THE INAUGURAL Boxer Super Run Joburg promises to produce fireworks with the clash between winners of the Tshwane and Durban races set to go head-to-head in the 5km race scheduled for Marks Park on Sunday.
The distance is arguably the only one in which track specialists and road runners can compete without the other enjoying too much of an advantage. This is what excited Luan Munnik who won last year’s Boxer Super Run Tshwane.
“It’s where a 1500m track specialist like me can mix it up with the longer-distance road runners. It’s fast, tactical, and tests complete fitness,” says Munnik who is looking forward to squaring up to Ryan Mphahlele.
“Ryan ran a really good race, and his range on both the track and road has been very impressive this year. He’s clearly in great form. We met in a close finish at a street mile recently, so I’m looking forward to giving him a run for his money over 5km now.”
The Olympian from Tembisa is still basking in the glory of his victory at the Boxer Super Run Durban and would love nothing more than to add the Joburg title to his collection. The flamboyant runner isn’t chasing a specific time goal – his focus is purely on winning.
“The 5km distance requires a lot of speed endurance to sustain the high tempo, especially in elite races. I really enjoy the Boxer Super Run and look forward to racing more 5km road events.
“The R147K combined prize purse is exciting and motivates us to perform. I obviously entered for the prize money, but it’s also a good test to see how I handle the hilly streets of Joburg. My goal is simply to win the race.”
Like Mphahlele, Munnik is excited by the prize money at stake: “The R147K combined prize purse is a massive boost for South African running and a great motivator for athletes. It encourages professionalism and helps us plan our racing seasons with purpose. It also shows that the event values the effort and commitment it takes to compete at the top level.”
He added that the Boxer series is of great benefit to the athletes.
“My victory at the Boxer Super Run Tshwane was special. Running 13:50 on a tough route gave me a lot of confidence for the 2025 track season that followed. It was a great indicator that my fitness and training were where they needed to be heading into the season. It’s great to see the series expanding.”
Do not, however, think the inaugural Boxer Super Run Joburg is going to be a two-horse race between Munnik and Mphahlele. Far from it, for there are other elites capable of breaking the finish tape. One of those is Chris Mhlanga.
The Boxer Athletics Club ace has consistently delivered standout performances at the Boxer Super Run, finishing in the top five every time he’s lined up. He placed 3rd in Durban in 2024 with a time of 13:43, 3rd in Tshwane in 2024 in 14:13, and 5th in Durban in 2025 in 13:51.
No wonder then that he has his sights set firmly on the podium once again this Sunday.
“The Boxer Super Run is the best and biggest 5km event in the country right now,” he says. “It caters for all athletes, giving everyone a chance to showcase their talent and passion for running. In Joburg, I’ll be aiming for that podium finish again. A low 14-minute time would be great.”
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores is excitedly anticipating the race. “We’re looking forward to witnessing world-class racing in Joburg on Sunday – it’s going to be a day to remember.”
