ADVERTORIAL
Absa Signs on Again
Absa has renewed its sponsorship of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES , which will further contribute to it being the most accessible and exciting mass-participation 10km road running series in Africa .
Absa has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES for another four years . This partnership began in 2021 during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic , at a time when many sponsors were stepping back . Instead , Absa took a bold step forward , partnering with the series to expand South Africa ’ s premier 10km road running events from three to five cities . This collaboration has attracted toptier elite athletes and lifestyle runners alike , and united communities across the country ’ s major metros .
“ Absa ’ s signing as title sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in 2021 marked the beginning of exciting innovations and transformative changes for the series ,” says Michael Meyer , Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder . “ We were immediately impressed by Absa ’ s energy and commitment , but we couldn ’ t have imagined just how impactful this partnership would be . The last few years have far exceeded our expectations . Also , Absa ’ s goals align perfectly with ours : To focus on innovation , inspiration , and fun , making this the most accessible and enjoyable mass-participation road running event in Africa .”
Record-Breaking Year
This year ( 2024 ), the five races in the series attracted an impressive combined total of 45,589 runners , with four out of five events selling out before race day . The series also boasts innovative offerings , such as giving away a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT vehicle , valued at over R279,000 , at each race . Furthermore , an impressive total of R182,340 was raised for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES charity partner , the Cancer Association of South Africa ( CANSA ).
Continuing the Journey
Meyer concludes : “ In addition to record-breaking participation and sell-out fields , the ongoing rise in elite performances – both local and international – within the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES highlights the consistent improvement in competition standards year after year . Our vision has always been to provide South African elites with the opportunity to compete against the world ’ s best athletes in worldclass events on home soil , and the results speak for themselves . We are thrilled that Absa has renewed their partnership , and we look forward to continuing this journey , establishing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES as the most accessible and exciting massparticipation 10km road running series in Africa .”
On behalf of Absa , Group Chief Marketing and
Corporate Affairs Officer , Sydney Mbhele , says , “ The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is a transformative movement revitalising South Africa ’ s inner cities , and celebrating the unique stories of every participant , from seasoned runners to casual joggers . This partnership reflects our commitment to uplifting communities and reigniting pride in our urban landscapes , while also making a tangible social impact through the R1 Campaign .”
“ In just two years , we ’ ve raised nearly R5 million to build vegetable gardens in schools , fostering sustainable food security and community empowerment . As we embark on the next chapter , we are excited to elevate the race experience and continue amplifying the voices of South Africans , celebrating unity , endurance , and purpose for another four years ,” he adds .
For more info on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series , go to www . runyourcityseries . com .
2025 Series Dates
Make a note in your diaries now for the dates of the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series .
Sun 13 April Sun 11 May Sun 13 July
Gqeberha Cape Town Durban
Sun 24 August Wed 24 September
Tshwane Joburg
Images : Charles Ndou , Pholisa Ngqameni |
The 2024 edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K delivered its most outstanding performances to date , with Kenya ’ s Christine Nalimo Njoki marking her debut on South African soil by setting the fastest 10km time ever run by a woman on the African continent , in an impressive time of 30:37 . In that same race , Glenrose Xaba finished fourth in the women ’ s race and first South African , and broke Elana Meyer ’ s long-standing South African 10km record ( 31:13 , run in 2001 ) with her time of 31:12 . Also , Lesotho ’ s Neheng Khatala set a new Lesotho 10km women ’ s record with a time of 32:01 .
At the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K , Xaba continued her dominance , setting a new course record of 31:51 in the women ’ s race , which is the fastest 10km run at altitude in South Africa by a local woman , and ranked as the eighth-fastest ever by a South African woman on home soil .
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Seen here at the official signing of the contract at the Absa offices in Sandton on Wednesday 27 November ( from left to right ): Michael Meyer ( Managing Director of Stillwater Sports ), Sydney Mbhele ( Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa ), Jabulile Nsibanyoni ( Head of Sponsorships , Brand , and Marketing at Absa ), Dezroy Poole ( Director of Stillwater Sports ), Candice Thurston ( Managing Executive : Absa Brand and Marketing ) and George Marx ( Commercial Manager Stillwater Sports ) |
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