Boxer Athletics Club's top runner, Precious Mashele, is ready to defend his title at the highly anticipated Boxer Super Run in Durban this coming Sunday, 13 October 2024. Meanwhile, teammate Elroy Gelant is set to make his eagerly awaited debut at the event, and Kabelo Mulaudzi returns for a second round after securing a runner-up finish behind Mashele in 2023.
In 2023 Precious Mashele showcased his remarkable speed at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban, becoming the fastest South African (at that time) to complete a 5km run on home soil with his astonishing finishing time of 13:44.
Mashele enjoys the intensity of the 5km distance, explaining that it helps build the speed needed for 10km and 21km races.
"As an elite runner, incorporating the 5km into your training is essential," says Mashele. "In our Zoo Lake Training Group, we do exactly that. Twice a week, we run short distances of 3-5km on an undulating grass route to test our speed and assess our fitness levels. It's a great way to gauge your form and readiness."
Reflecting on the 2023 event, Mashele adds, "I had a fantastic time at last year’s Boxer Super Run. It was an honor to be the first winner of such a well-organized race that had an incredible atmosphere and ideal weather. The flat course, along with sections on the pavement along the promenade, made it really enjoyable."
Mashele is particularly enthusiastic about the generous R147K prize purse, noting how rare it is for a 5km race. "It’s a great incentive, as it will push athletes to take the race seriously. A fast 5km time helps improve performance in the 10km too. My goal is to defend my title and clock a sub-14-minute finish," he confirms.
After securing double national titles at the South African Marathon and 21km Championships, and finishing 11th at the Paris Olympic Games, Mashele’s teammate Elroy Gelant is riding high in 2024 and ready to embrace a new challenge.
“The 5km distance is fast, intense, and perfect for building speed for longer races,” says Gelant. “Serious runners should definitely incorporate it into their training, particularly for speed development. It’s a great way to enhance performance in longer distances like the 10km and 21km.”
“My aim is to be competitive and hopefully set a new personal best,” Gelant adds. “A podium finish would be fantastic, but more than anything, I’m excited to experience the electric atmosphere alongside all the social runners.”
Mashele and Gelant will face strong competition from fellow teammate, Kabelo Mulaudzi, who thrives on the unique challenge of the 5km distance. Mulaudzi believes that this distance demands a unique combination of the speed of a 1500m runner and the endurance of a 10km athlete.
“My best distance is the 10km, but every endurance athlete should include the 5km in their training and racing. It helps build the strength and speed needed to excel across events from 3000m to the marathon,” says Mulaudzi. “The inaugural Boxer Super Run in 2023 was a fantastic event. Competing in a 5km road race was a refreshing change from the abundance of marathon and ultra-marathon events in South Africa. The course was excellent.”
“I’m excited that Boxer is investing in shorter distances, and the R147K prize purse is a great incentive for South African athletes to compete, especially as the 5km is now recognized as a World Championship event,” Mulaudzi adds. “This year, I’m aiming for a podium finish and to break 13:45. I’m eager to establish myself as a serious contender in both 5km road and track events.”
“We are incredibly proud to welcome defending champion Precious Mashele, along with elite athletes Elroy Gelant and Kabelo Mulaudzi—all representing Boxer Athletics Club—to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2024,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “Their outstanding performances throughout the year have made us exceptionally proud, and it’s particularly special to see them compete at an event sponsored by Boxer Superstores. Not only does their presence elevate the competition, but it also inspires both aspiring and seasoned runners. We can’t wait to witness their remarkable talent on display at the Boxer Super Run in Durban.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2024 Boxer Super Run Durban
EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members can now earn Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run.
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
PRIZE PURSE: The Boxer Super Run in Durban will boast an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. This prize purse applies to both the Elite Race and the Open Wave. In the Elite Race, prize money will be awarded to the Top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each taking home a well-deserved R20K. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the Top 3 male and female finishers in categories including Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ will also be rewarded for their efforts.
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 46 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 450 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.
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