The athletes are among the eight winners (men's and women's categories) from the 2024 and 2025 Absa KH3-7 Hills Run — an event that aims to continue to unite thousands of Ugandans in support of girl child education. The five runners travelling are Brian Adams Ategeka, Evas Nassasira, Phillip Kiptoo, Collins Cherotich and Annet Chesang, says Absa.

Through its sponsorship, Absa Uganda will cover flights, accommodation and logistical support, ensuring the runners are fully prepared to compete on the international stage, adds the company.

"During the 2024 and 2025 Absa KH3-7 Hills Runs, we promised that the winners would be sponsored to participate in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in Johannesburg. Today, I am glad that we are fulfilling that commitment," says David Wandera, Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director.

"As our runners set off to represent Uganda, we celebrate their dedication and spirit. They carry our flag high and make Absa Bank Uganda proud," he adds.

Athlete Brian Ategeka expresses his gratitude to Absa Bank Uganda for making his dream a reality: "I want to thank Absa Bank Uganda for giving me this opportunity to participate in such a high-level run. I am ready to compete and, with God's blessings, I believe I will gain recognition in this sport and go on to race on even bigger platforms. My goal is to be among the best athletes in Uganda. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am hopeful that I can succeed at an international level," he says.

Sharing Absa South Africa's excitement around the initiative, Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorship at Absa, says, "As a proudly pan-African bank, we are delighted to showcase the spirit of unity and connection across borders through the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. Welcoming Ugandan runners to Johannesburg reflects our commitment to celebrating the energy, resilience and diversity of Africa, and highlights how sport can bring our continent closer together."

Event Dates: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES

Sunday, 13 April: Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

  • Elite Man: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:28.
  • Elite Woman: Jane Gati Chacha (Kenya) 31:45.

Sunday, 11 May: Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

  • Elite Man: Kabelo Maluadzi (RSA) 27:49.
  • Elite Woman: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 32:00.

Sunday, 13 July: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

  • Elite Man: Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 27:41
  • Elite Woman: Clare Ndiwa (Kenya) 30:50

Sunday, 24 August: Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

  • Elite Man: Kabelo Mulaudzi (RSA) 29:00.
  • Elite Woman: Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 31:50.

Wednesday, 24 September: Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

  • Start Time: 08:00.
  • Start Venue: Lilian Ngoyi Street.
  • Finish Venue: Rahima Moosa Street.

Charity Support 

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA, says the company.

Prize Purse

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES boasts a combined prize purse of R1.6-million in 2025. Each of the five events features a total prize allocation of R322 000. Of this, R252 000 will be dedicated to the Open Category, with R126 000 awarded to the Top 10 Open Men and R126 000 to the Top 10 Open Women. The top male and female finishers in each city will receive R30 000 each, with R25 000 going to second-place finishers and R20 000to third-place finishers, says the company.

Additionally, R70 000.00 will be allocated to Age Categories. The Age Category prize pool will reward the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ age groups, adds the company.

South African Athlete Incentives

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES also has an "SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule" for 2025. Applying to all five races, the incentive schedule offers bonuses for exceptional performances. In the men's category, bonuses will start for times faster than 28 minutes, with a substantial R200 000 bonus for breaking the 27-minute barrier. For women, bonuses begin for times faster than 32:08 minutes, with an impressive R200 000 incentive for breaking the 30:23 mark, says the company.

To further raise the stakes, a bonus of R50 000 will be awarded to the South African athlete who breaks the SA 10km record (at the time of the race). It is important to note that the R50 000 will be awarded to the fastest time, concludes the company.

For more information, visit www.absa.co.za. You can also follow Absa on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor