Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai claimed her first Absa Run Your City Series victory in only her second series race, leading a Kenyan sweep of the women’s elite podium at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
Chemutai crossed the finish line on Rahima Moosa Street unchallenged in 32:50, improving on the third-place finish she achieved at the Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K on 23 August. Compatriot Mercy Jelimo finished second in 33:10, with Esther Borura third in 33:27.
“I’m happy to win the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K. The race was hard but I tried. It was my second 10km race. The course was hard and it was a little bit windy but I’m happy I won,” said Chemutai.
Great Britain’s Emma Pallant-Browne finished fourth in 34:15, ahead of Kenya’s Dorcus Chepkwemoi in 34:21. Karabo Mailula was the first South African across the line in sixth place in 34:44, with Irvette van Zyl seventh in 34:51.
Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s head of sponsorships, reflected on the day: “What an incredible way to celebrate Heritage Day at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K. The energy, diversity and spirit of our communities came to life across every kilometre, with runners, walkers and supporters coming together to make the day truly memorable.”
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The race was the fifth scheduled leg of the 2026 series, after Gqeberha, Durban and Tshwane, with organisers having cancelled the Cape Town race on 10 May because of a severe weather forecast.
For the first time, the Joburg race does not close the season, as the series moves to Bloemfontein for the inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K Elite Women Top 10
1. Deborah Chemutai 32:50
2. Mercy Jelimo 33:10
3. Esther Borura 33:27
4. Emma Pallant-Browne 34:15
5. Dorcus Chepkwemoi 34:21
6. Karabo Mailula 34:44
7. Irvette van Zyl 34:51
8. Dirbe Techanie Dagne 34:55
9. Zanele Maisa 36:01
10. Malineo Mahloko 36:27
Original Copy: Stillwater Sports, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai won the women’s elite race at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K in 32:50 to claim her first Absa Run Your City Series title, leading compatriots Mercy Jelimo and Esther Borura in a Kenyan podium sweep while Karabo Mailula finished as the first South African home in sixth place, at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Photo: Deon van der Merwe
Photo 2 Caption: Heritage Day belonged to Chemutai, who improved on her third place in Tshwane in August to win the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K in 32:50. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
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