INSPIRATION
Ready for Her 10th
Zukiswa Gaxela has run every Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event in Cape Town since the first one in 2015
When the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K takes place on Sunday 11 May, one runner that will really be joining in on the 10th anniversary celebrations will be Zukiswa Gaxela, because this will be her 10th edition of the race!
Zukiswa Gaxela has been passionate about running from an early age, and that passion still shines brightly when she enthusiastically lines up in races, usually in her bright orange RCS Gugulethu Athletics Club colours. And that enthusiasm will be still higher when she lines up in the 2025 edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.
You see, the first time Zukiswa ran this race was when it was still a 12km and newly added to the Western Province race calendar in May 2015. She was back in 2016, and then also ran it in 2018 and 2019. Post-COVID, when the race returned in November 2021, she was there again, and the following year, when it became a 10km and reverted to its usual May date, there was Zukiswa again. Two more runs followed in 2023 and 2024, and that brought her to nine finishes from nine, which means that 2025 will be her 10th consecutive RUN YOUR CITY outing in her home city.
Living in Luzuko, Phillipi, near the Cape Town International Airport, Zukiswa says she puts in regular training runs to be able to enjoy her races as much as possible.“ I train four to five times a week, with my favourite racing distance being the 21km, but I also love the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. It’ s the vibe, social interaction and route that keep me coming back to this race each year. And knowing that I am among a small handful of just three runners who have completed all nine races to date is overwhelming. It just shows how quickly time flies! I didn’ t realise it’ s been nine times – I love this race that much!” because for the first time, I saw myself on TV, dancing with one of the mascots on the route! That’ s why I always recommend this event to other runners, and every year, I recruit more people to join. I truly believe this race is the perfect start for anyone looking to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”
On behalf of the organising team, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, Michael Meyer, says that it is wonderful news that Zukiswa and others are reaching the milestone of 10 races along with the event.“ Having dedicated runners like Zukiswa return to support the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K year after year means the world to our team. It’ s a testament to the fact that we’ re doing something right, and we’ re incredibly grateful for her continued support. Her loyalty, along with the many others who return each year, makes our event even more special. We’ re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary in the beautiful Mother City, and we can’ t wait to see everyone out there on race day!”
The fun vibe brings Zukiswa back year after year, especially in the Absa cheer zone
Images: Action Photo, David Sullivan
“ As a club runner, we race all the time, always chasing PBs, but this event is different. You get so many social runners who are here just to have fun, and I love that, because there’ s no pressure,” she admits.“ I’ m really looking forward to enjoying the Absa Cheer Zone along the route, because they always encourage us to keep going, and of course, the PUMA 100m Sprint was always fun, to push my time.”
Back … With Friends
In closing, Zukiswa says,“ This event keeps improving each year. From race number collection – there’ s hardly any waiting – to well-stocked water points and a safe route, it’ s always an awesome experience. I was extra happy after last year’ s race,
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