By Adnaan Mohamed
Precious Mashele is preparing for a battle of experience against youth when he lines up alongside Boxer Athletics Club teammate Cacisile Sosibo at the Boxer Super Run Joburg on Sunday, 15 November.
The experienced distance runner hopes his marathon training will provide the endurance needed to tackle a fast, competitive 5km field, with the challenging Emmarentia route adding another dimension to the contest.
Mashele, who is preparing for the Cape Town Marathon, is particularly excited by the opportunity to compete in a 5km event offering prize money for elite athletes.
“I am excited to compete in the event because there are so few 5km road races that offer prize money for elite athletes,” he says.
The former campaigner knows the younger athletes will have speed on their side, but believes his growing endurance could prove valuable when the race reaches its decisive stages.
“The route has hills, and I hope my strength on the climbs will give me a chance against the younger guys,” he says.
With a strong South African field expected, Mashele has set himself a realistic target.
“As an old soldier, I would be very pleased if I managed to achieve a top-ten finish against the young guns.”
Sosibo, meanwhile, will make her Boxer Super Run Joburg debut, with the Soweto-based athlete eager to make an impression on familiar territory.
She believes the event’s appeal lies in its ability to bring elite competitors and recreational runners together, reflecting the growing popularity of road running in Johannesburg.
“My goal is to run smart, have a controlled start, a strong middle and a fast finish,” Sosibo says.
“With 5km racing, you need speed, but also patience.”
The women’s race will provide an opportunity for Sosibo to test herself against a strong field, with the athlete targeting a competitive finish.
“The route in Joburg is exciting, with great crowd support,” she says. “With such a strong field and a great prize purse, my goal is to be competitive and fight for a top position.”
Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer believes the presence of athletes of their calibre will add considerable interest to the event.
Boxer Superstores head of marketing Lee-Ann Pillay also highlighted the supermarket group’s commitment to supporting athletics and encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles.
The 5km event starts on Orange Road in Emmarentia, with the finish at Marks Park Sports Club.
The open wave gets under way at 07:00, followed by the Super Social waves between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women start at 09:45, the elite men at 10:00, and the 1km children’s race at 10:30.
For Mashele, the challenge is to make experience count against youthful speed. For Sosibo, it is an opportunity to announce herself on the Joburg stage.
Five kilometres may be a short distance, but with this calibre of competition, there will be nowhere to hide.
