The organisers of the 2019 FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN today announced the biggest coup to date with the confirmation of 2019 World 10km list leader (and second fastest ever) Sheila Chepkirui.
Chepkirui flew to a 29:57 clocking at the 2019 Birell Grand Prix 10km Road Race in Prague on 07 September 2019. With that time Chepkirui is the second fastest woman over 10km. Only Joyciline Jepkosgei has ever gone faster (29:43) run on the very same course in 2018.
“To be able to sign up this year’s best 10km athlete and the second fastest ever is a big coup for us,” says Michael Meyer Managing Director, Stillwater Sports. “It shows just how serious the international field is taking the event. The FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN has been awarded the Bronze Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This is no small feat for an event that is currently in its third year. It is testament to the hard work that was needed to ensure that we host a world class event.”
Chepkirui blitzed halfway in 14:46 before edging Dorcas Kimeli on the line in Prague, when she set the 2019 World’s fastest time. Both were awarded the same finishing time of 29:57, but Chepkirui was given the nod for the win. Prague was a big breakthrough for Chepkirui. Coming into the race she had recorded best times of 30:28 (Prague, 2017) for 10km, 14:54.05 (London, 2017 – seventh at the World Championships) in the 5000m and 32:35.0 for the 10 000m; the latter run in Nairobi (1795m).
“I am in very good shape after Prague and I feel fresh.” – Sheila Chepkirui
Chepkirui has raced sparingly on the roads. Despite Prague being only her third effort on the roads she took her best down from 30:28 by 31 seconds. This good form bodes well for the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.
Defending Champion, Stella Chesang was until the signing of Chepkirui, the race favourite. With both Chesang and Chepkirui in the line-up, the chances of a sub 31 in Durban have just jumped exponentially.
“I am looking forward to Durban,” said Chepkirui. “I am in very good shape after Prague and I feel fresh. I’ve just returned to the racing scene after becoming a mother for the first time and giving birth to a baby girl in the earlier part of 2018. I have heard from my manager how fast the course in Durban is, so I am very excited to close my short 2019 season in Durban.”
“It will be good to race against Stella (Chesang). We know she ran a personal best in Durban and that she is improving all the time. So, I know that I am going to have to be close to my very best if I want to win.”
The two have never met before on the roads which should make the tussle an intriguing one. Chesang’s 31:14 course record and fastest ever time on South African soil is very much in danger of being obliterated and bodes well for the South African athletes who are looking to run fast times.
Photo 1 Caption: Sheila Chepkirui will be looking to cross the finish line in record time when she debuts at the FNB Durban CITYSURFRUN. Photo: RunCzech
With editing by gsport
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