Karabo Mailula, the reigning champion, is being cautious ahead of the upcoming Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K race as she recovers from a recent knee injury.
Although it is rare for a reigning champion to enter a race as an underdog, Mailula found herself in this situation before the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K. Speaking after the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race, Mailula admitted that her physical condition is still improving. She noted that her goal was simply to finish and run under 33 minutes and 10 seconds, which she managed to do, but she is unsure about her current level of fitness due to the recovery from the knee injury.
Despite this setback, her victory in Johannesburg in 2025 remains the most significant achievement in her career to date. Her personal best of 32:43 was also set during a stellar period in 2025 when she placed third in the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix series in Gqeberha. This result was particularly impressive as it was achieved just three days after her triumphant finish in Johannesburg with a time of 33:44.
Mailula recalled that the victory at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K held great significance for her. She shared that she was very popular and received congratulations from many people, even those she didn't know, and felt like a celebrity enjoying the race itself.
The 24-year-old athlete considers this route one of her favorites. She emphasized that she really likes the Absa Run Your City series, calling it an inspiring event, and especially loves Johannesburg because of the large support from the fans. She also mentioned that in 2023, she finished eighth in the Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K race, which was the first time she made the top ten of a major competition, and since then has focused on always remaining in that top ten, even if she doesn't reach the podium.