SHARE
After dominating the Boxer Super Run circuit in 2025 with victories in both Durban and Johannesburg, South African long-distance runner Ryan Mphahlele will return to Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026, ready to test himself over 5km once again.
A strong supporter of the Boxer Super Run, the Tembisa resident is particularly fond of Durban’s fast course. While he returns as the defending champion, he knows that this year’s race will be a different challenge.
“Whenever I line up at a race, I want to win,” admits Mphahlele. “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.”
Looking back at last year’s victory, Mphahlele says the experience reminded him of the importance of believing in yourself while also respecting the competition. No matter how strong you feel going into a race, he believes you can never afford to underestimate your opponents.
“I enjoy the fast, flat course and expect the tactics to be similar to last year,” he continues. “The standard was already very high, and the win didn’t come easily. I had to fight all the way to the finish, so I’m expecting even tougher competition this year. It should make for an exciting race, not only for us on the course but also for the spectators following the action on the big screen.”
The attractive prize purse is another incentive for Mphahlele, adding an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a highly competitive Elite Race.
Mphahlele’s return is expected to add further excitement to an already competitive Elite Race, with Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, welcoming the defending champion back to Durban
“Ryan knows what it takes to win on this course, having produced a hard-fought performance last year, but he is also honest about where he is in his preparation,” says Meyer. “That makes his return particularly interesting. With Ryan lining up alongside a strong field of elite athletes, we can expect another fast and fiercely contested race.”
For Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, seeing Mphahlele back on the Durban start line is another reason to look forward to race day.
“We’re excited to welcome Ryan back to the Boxer Super Run Durban,” says Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “He brings a competitive edge to the event, but he also represents what the Boxer Super Run is about – giving runners the opportunity to challenge themselves, enjoy the experience and be part of something special. We know our Durban runners and spectators will be excited to see him back on the start line.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2026 Boxer Super Run
1. Boxer Super Run DURBAN Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Distance: 5km
Start Venue: Snell Parade, near Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
Finish Venue: Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
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 WOMEN
10:00 / ELITE MEN
Entries Close: SOLD OUT
2. Boxer Super Run JOBURG Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Entries Close: SOLD OUT
Boxer Super Run DURBAN & Boxer
Super Run JOBURG
Entry Includes:
Boxer Super Run Event Performance T-shirt
Boxer Super Run Goodie Bag
Race Number / Timing Chip
Fantastic On Route Experience
Boxer Super Run Finisher’s Medal
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
About Boxer Superstores:
Boxer is one of the fastest growing discount supermarkets in Southern Africa. With a cemented set of ‘people-centred’ goals and values, Boxer has positioned itself as ‘Africa’s Favourite Discount Supermarket’. Since its humble beginnings 49 years ago in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, the Boxer brand, (comprised of Boxer Superstores, Boxer Liquors and Boxer Build) has grown far and wide and offers services to shoppers in 606 stores spread across every province of South Africa, as well as in the Kingdom of Eswatini. For further information about Boxer Superstores, please visit www.boxer.co.za
About the Boxer Super Run:
A world class 5km road run, the Boxer Super Run is set to captivate entrants, young and old, social, and elite, in the scenic city of Durban. With 5km being the most popular distance globally, the event attracts a diverse range of participants, from seasoned athletes seeking to challenge their limits to newcomers venturing into the world of road running. This run is for everyone! A highlight on race day will be the Boxer Super Run ELITE RACE where SA’s Elite athletes will go head-to-head in a men’s and women’s race for the coveted title of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run 5K! For the rest of the field, we’re not aiming for first place, we’re aiming for PB’s but most importantly we’re heading for fun! Choose your wave for your 5km loop along the Durban promenade. Dress up or dress down, whatever you do make sure you follow the event on social media and share your experience.
INFO SUPPLIED.