Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo set for Boxer Super Run Joburg speed test

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.

Cacisile Sosibo in action at the Boxer Super Run Durban. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
 

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.

Entries are sold out.

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.

Gelant and Swiegers target strong returns at Boxer Super Run Joburg

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Boxer Athletics Club runners will headline the elite action at the sold-out 5km event in Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers are looking forward to testing themselves against a competitive field when the Boxer Super Run returns to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

The Boxer Athletics Club pair will tackle the 5km course, which starts on Orange Road in Emmarentia and finishes at Marks Park Sports Club.

Gelant, who is based in Potchefstroom, believes the short distance demands speed, sound tactics and careful pacing.

“The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic event for South African road running,” says Gelant. “The 5km format makes it very exciting because there is nowhere to hide; you need to be ready from the start and you have to race intelligently. I also really enjoy the atmosphere around the event and the way it brings elite athletes and recreational runners together.”

The experienced distance runner welcomes the opportunity to compete over different distances and use the 5km to assess his speed and racing form.

“I enjoy challenging myself over different distances,” he says. “The 5km is a great opportunity to test my speed and racing ability. It is a very tactical distance because it is short enough to require a high level of speed, but long enough that you can pay a big price if you get the pacing wrong. The key for me will be to race the athletes around me, stay focused and make sure I still have something left for the final kilometre.”

Swiegers, who lives in Pretoria, also regards the event as a highlight of her racing calendar. She expects the hilly route to test the field and hopes to finish in the top eight or improve her course best.

Carina Swiegers by Action Photo

“It is an amazing event,” says Swiegers. “The vibe is great, the route is challenging, and what I am most excited about is the amazing atmosphere and all the great elite athletes competing.”

She plans to build her pace as the race progresses.

“My plan is to start conservatively and build up the pace towards the end. It is a challenging route with a few hills, which I enjoy, so I hope my strength will pull through. My goal is to finish in the top eight or run a course PB.”

Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports, said the event’s inclusive format continues to attract runners across different levels of ability.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the Boxer Super Run back to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November. The event offers a unique combination of competitive racing and a fun, inclusive atmosphere, with the 5km distance appealing to everyone from elite athletes to social runners and first-time participants. The Joburg route presents an exciting challenge, and we look forward to seeing athletes like Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers make the most of the opportunity, test themselves against the course and enjoy everything the Boxer Super Run has to offer.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, head of marketing at Boxer Superstores, said the event supports the retailer’s commitment to active lifestyles and community participation.

“At Boxer Superstores, we’re proud to support an event that brings people together through a shared love of running and an active lifestyle. The Boxer Super Run is about more than the finish time; it’s about the atmosphere, the sense of community and the opportunity for everyone to be part of something special. We’re excited to welcome runners, families and supporters to Joburg and look forward to another memorable day.”

The open wave starts at 07:00, followed by the Super Social Wave between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women’s race begins at 09:45, with the elite men starting at 10:00. A 1km children’s race is scheduled for 10:30.

Entries for the Johannesburg event are sold out, with runners set to receive a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, and a finisher’s medal.

The focus will be on Gelant and Swiegers as they take on the course and pursue their respective goals over a distance where every kilometre can shape the outcome.

Race schedule

  • 07:00: Open Wave
  • 08:00–09:30: Super Social Wave
  • 09:45: Elite women
  • 10:00: Elite men
  • 10:30: 1km kids’ race

Entries: SOLD OUT

Entry package includes a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, on-route experience and finisher’s medal.

Mphahlele returns to defend Boxer Super Run Durban title

By Adnaan Mohamed

Ryan Mphahlele will defend his Boxer Super Run Durban 5km title on 18 October knowing he is not at the fitness level that powered him to victory a year ago.

The Tembisa-based runner won both Durban and Johannesburg in 2025, but says this year’s race will serve as a measure of where he stands against a strong elite field.

“Whenever I line up at a race, I want to win,” Mphahlele said. “But my fitness isn’t anywhere near where it was at this time last year. I’ll definitely compete for the win, but I’ll also use the race to see where my fitness is now and how I compare with the other athletes.”

Mphahlele returns to a fast, flat Durban course he favours, although his previous victory offers little comfort ahead of another fiercely contested race.

Last year’s win required a fight to the finish, and the defending champion expects the competition to be tougher this time.

“I enjoy the fast, flat course and expect the tactics to be similar to last year,” he said. “The standard was already very high, and the win didn’t come easily.”

The attractive prize purse adds another incentive to an elite race that has already attracted a sold-out field.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Mphahlele’s return would add further intrigue to the contest, particularly given his candid assessment of his preparation.

The elite women’s race starts at 09:45, with the elite men following at 10:00 at Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park.

For Mphahlele, the race offers two targets: another title and an answer to a more immediate question about his form.

The stopwatch will provide the answer.

The Boxer Super Run Johannesburg takes place on Sunday, 15 November, with entries also sold out.

Cash dash at Boxer Super Run 5km Series

By Adnaan Mohamed

The runners are coming for the money! Forget the Sunday stroll. Forget the gentle jog. When the gun goes bang at the Boxer Super Run, the streets will become a five-kilometre cash battlefield, with R294 400 waiting to be snatched in Durban and Johannesburg.

That is a serious carrot for athletes prepared to run like their takkies are on fire. Each city carries a R147 200 prize purse, with the fastest elite man and woman pocketing R20 000 apiece.

And the stampede is already guaranteed. Both events are SOLD OUT.

The Boxer Super Run brings its turbocharged 5km circus to Durban on Sunday, 18 October, before rolling into Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

For the elite runners, this is where the smiles stop and the stopwatch starts talking.

“The 5km is one of the most exciting distances in road running because it demands a unique combination of speed, endurance and race strategy,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“For elite athletes, every second counts, making for an incredibly competitive and compelling race.”

Every second will indeed be worth its weight in gold.

The R147 200 purse in each city will be spread across the Elite and Open Wave categories, with the top eight men and women in the Elite Race earning prize money.

The Open Wave has its own pot of temptation, with the top three men and women in every age category, from Junior to 70+, eligible for prize money.

Meyer says the event is helping put short-distance road running firmly in the spotlight.

“The Boxer Super Run continues to elevate the profile of short-distance road running by creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete, perform and be recognised for their achievements.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, says the money is about rewarding grit, talent and determination.

“By offering an impressive prize purse of R147 200 in each city, we’re proud to recognise the dedication, determination and talent of South Africa’s elite athletes,” says Pillay.

“We hope this added incentive inspires athletes to push themselves and give their best on race day.”

Then there is the carnival.

The Super Social Wave will unleash costumed runners, groups, companies and charities onto the roads between 08:00 and 09:30, bringing enough colour and craziness to make the average running club look like a bunch of undercover accountants.

Pillay wants them to stay for the main event.

“We encourage our Open and Super Social Wave runners to stick around after their own race, get behind the elites and soak up the excitement as they battle it out on the streets of Durban and Johannesburg.”

“It’s a great opportunity to witness world-class racing up close and be part of the atmosphere.”

Durban’s elite women go at 09:45, followed by the men at 10:00. Joburg follows the same schedule, with its 1km Kids Race at 10:30.

The runners get the performance T-shirt, goodie bag, timing chip, on-route experience and finisher’s medal.

The elite stars get something sweeter.

R20 000.

Five kilometres.

One furious dash.

And enough cash to make every painful stride count.

Ready, steady, CASH!

Boxer Super Run Durban 2026: Pick Your Wave

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Boxer Super Run Durban is giving runners something increasingly precious in road running: a choice.

When the fourth edition hits Snell Parade and Blue Lagoon Park on Sunday, 18 October, the 5km race will offer four distinct start waves, allowing participants to decide whether they want to chase the clock, chase good times or watch South Africa’s fastest feet turn the beachfront into a blur.

The formula is simple, and perhaps that is the secret of its appeal.

The Open Wave fires off at 07:00, providing the competitive launchpad for club runners, school teams, serious athletes and anyone with a personal best rattling around in their head.

Then comes the Super Social Wave, running from 08:00 to 09:30, where the stopwatch takes a back seat and personality moves to the front of the pack. Families, friends, colleagues, charities and costumed crews can walk, jog and laugh their way through the 5km.

“The beauty of the Boxer Super Run is that every participant can choose their place on the start line,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“From runners chasing a personal best in the Open Wave and groups bringing the energy in the Super Social Wave, to the country’s top athletes battling for the Elite titles, each wave brings its own excitement and makes the Boxer Super Run a truly inclusive 5km experience.”

That inclusivity is the race’s biggest strength. Five kilometres can be a gentle introduction to road running or five kilometres of controlled suffering for an athlete hunting every available second.

Boxer Super Run by Anthony Grote

“The 5km distance makes this event accessible enough for someone taking on their first run, while still providing a genuine test for experienced athletes,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see such a diverse group of people come together, each with their own reason for being there, but all united by the same 5km journey.”

At 09:45, the mood changes gear when the elite women take centre stage. The elite men follow at 10:00, turning the final act into a high-octane sprinting spectacle.

For the elite athletes, five kilometres is hardly a Sunday stroll. It is a knife-edge dance where a misplaced stride can cost seconds and a well-timed surge can blow the race wide open.

Pillay believes the four-wave structure captures the spirit of the event.

“With four distinct waves offering four very different ways to experience race day, the Boxer Super Run continues to demonstrate that 5km running is for everyone, whether you’re chasing the clock, chasing a personal milestone or simply chasing a great day out.”

The 2026 event costs R100, is open to entrants aged nine and older, and includes a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, timing chip and finisher’s medal. Entries opened on 6 August and, according to the supplied event information, are now sold out. The official Boxer announcement confirms the 18 October date and the four-wave structure.

The starting line may have four doors, but the destination is the same: a memorable 5km through Durban.

Some runners will chase glory. Some will chase a PB. Others will chase their friends.

All will be chasing the finish.

Speed Queens Set to Blaze Through Joburg at Boxer Super Run Debut

By Adnaan Mohamed

The women’s elite field is locked, loaded, and ready to fly as the Boxer Super Run makes its high-altitude Joburg debut at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November 2025.

With the R147 200 prize purse up for grabs, the women’s race promises to be a fast, fiery showdown on the city’s rolling roads.

Leading the charge is Glenrose Xaba, a two-time champion of the Boxer Super Run (Durban 2023 and Tshwane 2024. She now has her sights set on completing a rare golden hat-trick.

“What I really love about the Boxer Super Run is that it brings great competition and amazing energy wherever it goes,” says Xaba.

“The event is well organised, the atmosphere is electric, and it always feels like a celebration of running.”

Victory in Joburg, she admits, would be more than just another win, it would complete a perfect streak across all three debut host cities.

“Winning in Joburg would complete a special streak. Taking gold at all three debuts would be something I’m really proud of,” she says.

“Each race has its own challenges, so to come out on top again would be a great reward for all the hard work and consistency my team and I have put in.”

Xaba also praised Boxer’s continued investment in the sport.

“The event’s R147K combined prize purse is amazing! It shows that Boxer truly values and invests in athletes. That kind of prize money motivates us to give our absolute best and helps us continue building our careers.”

For Xaba, race day is all about strategy:

“My goal is to run my best race, to stay focused, control my pace, and finish strong. I’ll be aiming for the win, but I also want to execute my race plan well and see how far I can push myself.”

Running stride for stride with her training partner is Karabo More, the Boxer Super Run Durban 2024 champion, who says the Joburg leg is a celebration of local running culture.

“Hosting the race in Joburg is exciting. The city has an incredible running energy,” says More.

“It gives more athletes and fans the chance to be part of the experience and to showcase talent from this region on a bigger stage.”

More believes the R147K purse “is an amazing incentive. It shows how serious and prestigious the event is. My goal is to run strong, stay consistent, and execute my plan with focus, and hopefully chase a personal best.”

Also toeing the elite line is Zanthe Taljaart, eager for her Boxer Super Run debut.

“The 5km distance is fast, exciting, and highly competitive,” says Taljaart.

“It requires both endurance and speed. My goal is to run a strong, consistent race and aim for a sub-17-minute finish.”

Making her comeback from injury, Cian Oldknow sees the race as a vital stepping stone.

“The 5km distance is quite challenging, especially for someone like me who comes from the longer distances,” says Oldknow.

“This race will be a great way to test my fitness, it’s a building block, not a PB chase. I’m just keen to get back on the start line.”

According to Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, the women’s elite wave is always a crowd favourite.

“You never quite know what will happen on the day. The elite races almost always end in a nail-biting sprint finish,” says Pillay.

“We encourage all runners to stick around after their events to cheer on the elites and soak up the incredible atmosphere. It’s going to be an exciting day of running and celebration for everyone involved.”

With four of South Africa’s finest women athletes lining up, the Boxer Super Run Joburg is set to deliver a sprint-finish spectacle through the City of Gold where speed, strategy, and heart will decide who breaks the tape first.

Photo Credit: Anthony Grote

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

Elroy eyes sub-14 at Durban’s Boxer Super Run

By Adnaan Mohamed

Durban’s beachfront will turn into a blur of fast-twitch muscle and pounding footsteps on Sunday, 12 October, when Elroy Gelant lines up for the 2025 Boxer Super Run with one clear target – a sub-14-minute clocking.

Elroy, who finished fifth last year in 13:49, is determined to keep the heat on a stacked men’s field.

“My goal is straightforward: to go under 14 minutes, ideally dipping under 13:50 to keep the pressure on the field,” he says.

The stakes are high, with a R147 200 prize purse on offer and R20 000 to the men’s and women’s winners.

For Elroy, that money is more than just numbers on a cheque.

“It highlights Boxer’s commitment to rewarding elite athletes and growing the sport,” he explains.

“It helps with essentials like training gear, and even personal dreams like building a home. In a tough profession like ours, incentives like this push us to go harder and also attract top international talent. I’m all for it; it makes the racing even fiercer.”

For him, the 5km is short enough to go flat out and long enough to sting.

“For elites like us, it’s a chance to chase personal bests and national records on a flat, fast course like Durban’s,” he adds.

“The Boxer Super Run is special because it brings elites and everyday runners together in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

“It’s not just about speed, but about celebrating running along the promenade with the ocean breeze. And it promotes fitness for all ages, which I love.”

But Elroy hasn’t forgotten the social runners.

“To everyone lacing up for the Boxer Super Run, you’ve got this! Whether it’s your first 5km or your hundredth, arrive with a smile, soak up the energy, and remember that running is about joy, not just the finish line.

“High-five a stranger, cheer on your wave mates, and celebrate every step. Durban’s energy will carry you through!”

He’ll have plenty of company at the sharp end. Former SA champion Gladwin Mzazi returns for a second crack:

“I entered the Boxer Super Run Durban because it is so well organised. The event has amazing vibes and excellent marshals along the route. I’m looking forward to strong competition, and my goal is to run under 14:15.”

Andries Sesedi, making his debut, is relishing the speed test:

“The Boxer 5km is known for being fast, so I want to deliver my quickest time. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my ability as a speed athlete, and I’m excited to aim for a new personal best.”

Meanwhile, Bennett Seloyi is eyeing his own PB.

“I’m determined to run a PB on the day,” he says.

“Boxer AC is a fantastic team with top runners, especially my friends Kabelo (Mulaudzi), Chris (Mhlanga), and Andries (Sesedi).”

Organisers are expecting fireworks.

“We’re excited to welcome Elroy Gelant back to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Marketing.

“We love that he has set a clear goal, pushing himself while raising the bar for the rest of the field. We also can’t wait to see Gladwin Mzazi, Andries Sesedi, and Bennett Seloyi in action. It promises to be an electrifying elite men’s wave.”

With Durban’s promenade set to echo with cheers, quick strides, and high-fives, the stage is set for a 5km showdown that could rewrite the record books.

Boxer Super Run Durban primed for fireworks

By Adnaan Mohamed

Durban’s beachfront is bracing for a tidal wave of colour, rhythm, and record-breaking speed when the Boxer Super Run sprints into its third edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

More carnival than competition in its opening laps, the OPEN and SUPER SOCIAL WAVES will paint the promenade in neon energy, before the atmosphere tightens like a starter’s pistol. That’s when the nation’s fastest legs take centre stage, vying for the coveted crowns of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run.

The event already hums with history. At the inaugural race in 2023, Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba tore up the record books, clocking 13:44 and 16:03 – the fastest 5km times ever run by South Africans on home soil. Mashele then went one better in 2024, slicing the stopwatch to 13:39.

ELITE WOMENS WAVE Boxer Super Run Durban by Gavin Ryan

“This year, all eyes will be on whether those records can fall again,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“With an impressive R147 200 prize purse adding extra incentive, we’re optimistic about seeing more South African 5km records rewritten in Durban. But it’s not only the elite race that will deliver fireworks. The Open Wave is packed with competitive runners chasing personal bests – and with prize money for the Top 3 men and women across every age group, there’s every reason to push hard.”

Meyer adds with a grin: “And of course, the Super Social Wave will once again bring the colour and energy that make this event so unique. Whether you’re running or walking, we want to see you dress up, embrace the vibe, and turn the Durban streets into a celebration of fun, fitness and flair.”

Title sponsor Boxer Superstores shares the buzz, pointing to the iconic route that snakes from Snell Parade, cruises down Lagoon Drive, and finishes at Blue Lagoon Park.

“We’re looking forward to another action-packed day of racing,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.

“It’s a fast, flat course with just one little climb to test the legs, but the real magic is in the scenery – runners as young as nine will fly past Durban’s landmarks with the ocean breeze at their side. Add in the activations, the music, and the vibe, and this becomes the most social 5km run in South Africa.”

With capacity already maxed out, the stage is set. From neon-clad walkers to record-chasing elites, Durban’s streets are about to echo with footfalls of the Boxer Super Run, a festival of speed, sweat, and celebration.

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