In 2023, the Boxer Athletics Club made a powerful statement when star athletes Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba delivered standout performances at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban, setting the fastest 5km times on South African soil at that point—13:44 and 16:03, respectively. On Sunday, 13 October 2024, the club’s elite runners are set to leave their mark once again as they take on South Africa’s most social 5km race, aiming for another stellar performance in Durban.
“The Boxer Super Run offers an incredible platform for our Boxer Athletics Club athletes to showcase their talent on a national stage,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “It’s not just about competition; it’s about fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among athletes, both within the club and across South Africa’s running community. The event brings together runners of all levels, creating an environment where our elite athletes can inspire and be inspired, making it a truly unique experience for everyone involved.”
The combined accolades of the 20 to 30 athletes that will be traveling from Gauteng to compete at the Boxer Super Run in Durban, are nothing short of remarkable. This elite group includes an Olympian, South African 10km record holders (both men and women), the SA Cross-Country Men’s Gold and Bronze Medallists, the SA Cross-Country Silver Medallist, the SA Junior Women’s Cross-Country Silver Medallist, and several other standout achievers.
“The Boxer Super Run 5km is a dream come true,” says Rhyn Swanepoel, National Manager of the Boxer Athletics Club (AC). “With the 5km now recognized as a World Championship event, it’s fitting that Boxer AC is at the forefront, hosting a race focused on fast, short distances. Boxer AC has cemented itself as one of SA’s top professional clubs, and having our own event on the racing calendar is the perfect finishing touch.”
“Our athletes take immense pride in this event,” Swanepoel adds. “This is a Boxer event through and through, and Boxer AC will be out in full force, ready to defend the titles won last year by Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba, both elite runners from our club.”
Three top athletes from Boxer AC —Niël van der Merwe, Chris Mhlanga, and Lebogang Phalula—have already confirmed their participation, and they are ready to set the course ablaze.
With a personal best of 14:06 for 5km, van der Merwe is one to watch. “The 5km is an exciting distance because it’s fast and pushes you to your limits,” says van der Merwe. “It’s a crucial distance for serious runners since you can race it often, and it builds a strong foundation for other events. Last year’s Boxer Super Run was fantastic—well-organized, with plenty of fun and excitement. The generous prize purse adds to the appeal. My goal this year is to beat my personal best, and I’m excited to compete again alongside my great team at Boxer AC.”
Chris Mhlanga, with an impressive 5km PB of 14:04, is ready to heat up race day. “The 5km has a unique appeal because you recover quickly, and it really enhances your speed endurance for the 10km,” says Mhlanga. “I missed out on last year’s event, so I’m excited to race this time around. The prize purse for a short distance is fantastic and will motivate athletes to aim for fast times. My target is a top three finish, with a new PB of 13:30.”
Lebogang Phalula, a legend in South African women’s running, continues to prove she’s not slowing down. She finished 10th at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban last year. “The first event was superbly organized; it felt like we were running an international race,” says Phalula. “The prize money is especially encouraging for young, up-and-coming athletes. Last year, I competed with an injury, but this time round I am feeling strong and will be aiming to break the veteran’s 5km record with a target time of 16:20.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Boxer Super Run Durban
Date: Sunday 13 October 2024
Distance: 5km
Start Venue: Snell Parade via Lagoon Drive, Durban
Finish Venue: Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
Event Waves & Start Times:
• 07:00 / OPEN WAVE (Anyone and everyone, club runners, serious runners, schools, runners who prefer an early start, masses)
• 08:00 – 09:30 / SUPER SOCIAL WAVE (Dress up, groups, company groups, charities, runners who prefer a slightly later start)
• 09:45 / ELITE WOMEN
• 10:00 / ELITE MEN
Entry Fee: R100.00
Minimum Age of Entrant: 9 years old
Entries Open: Monday, 22 July 2024
Entries Close: Monday, 07 October 2024
Entry Includes:
• Boxer Super Run Event Performance T-shirt
• A fantastic Goodie Bag
• Race Number
• Boxer Super Run Medal
Enter Online Via: www.webtickets.co.za
EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members can now earn Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run.
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
PRIZE PURSE: The Boxer Super Run in Durban will boast an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. This prize purse applies to both the Elite Race and the Open Wave. In the Elite Race, prize money will be awarded to the Top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each taking home a well-deserved R20K. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the Top 3 male and female finishers in categories including Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ will also be rewarded for their efforts.