"I'm quite proud of myself for beating them" - Tatai claims major scalps as Xaba defends her Boxer Super Run 5km title in Durban
Barely two months after claiming his first senior SA title, 20-year-old Amogelang Tatai delivered a memorable performance to despatch some big names on his way to winning the Boxer Super Run in Durban on Sunday 18 October 2026. Celebrating his Boxer Super Run debut on the day, the reigning Athletics South Africa (ASA) 4km cross country champion clocked 13:38 to best the likes of Msawenkosi Mnisi, Zenzile Pheko, Kabelo Mulaudzi and defending champion Ryan Mphahlele.
“My plan was just to stick with the first group, but from the start, one of the athletes (Mphahlele) made a break, so I had to chase him,” admits Tatai who is coached by Jean Verster at The Potch Track Club in the North West Province. “It was tough because that early move took a lot out of me, so I couldn’t finish strongly. Still, it was an amazing experience to run here against senior athletes, who have more experience than I do. I’m quite proud of myself for beating them,” said Tatai who set a new course record of 3:57.41 to win the Parys Street Mile just last week.
Paris 2024 Olympian Mphahlele took the runner-up spot in 13:41, while Musawenkosi Mnisi finished third (13:53). For their efforts, Tatai, Mphahlele and Mnisi earned R20 000, R12 000 and R9 000 respectively, as did the top three female finishers. Defending champion Glenrose Xaba took top honours in the women’s race as the Boxer athletic Club swept the podium with the top three in Xaba (15:29), her training partner Karabo More (15:47) and Kyla Jacobs (15:57) all stopped the clock inside sixteen minutes to round off an exciting day of running on Durban’s streets.
“We started very fast, but because the course is challenging, your legs only start to find their rhythm again after you climb the hill. I’m happy with my performance today. The competition was very good and impressive, especially with the younger runners coming through. Karabo More is doing very well and was the one who was going to challenge me, but I was able to put it all together and win the race.”
Xaba also took the opportunity to thank Boxer not only for organising one of the country’s richest 5km races, but also for investing in the running club which she has called home for almost a decade now.
“It’s good to finish first today because Boxer is always there supporting us through good and bad times. Even when you’re injured, you know they are going to support you. This is my way of showing them that their support is much appreciated.”
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