwind in the second half.

“The wind on the way back was difficult but I am happy with how the race went.”

She said her training is slightly different each week but a typical week would include lots of easy running, a session on the track, some fartlek work usually on the road and lots of easy kms.

“I just try focus on myself, concentrating on training one day at a time and the training stacks up. It’s about being disciplined and consistent daily, that helps achieve the goals.”

She advised young runners to have fun, while being disciplined during training. “You have to enjoy the process, be consistent in training and patient, and your goals can be reached in time.”

Also read: Chiltern AC launches 8km programme for beginners

Her teammate and defending champion, Neheng Khatala, finished second in 32:01, while Boxer Running Club’s Karabo Mailula took third in 33:01. Kavanagh’s winning time also established a new course record, adding another milestone to an already impressive season.

The men’s race was won by Phantane Athletics Club elite runner Tshepo Tshite. Tshite produced a powerful late surge to claim the men’s title in 28:18, finishing three seconds ahead of Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe, who crossed the line in 28:21.

“The race was good even though I think I have bad luck when it comes to 10km,” said Tshite.

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