There is just no stopping Elroy Gelant’s irrepressible run of scintillating performances!
The three-time Olympian demonstrated his exceptional form at the Bashir’s Run Half Marathon in Belgium on Sunday, 9 March, where he clocked a lifetime best of 60:22 to secure victory.
After an impressive 2024 season, which saw him claim two national titles and represent South Africa at the Olympic Marathon in Paris, Gelant (38) is setting his sights on an even more exciting 2025.
This victory has fuelled Gelant’s confidence and determination as he now prepares for his first race of the year—the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 13 April.
“I’m really excited about my performance and I’m feeling optimistic about what lies ahead,” Gelant shared after his victory.
“While winning was never the goal, it turned out to be an amazing bonus! I consider it a blessing to still be able to achieve personal bests at this stage in my life.”
The 38-year-old top runner, who is coached by Jean Verster, explained the race strategy.
“We set a goal for a sub-60 finish right from the start, but when our pacer could only maintain that pace for 5km, we had to take the lead early, which may have impacted our goal. Nonetheless, achieving a personal best is exciting, and this performance serves as just a stepping stone in my preparations for the marathon in April.”
Gelant’s victory in Belgium comes as part of his preparations, where he will return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. Last year, Gelant finished as a runner-up in the event with a time of 28:17.
With his personal best of 27:47 from the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K and his fastest-ever 21km time, the Northwest University lecturer is confident that he can set a new 10km personal best in Gqeberha.
“Sunday’s race gave me valuable momentum and highlighted my current form as I prepare for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” he said.
“I’m excited for this event, especially since I’ve heard it’s set to be a fast 10km. My goal? To set a personal best and cap off this training cycle on a high note!”
Gelant’s ongoing success speaks to his dedication and consistency, with his performance in Belgium showcasing his commitment to continually improving.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, praised Gelant’s efforts: “Elroy Gelant’s victory at the Bashir’s Run Half Marathon and his impressive 60:22 personal best highlights his consistency and drive to keep improving.
“He’s a seasoned competitor who always brings his best to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, making him a standout in any elite field.”
Gelant’s victory in Belgium is just one chapter in his exciting journey, with the upcoming Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K set to be another milestone in his already stellar career.
In the women’s race, Karabo More, a rising star from Boxer Athletics Club, is also aiming for a fast time.
Karabo More by Tobias Ginsberg
The 22-year-old coached by Violet and Caster Semenya had a standout 2024 season, with victories like the Boxer Super Run 5km in Durban and a strong runner-up finish at the Thembisa Mile 10km.
With a 10km personal best of 34:49, achieved with a fifth-place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last September, More is eager to secure her first-ever podium finish in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in Gqeberha.
“I think it’s all about training and the motivation and support that I get from my coaches,” More says.
“My coach Violet Semenya told me to just give it a try again and see where it takes us. So now I’m focusing on 10km races. There’s some light.”
Meyer is also enthusiastic about the next generation of runners, saying, “It’s also exciting to have rising star Karabo More in the series.
“Coached by two of South Africa’s finest, she’s an exceptional talent with a bright future. The elite lineup for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K is shaping up to be something special, and we look forward to witnessing world-class performances in The Friendly City!”
Click here for more info: www.runyourcityseries.com
