Karabo Mor is considered one of the potential outsiders in the 10-kilometer race within the TotalSports Women’s Race Joburg, which will take place at Marcus Park on Sunday.
Karabo Mor is considered one of the potential outsiders in the 10-kilometer race within the TotalSports Women’s Race Joburg, which will take place at Marcus Park on Sunday.
Mor noted that she enjoys participating in events that bring people together while simultaneously challenging her, forcing her to overcome her own limits. She is the reigning African champion in the 1500-meter distance and has a chance to contend for victory.
Thanks to her personal record in the 10 km distance, which is 32:34, Mor is capable of demonstrating strong competitive fighting.
Mor stated that although she would like to win, it is also important for her to show her maximum effort and represent the Boxer Athletics Club with dignity. She added that winning in Joburg would reflect the hard work, discipline, and sacrifices associated with competition preparation, and would be an honor in an event dedicated to women that unites many athletes and communities.
However, 24-year-old Mor faces a serious fight, especially from Kenyan Brenda Kenei, who will compete in South Africa for the first time. Kenei has a very fast personal record—30:29, which is one minute faster than the time of her country's winner, Daisilah Jerono, who achieved this result in the Cape Town series stage last weekend.
Despite Joburg being located at a high altitude, Kenei explained that maintaining such high speeds might prove difficult. Nevertheless, she stated that she is ready for the test, noting that competing in Johannesburg will be challenging due to the altitude and moderately hilly route.
Kenyan athlete Brenda Kenei intends to break the 30 minute 30 second barrier in the TotalSports Race Joburg 10km women's race. Despite the challenging course profile and high altitude, she aims to qualify for the 2027 World Championships.
Although this is her first start in South Africa, Kenei is considered one of the main contenders for victory in this race. Kenei shared her excitement, noting that she is interested in participating in the women's competition in South Africa, where she can share the joy with thousands of sports enthusiasts while achieving the necessary standard for the 2027 World Championships.
Kenei's personal best is an impressive 30:29, which is one minute faster than the time set by her compatriot Daisyla Jerono during the Cape Town series stage this weekend. However, Kenei explained that the race in Johannesburg might be difficult due to the high altitude.
Kenei admitted that competing in Johannesburg will be difficult due to the altitude and moderately hilly route, but stated her readiness for such a challenge. Her main goal is to beat the 30:30 mark. She noted that the determination of many women striving for their own limits motivates athletes at the forefront, and wished everyone safe and successful preparation, urging runners to support each other on race day.
The final stage of the three-event series will take place at Marks Park, located in the heart of Johannesburg. Kenei may also draw confidence from Jerono's performance in the Mother City, as it was her debut race in South Africa. Jerono previously stated that she was happy to visit South Africa and Cape Town for the first time, participate in the women's event, and advocate for social justice and human rights worldwide. From an athletics perspective, she plans to execute her strategy, push her limits, and conserve energy for the intense final kilometer, aiming for a personal best.
Predicting the winner of the upcoming Totalsports women's race in Cape Town is not easy, but the pair of debutantes from Kenya could be favorites. Faith Cheruno expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the world-class event in Cape Town, which is a popular destination for both tourists and sports enthusiasts.
Cheruno, who is participating in this event for the first time, noted that she is well acquainted with road running in South Africa. In March, she demonstrated strong results by taking second place in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, finishing in 30 minutes and 44 seconds. This result was close to her personal record of 30 minutes and 06 seconds, and she believes she has a chance to break the 30-minute barrier on a faster, sea-level track.
She stated that she expects strong competition among athletes from South Africa, Kenya, and other countries, adding that her main goal is to achieve a personal best, but above all, she competes against herself.
Faith Cheruno also addressed other participants with encouraging words, advising them to train well, enjoy the process, and find a running partner on race day to support each other until the finish line.
At the starting line next to Cheruno is her compatriot Daisyle Jeruno, who is participating in competitions in South Africa for the first time. Jeruno shared her joy at visiting South Africa and Cape Town, as well as participating in the women's event, emphasizing her commitment to supporting social justice and human rights worldwide.
From an athletic perspective, Jeruno intends to strictly follow her strategy, push to her limits, and conserve enough energy for the intense final kilometer, while also setting a goal to set a personal record.
