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Luan Munnik, winner of the 2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane, and Ryan Mphahlele, winner of the 2025 Boxer Super Run Durban, will face off at the debut of the Boxer Super Run Joburg at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 09 November 2025. The showdown promises to be a showstopper, with both speedsters openly aiming for gold.
According to Munnik, the 5km distance is a sweet spot where speed and endurance collide.
“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. “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. Joburg has a strong running culture, and racing at altitude adds an extra layer of challenge. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new course – it’s always refreshing to take on something different.”
“The R147K combined prize purse is a massive boost for South African running and a great motivator for athletes,” continues Munnik. “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.”
Reflecting on Ryan Mphahlele’s impressive victory at the Boxer Super Run in Durban in October, Munnik adds: “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. My main goal is to race smart and go for the win. Joburg’s altitude makes pacing a bit tricky, but I believe a winning performance will naturally result in a strong time.”
According to Ryan Mphahlele, he 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,” says Mphahlele. “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. I’m looking forward to running in Jozi and, of course, soaking up the vibe with the social runners before and after the event.”
Mphahlele made his Boxer Super Run debut in Durban this year, claiming gold in an impressive time of 13:37.
Another athlete to look out for will be Boxer Athletics Club’s top runner, Chris Mhlanga, who 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.
Heading into Joburg, Mhlanga has his sights set firmly on the podium once again. “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. Honestly, I enter these events for the love of it – I enjoy the energy and the vibe, and I love seeing everyone happy. I’d really like to see the race grow even bigger next year. In Joburg, I’ll be aiming for that podium finish again. A low 14-minute time would be great.”
“We’re excited to welcome both Luan Munnik and Ryan Mphahlele to the debut of the Boxer Super Run in Joburg,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “Each of them delivered exceptional performances when they claimed victory at their respective Boxer Super Run races, and it’s going to be extra special to see two champions go head-to-head. It’s also fantastic to have Boxer Athletics Club’s top runner, Chris Mhlanga, competing in Joburg after securing top five finishes in the last three Boxer Super Run races he’s contested. Of course, there are also several other talented contenders who should not be overlooked. We’re looking forward to witnessing world-class racing in Joburg on Sunday – it’s going to be a day to remember.”
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 WOMEN
10:00 / ELITE MEN
10:30 / 1KM KIDS RACE
Minimum Age of Entrant: 9 years old
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
PRIZE PURSE: The Boxer Super Run Joburg boasts an impressive R147 200 prize purse in 2025. This prize purse will be shared across both the Elite Race and the Open Wave. In the Elite Race, the top eight men and women will earn prize money, with the winners each claiming a well-deserved R20 000. In the Open Wave, the top three men and women in the Junior, Open, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ categories will also be recognised and rewarded for their performances.
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
For event related queries please email entries@stillwatersports.com
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 48 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 544 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. 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, dress up or dress down, whatever you do make sure you follow the event on social media and share your experience.
IINFO SUPPLIED.