Inaugural Durban 10k excites Elroy
SA 5 000m record holder just love running in the coastal city
After doing well at the ASA Speed Series in Durban in March, Elroy Gelant cannot wait to race in the inaugural FNB Durban 10K City Surf Run in three month’s time.
The race was launched on Tuesday and the 30-yearold cited the KwaZulu-Natal’s city as his happy hunting ground. Gelant won the ASA Speed Series 10 000m race at the coastal city three months ago.
Following that triumph, the Boxer Athletic Club athlete has now set his sights on the 10km race which will take place on October 8. The race starts and finishes near the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“This will be a great platform for us as South African athletes to race locally. Durban is my happy hunting ground. I just love running in Durban. I am going to prepare well for this race,’’ Gelant said.
The SA 5 000m recordholder feels that the short-distance races can play a pivotal role in nurturing upcoming athletes.
“These [short-distance] races can play a big role in development because now you see that we focus more on the longer distance races, like the Comrades and Two Oceans [marathons]. This is a great platform for younger runners from high school to participate,” said the Cape Town-born athlete. He hopes to do well at the IAAF World Championships in London in August.
“I told myself at the beginning of the year that I want to break records. I will try to go for the SA 10km record [of Stephen Mokoka],’’ Gelant said.
Email t entries@durban10k.com or visit www.durban10k.com to enter the Durban 10k.