A brand new record was recently added to the running section of the world-famous Guinness World Records, with the name of South African ultra-marathoner Henk Moen as the new holder. There is one heck of a story behind this achievement, including the fact that he never actually set out to break this particular record. In fact, he didn’t even know it existed when he started his record quest, and only realised he’d broken the record after he’d finished his incredible challenge! – By Sean Falconer
In December 2019, Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg flew down to Antarctica to take part in the Antarctic Ice Marathon. Just short of five years later, he found himself at the opposite end of the world, running the North Pole Marathon on the ice of the Arctic Circle, while keeping a wary eye out for hungry polar bears, and just like in Antarctica, he came home with another international podium finish. We sat down with him for a Q&A about this incredible experience. – Interview by Sean Falconer
With a second event launched in Tshwane this year, alongside the second edition of the Durban leg, the Boxer Super Runs saw some of the fastest times ever run on SA soil posted in this fun, all-inclusive and official 5km race series. – BY Jacky McClean with Sean Falconer
Glenrose Xaba clinched the 2024 SPAR Grand Prix series title on 6 October with an emphatic win in the Johannesburg SPAR 10km Women’s Challenge, giving her a fourth SPAR Women’s Challenge series win this year
Having undergone a life-changing liver transplant in 2022, Joburg-based Coreen Walstra has used running as part of her recovery process, building up to her marathon debut at the recent Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. She crossed the finish line in five hours and 46 minutes, and is now fired up to continue her running journey to next year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra. This is her inspirational story.
Under Armour was founded on building a better t-shirt: a light, tight layer you could wear under your uniform to wick sweat, dry quick, and sit snug against your body—and it’s changed the way athletes dress for over 25 years.
Pricing:
Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik stole the show at the inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane, held on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan). They clinched gold in the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s races with remarkable times of 15:42 and 13:50, respectively.
Coming off a historic victory and a national record at the Cape Town Marathon, Glenrose Xaba had one more goal before taking a well-earned break: proudly representing her club, Boxer Athletics Club (AC), at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.
“The first 2-3 km felt smooth, but I could still feel the marathon in my legs during those last 2 km,” Xaba shared with a beaming smile. “I kept pushing, reminding myself that I needed to perform for my club. My strategy was to break away early because, after a marathon, I knew slowing down would allow others to catch up. Starting strong and holding my pace was my best bet. I’m so grateful for this year. Thanks to God, my coaches Caster and Ledile Violet Semenya, Rhyn Swanepoel from Boxer AC, and my teammates like Karabo More, who pushes me with her speed. Special thanks to my grandmother, my mom, and Lebogang Phalula for always supporting me.”
Reflecting on the event, Xaba added, “The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic platform for young runners. It encourages them to start with shorter distances before jumping into 10km or half marathons. I only moved up to the 10km races after becoming a senior, so I appreciate that Boxer is creating opportunities for athletes to develop their strength at a comfortable pace. Winning the first race in Durban last year and now here in Tshwane feels incredibly special, and I’m truly grateful.”
Boxer AC athletes rounded out the podium, with Karabo More taking 2nd and Cacisile Sosibo in 3rd.
Legendary middle-distance runner and respected coach Caster Semenya made her Boxer Super Run debut with an impressive 7th place finish in 17:58.
“It was a tough but beautiful race,” Semenya said. “I love challenging myself, even if I’m semi-retired as an athlete. It’s exciting to see that I can still finish in the top 10. Running alongside my athletes and watching them thrive is deeply fulfilling. The energy of the Boxer Super Run is fantastic. Seeing so many people participating is a joy—it keeps young people off the streets and encourages them to focus on something positive.”
On the men’s side, Luan Munnik celebrated his first major road victory with a standout performance.
“The Boxer Super Run is an amazing challenge,” Munnik remarked. “For track athletes like me, it’s a great test of endurance, and for road runners, it’s a speed battle. The event has the perfect blend of competition, support, and excitement. I went out hard to establish some dominance early on. About 1km in, Maxime Chaumeton broke away, with Elroy (Gelant) chasing. I decided to respond, and it turned into a back-and-forth between Elroy and me. With 800m left, I made my final surge, and it worked. Big congratulations to Elroy for securing another medal at a Boxer event—he’s an exceptional athlete. Winning today feels amazing; it’s my first big win on the road.”
Boxer AC’s Elroy Gelant finished in 2nd, with Chris Mhlanga securing 3rd place.
“Congratulations to Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik for becoming the first champions of the Boxer Super Run Tshwane! You both set a high standard for this event,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “The support from our sponsors, participants, and spectators truly made this event unforgettable. Hosting a top-tier 5km race in Tshwane is an exciting milestone, and we’re thrilled to bring such quality racing to this community.”
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, added, “We were blown away by the incredible performances. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. A big congratulations to our winners, Glenrose and Luan, who made this debut event unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, from participants to passionate fans. This event has set the bar high, and we can’t wait to build on its success.”
Event Information:
2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane
The 5km distance continues to grow in popularity worldwide, and the Boxer Super Run Tshwane lived up to the hype, attracting a mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic newcomers. This event truly had something for everyone, giving Tshwane a firsthand experience of a world-class 5km road race.
Exciting News: Discovery Vitality members earned Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.
Impressive Prize Purse: The 2024 Boxer Super Run in Tshwane featured an impressive prize purse of R147,200.00, available to both the Elite Race and Open Wave participants. In the Elite Race, prize money was awarded to the top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each receiving a well-earned R20,000. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the top 3 male and female finishers across various categories—Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+—were also recognized and rewarded for their efforts.
The Dis-Chem Half Marathon Relaunches as The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply for 2025.
After 22 years, Dis-Chem is proud to announce that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen has been appointed as title sponsor in 2025 for the Half Marathon and 5km Dash, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second year running.
The 23rd edition is proudly hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and will take place on 12 January 2025. Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with exceptional value, with a challenging route winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose. The route offers spectacular views and will offer the perfect
kickstart to the running calendar in the New Year.
‘We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event’ said Rui Morais – CEO Dis-Chem Pharmacies. ‘The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and our emphasis on overall well-being has always been an anchor to the Dis-Chem brand, and this focus, supported by an ongoing investment in sport, simply echoes the brand promise that ‘Better Health
Starts Here’. The long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics has served us well, and we have no doubt the team will deliver another first-class event, now with our premium brand Biogen at the forefront.’
Charnia Yapp, Race Director, said, ‘Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to hosting the 23rd race with a new title sponsor still within the Dis-Chem Group. We are delighted to continue the journey with Biogen, Momentum Multiply, Dis-Chem and all the co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy. The
sponsors bring incredible value to the runners.’
Presenting sponsors Momentum Multiply offer a world-class wellness rewards programme that rewards members from day one for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.
‘You earn rewards from day one for making healthy choices and for every step you take to improve your overall health. We’re excited to partner with the Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,’ said Márcia Eugénio – Head of Multiply that is part of Momentum Health
Solutions.
Momentum Health Solutions is also avid supporters of multiple disciplines of sports across South Africa, with sound investment in cricket, cycling and running to name a few.
Biogen Brand Manager, Brandon Fairweather shares the sentiment. ‘Biogen have worked with Momentum Health Solutions on multiple, national events and it’s a seamless, natural fit with both brands being focused on the enhancement of health and fitness.’ He added: ‘We’re excited for this opportunity and grateful that Dis-Chem have entrusted us with their flagship event, and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world class run.’
The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed as per normal. The race starts in Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00am on Sunday and the 5km Dash will also be timed, starting 30 mins later at 06:30am on the same day.
The race is known to sell out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6000 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag. Entries are open online www.biogen21.co.za and close on 15 December or once the 6000 available entries are sold. The 5km Fun Run will be back and there are 1000 entries available.
Funds will also be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.
ENTRIES OPEN ARE OPEN!
Try this tasty, healthy and energising breakfast recipe for flapjacks that will power your running. – By Ann Ashworth
With the help of a South African trail running legend, Remaketse Lekaka is dreaming of dominating the SA trail running circuit and becoming a world class athlete. – By Tathe Msimango