Mphahlele and Xaba Shine at Boxer Super Run Joburg

By Adnaan Mohamed

The early morning air over Marks Park shimmered with energy with that familiar hum of nervous feet, racing hearts, and restless ambition. Johannesburg, the city of gold, played host to its newest gem in the running calendar: the inaugural Boxer Super Run Joburg. And it did not disappoint.

Fresh from painting Durban gold a few weeks ago, Ryan Mphahlele and Glenrose Xaba arrived in Jozi with purpose in their stride and fire in their lungs.

By the time the last echo of pounding feet faded, both had etched their names into yet another chapter of the Boxer Super Run story by being crowned King and Queen of the 5km on Sunday morning.

Mphahlele digs deep to defend his crown

Mphahlele stopped the clock at a searing 14 minutes 20 seconds earning a hard-fought win in the Elite Men’s Wave ahead of Bennett Seloyi and Musawenkosi Mnisi.

Ryan Mphahlele claims gold at Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg

“The plan was to go hard from the start, try maintain the pace and keep the lead,” said Mphahlele, his smile still sharp with adrenaline.

“Musawenkosi Mnisi showed up. He caught me on those up-hills. I saw that he was reluctant to make a move. I just wanted to keep him at bay because he looked strong. I was quite surprised when he fell off the back. He was the toughest challenge today and of course Bennett Seloyi at the end. I had to sprint because he was coming in strong.”

His win wasn’t just about medals and seconds, it was about belonging to a community that runs on shared passion.

“The Boxer Super Run is fun,” he added.

“I’m glad they have the social runners’ event too, to get the community more involved. It’s not just about the elite athletes, the social running group is a big part of the sport. It feels good to claim gold today. I’ll be back next year. Thank you to Boxer and Boxer Athletics Club for organising this amazing meeting.”

Xaba’s triple debut

Xaba, the reigning queen of South African road running struck gold again, dominating from the gun to cross the line in 16:14, claiming her third consecutive debut victory at a Boxer Super Run: Durban (2023), Tshwane (2024), and now Joburg (2025).

Glenrose Xaba claims gold at Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg

“The race was tough,” admitted Xaba. “From 2km to 4km, it was really challenging. Only at the 4km mark did we start to go downhill. I’m glad I was able to run a good time on such a tough course.

“My race plan was to go out hard from the start. Everyone I compete against is strong and fast. I also have speed, but my strategy today was to test my preparation for the Valencia Marathon.

“If I can run this time on a tough, high-altitude course, it shows that I’m in good shape.”

For Xaba, success isn’t just about outpacing rivals, but it’s about outrunning yesterday’s version of herself.

“I’m proud to claim gold today and it shows that my hard work is paying off. One of my goals was to win all the races in the different cities, Durban, Tshwane, and Joburg, and I’ve achieved that.

“I’m very happy. Thank you, Boxer. This is my home, and I’ll definitely be back next year!”

A festival of feet and heartbeats

The five start waves, Open, Elite Men, Elite Women, Super Social, and Kids, reated a festival atmosphere where every runner, from rookie to record-chaser, found their lane.

“The debut of the Boxer Super Run in Johannesburg was an incredible success,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“Congratulations to Ryan Mphahlele and Glenrose Xaba for your stellar performances in the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s Waves. You truly set the pace and spirit for what this event represents. A heartfelt thank you to the thousands of runners who joined us and helped make the first-ever Boxer Super Run Joburg such a memorable occasion.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, echoed the celebration:

“We are incredibly proud to have brought the spirit of the Boxer Super Run to Johannesburg for the very first time in 2025,” she said.

“This event perfectly reflects what the Boxer brand stands for community, energy, and the celebration of health and togetherness. A huge congratulations to our elite winners, Ryan and Glenrose, and to every runner who joined us. The energy in Joburg was electric. We can’t wait to build on this momentum in the years ahead!”

Running together, racing forward

1km KIDS WAVE start Boxer Super Run Joburg by Tobias Ginsberg

With a combined prize purse of R147 200, an electric crowd, and a spirit as contagious as a runner’s high, the Boxer Super Run Joburg was a resounding success.

TOP 10 RESULTS: ELITE WAVES

Elite Men

1 Ryan Mphahlele 14:20, 2 Bennett Seloyi 14:22, 3 Musawenkosi Mnisi 14:30, 4 Zenzile Pheko 14:39, 5 Chris Mhlanga 14:44, 6 Abednico Choba 14:49, 7 Elroy Gelant 15:01, 8 Keanu Domingo 15:09, 9 Precious Mashele 15:11, 10 Erick Ngeno 15:15

Elite Women

1 Glenrose Xaba 16:14, 2 Neheng Khatala 16:31, 3 Karabo More 16:47, 4 Karabo Mailula 17:31, 5 Cian Oldknow 17:42, 6 Florence Nyaingiri 17:51, 7 Carina Swiegers 18:05, 8 Rutendo Nyahora 18:06, 9 Lilly Hutamo 18:35, 10 Zanthe Taljaard 18:38

Mashele, Mulaudzi and Mhlanga Primed for Boxer Super Run Durban

By Adnaan Mohamed

Boxer Athletics Club’s star trio of Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Chris Mhlanga will return for another crack at the Boxer Super Run 5km on Durban’s promenade this Sunday.

Last year, the three turned the beachfront into a Boxer sweep, with Mashele storming to victory in 13:39, chased by Mulaudzi (13:40) and Mhlanga (13:43).

The clean sweep set the tone for one of the toughest 5km races in the country.

“Last year, I won the Boxer Super Run in Durban on my birthday, which was very special for me,” Mashele said.

“Winning the race has meant a lot to me because I used the prize money to continue building my house in Limpopo.

“This year, I’ve been struggling with injury, so I’m motivated to come back strong and win my club race to thank Boxer and Ntate [Rhyn] Swanepoel for all their support during difficult times.

Elite Men at Boxer Super Run Durban 2024 by Gavin Ryan
Mulaudzi, second last year, believes Durban suits his racing instincts.

“The 5km and 10km are my favourite distances, so the Boxer Super Run Durban is an event I really look forward to. My goal is a win and a personal best. I think I have a good chance, but part of my success comes from being very respectful of my opponents,” he said.

Known for his devastating kick, Mulaudzi added:

“I try to stay flexible with my tactics, but generally my strength and speed in the last 2km help me perform well. Durban has always been a special venue for me. The course and the beachfront always fill me with excitement.”

To social runners, he had simple advice:

“Don’t start too fast. It’s always better to finish strongly than to charge at the start and struggle in the second half.”

Mhlanga, who rounded off last year’s podium, is ready to fight again.

“The Boxer Super Run is special because, as Boxer AC athletes, we get to showcase our talent in our very own biggest 5km. My goal is to finish on the podium again. It’s not an easy course, yet we still manage our best times.”

Boxer’s Head of Marketing, Lee-Ann Pillay, summed up the anticipation:

“It was such a proud moment in 2024 to see Boxer Athletics Club round off the Elite Men’s podium. We are thrilled to welcome back Precious, Kabelo and Chris in 2025. These three top contenders are true inspirations for the sport.”

With R147 200 in prize money on the line, Sunday’s race promises fireworks on the Durban seafront. Expect another fast, furious finish, and perhaps, a repeat of Boxer’s podium parade.

Glenrose Returns to Durban’s Boxer Super Run

By Adnaan Mohamed

Like a champion runner returning to her favourite stretch of road, Glenrose “Supercharger” Xaba as well as the cream of South Africa’s top female athlete’s are coming back to participate in Durban’s Boxer Super Run on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Two years ago, she lit up Snell Parade like sunrise breaking over the ocean, flying home in 16:03 to become the fastest South African woman over 5km on local soil.

Last year she traded that sharp burst of speed for the long, patient drumbeat of marathon miles and the gamble paid off, her feet writing history across Cape Town’s streets in 2:22:22, a record carved into the national story.

“I missed out on the 2024 race because I was training for my marathon debut and aiming for the SA record, which God blessed me with,” Xaba reflects, her words steady as a stride on the back straight.

“This year at the Boxer Super Run in Durban, I just want to enjoy myself and see what my legs can do. The 5km distance is special because it’s all about speed from the first kilometre to the finish. I look forward to running against training partners like Karabo More.”

Beside her, the field is rich with Tayla Kavanagh, Durban’s own racing the road she knows like the back of her hand.

Glenrose Xaba Photo: Anthony Grote

“Recently I’ve run a number of 10km races, and I have decided to use the Boxer Super Run 5K to enjoy a shorter distance on the road and see what I can do,” she says. “It’s a challenging distance but I enjoy a challenge… The local support on a hometown race is always super special.”

Debutant Karabo Motsoeneng all the way from Hammanskraal in Pretoria is ready to test her mettle against the tide:

“The Boxer Super Run is a great opportunity for people to have fun while showcasing their talents. The 5km distance is short but fast. My goal is to run a PB on the day. I’m looking forward to seeing the elite runners break records and set new PBs.”

And for Carina Swiegers, the race is a celebration of joy as much as speed:

“The Boxer Super Run is just a quick and fun day out for family and friends. It’s something different from the usual 10km or 21.1km road races, and the vibe and organisation are top class. I absolutely love it. It’s just long enough but also short enough to run really fast.

The sponsors too are in step with the excitement.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Glenrose Xaba back to the Boxer Super Run in Durban… It’s also fantastic to have Karabo Motsoeneng and Carina Swiegers joining the field,” said Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing.

“It’s set to be an exciting event for everyone!”

Race Day Notes — 2025 Boxer Super Run Durban

  • Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025
  • Distance: 5km — a dash as brief as a heartbeat, as fierce as a sprint to the tape
  • Start & Finish: Snell Parade to Blue Lagoon Park, where the city’s surf meets the runners’ rhythm
  • Waves:
    • 07:00 — Open Wave: the city’s morning chorus, thousands of feet drumming in unison
    • 08:00–09:30 — Super Social Wave: costumes, laughter, and joy carried on the ocean breeze
    • 09:45 — Elite Women: a ballet of speed, every step chasing history
    • 10:00 — Elite Men: the closing crescendo, a sprint to glory
  • Prize Purse: R147,200 — gold for those who can turn sweat into flight
  • Gifts: T-shirt, medal, goodie bag, and the memory of Durban’s seafront rising to cheer every stride

Boxer Super Run set for Joburg debut

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg is about to swap its traffic jams for jogging jams when the Boxer Super Run makes its City of Gold debut on Sunday, 9 November 2025, at the iconic Marks Park Sports Club.

Entries open this Friday, 26 September and if Durban’s record sell-out is anything to go by, they’ll vanish quicker than a sprinter out the blocks.

Billed as South Africa’s most social 5km, the race promises a carnival on the run: early-bird striders chasing PBs, charity teams in colourful costumes, and elites set to sprint for podium glory.

Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg

Like a relay baton, the energy will flow through every wave until the finish village buzzes with medals, music, and laughter.

“A new venue brings a new route and fresh experiences for everyone,” says Stillwater Sports MD Michael Meyer.

“It’s going to be a day for runners, families, and friends to celebrate together.”

Boxer Superstores’ Lee-Ann Pillay agrees: “It’s all about energy, fun, and community. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, you’re part of the action.”

With performance tees, goodie bags, and medals in store, the Boxer Super Run is set to turn Joburg’s streets into a moving festival. The only question: will you be on the start line or left behind at the tape?

Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg

EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Boxer Super Run Joburg 

Date: Sunday 09 November 2025
Distance: 5km
Start Venue: Marks Park Sports Club
Finish Venue: Marks Park Sports Club
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 WOMEN10:00 / ELITE MEN
Minimum Age of Entrant: 9 years old
Entries Open: Friday 26 September 2025
Entries Close: Monday, 03 November 2025 or ONCE CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED
Entry Includes: Boxer Super Run Event Performance T-shirtBoxer Super Run Goodie BagRace Number / Timing ChipFantastic On Route ExperienceBoxer Super Run Finisher’s Medal

Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K

Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k

Boxer Athletics Club re-signs Elite Runners and welcomes promising new talent in 2025

Boxer Athletics Club (AC) is excited to announce the re-signing of its top-tier athletes, including celebrated names like Elroy Gelant, Glenrose Xaba, Cacisile Sosibo, Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi, Chris Mhlanga, and the dynamic duo Lebo and Lebogang Phalula. But that’s not all—the club is also thrilled to welcome promising new talent, such as Andries Sesedi, Karabo More, and Karabo Motsoeneng, setting the stage for what promises to be a standout season in 2025.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Boxer AC not only retaining its elite athletes but also welcoming fresh talent to the team,” shares Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “It’s always exciting to watch our runners shine on the national stage, but we’re especially looking forward to seeing them excel at our very own events, like the Boxer Super Run in Durban and Tshwane. Their incredible performances at these and other major competitions highlight the strength and depth of our team. We’re confident 2025 will be another year of remarkable achievements both on and off the track.”

National Manager Rhyn Swanepoel echoes this enthusiasm. “The fact that all of our athletes have chosen to re-sign with Boxer AC speaks volumes about the trust and commitment we’ve built as a club. At Boxer AC, we focus on the small but important details—seamless travel arrangements, comfortable accommodations, and prompt payment of retainers and incentives. We also prioritize supporting our athletes during challenging times, whether that’s dealing with injuries, regaining form, or navigating personal struggles. This approach has fostered incredible loyalty, with athletes staying with us for many years—like Tanith Maxwell’s 16 years, Elroy Gelant’s 9 years, and the Phalula sisters’ 10 years with the club.”

South African long-distance sensation Elroy Gelant credits the club’s unwavering support for his continued success. “Re-signing with Boxer AC is an important decision for my career,” Gelant explains. “The club has been instrumental in my growth, providing the resources, support, and camaraderie I need to thrive. With their backing, I’m looking forward to competing in major events like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, defending my SA 21km Championship title, and representing Boxer AC on the global stage at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in San Diego later this year. Beyond competing, I’m also passionate about inspiring the next generation through community outreach, and Boxer AC has been a key part of making that possible.”

Glenrose Xaba, who had a phenomenal 2024 season with multiple victories and national records, shares a similar sentiment. “Being part of Boxer AC motivates me to perform at my best,” says Xaba. “The club supports me in aligning my race schedule with my goals and stands by me through the highs and lows. I’m committed to staying healthy, pushing boundaries, and achieving new milestones in 2025. I couldn’t ask for a better team to have by my side.”

Boxer AC’s membership has grown to 400–500 athletes, with an ambitious target of reaching 1,000 by the end of 2025. New signings like Andries Sesedi, Karabo More, and Karabo Motsoeneng are already making waves. “Karabo More joined in August 2024 and immediately made an impact, winning the Boxer Super Run 5K in Durban and placing second in Tshwane. Andries Sesedi, an SA 10km champion, has been part of our plans for two years, and we’re thrilled to have him officially on board,” says Swanepoel.

In 2025, Boxer AC athletes will take part in an exciting array of events nationwide, including the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, the Boxer Super Run 5K, the Spar Women’s Challenge, the Totalsports Women’s Race, and various SA Championships across multiple distances.

Swanepoel concludes, “Our mission remains clear—to lead South African athletics across all disciplines, from cross-country to marathon events. With the incredible talent and dedication of our athletes, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for Boxer AC.”

Photo Credit: Gavin Ryan