After being officially added to the latest SA Olympic team, Elroy Gelant is enthusiastic about his third consecutive Olympic appearance. But he will first focus his attention on the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km race on Sunday, July 7. This will be as part of his preparation for #Paris2024.
“I’m looking forward to the Durban 10km, I understand the expectations at the event. And am prepared for the challenge,” said Gelant.
The 37-year-old has been in the shape of his life in 2024. He’s been setting personal bests over the marathon (2:08:56) and 10km (27:54). While winning national titles over both the standard marathon and half marathon.
Improved standard of road running in SA
Inspired by Precious Mashele’s 27:35 national record at the Gqeberha’s 10km last year, Gelant produced a maiden sub-28-minute 10km in the Cape Town series in May. He has singled out the series as an important step in his own Olympic journey. This because it has helped to improve the standard of road running in South Africa.
In closing, Gelant added: “Our current generation of athletes is phenomenal. I think last year in Gqeberha was a good eye-opener to show that we can dip under 28 minutes. There’s going to be one or two more who will be motivated by these performances to run that sub-28. This is good, because ultimately that will improve our performances as long-distance athletes in South Africa.”
Gelant will line up alongside compatriot Stephen Mokoka. They are set to take on the East Africans during the Olympic Marathon on August 10.
